The Hawth Theatre in Crawley recently hosted scaba's annual Spring Contest, where adjudicator David Hirst enjoyed a variety of music including performances of the upcoming Area test-pieces to be featured in Stevenage.
Decreasing numbers
Traditionally held in April, the contest has suffered from decreasing numbers over the last few years and the organizers had hoped for a better turn out after inviting over 150 local bands to take part in a survey that asked for opinions on a wide range of contesting subjects.
Sadly the response of many bands was to state that they no longer wished to enter this contest, and the Association is now faced with a difficult decision as to whether or not it can continue.
Aveley run out
It was left to Aveley & Newham to take the opportunity to give 'Odyssey' a run out ahead of Stevenage in the Championship Section, whilst LGB Brass headed rivals Egham in the First.
Epsom & Ewell secured the Second Section honours whilst Brighton & Hove City won the Third and Godalming the Fourth.
It was left to Aveley & Newham to take the opportunity to give 'Odyssey' a run out ahead of Stevenage in the Championship Section, whilst LGB Brass headed rivals Egham in the First4BR
Results:
Championship Section:
1. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
March Prize: Aveley & Newham
Best Instrumentalist: Bob Osbourne (cornet) — Aveley & Newham
Best Bass Section: Aveley & Newham
First Section:
1. LGB Brass (Ian Stewart)
2. Egham (Gareth Green)
March Prize: Egham
Best Conductor: Ian Stewart (LGB Brass)
Best Bass Section: LGB Brass
Best Horn Section: LGB Brass
Best Tenor Trombone: Pete Cowlett (LGB Brass)
Best Bass Trombone: Jane Stewart (LGB Brass)
Second Section:
1. Epsom & Ewell (Paul Graham)
2. St Sebastian Wokingham (John Watts)
3. LGB Brass (Ian Stewart)
March Prize: St Sebastian
Best Conductor: Paul Graham (Epsom & Ewell)
Best Instrumentalist: Damon Emes (flugel) — St Sebastian Wokingham
Best Trombone Section: Epsom & Ewell
Third Section:
1. Brighton & Hove City Brass (Matthew Hackett)
2. Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)
March Prize: Brighton
Best Conductor: Matthew Hackett (Brighton & Hove City Brass)
Best Instrumentalist: Craig Chapman (cornet) — Brighton& Hove City Brass
Best Horn Section: Brighton& Hove City Brass
Fourth Section:
1. Godalming (James Haigh)
2. Pangbourne (Stewart Lewins)
March Prize: Godalming
Best Conductor: James Haigh, Godalming
Best Instrumentalist: Matthew Tate (cornet) — Godalming
Youth Section:
1. Shepway Brass Academy (Paul Driscoll)
March Prize: Shepway Brass Academy
Best Conductor: Paul Driscoll (Shepway Brass Academy)
Best Instrumentalist: Charlotte Barton (cornet) — Shepway Brass Academy
Ungraded Section:
1. Oxted (Darrell Scholes)
2. Cranbrook (Ian Lanceley)
3. Patcham Silver (James Benka -Coker)
March Prize: Oxted
Best Conductor: Darrell Scholes (Oxted)
Best Instrumentalist: Kevin Adams (cornet) — Oxted
