Experience counts for a great deal in successful contest conducting — as was amply shown by John Berryman in leading Helston Town to victory in the Second Section.

Second year in a row

His approach of considered tempos and dynamics, carefully shaped phrasing and clearly defined style saw the Cornish band claim their first Area success since 2006, but also taking them back to the National Finals for the second year in a row.

They will be joined in Cheltenham for the first time since 2010 by Shrewton Silver, as the two qualifiers secured their places as the "stand out performers"on Jonathan Bates' 'Ex Terra Lucem', according to the judges David Robert and Duncan Stubbs OBE.

Harder than thought

In what was an enjoyable, if somewhat variable contest in terms of overall quality, the judges placed a "so safe"Soundhouse Brass third, with the final top-six places going to Downton vivid account ahead of well-managed, if slightly error strewn renditions from Cinderford and St Pinnock.

Both Dave and Duncan gave excellent summing-ups to ensure no one in the audience was left in any doubt to the reasoning behind their decisions on a test-piece that Dave described as being "harder than many thought".

Praise went to the main soloists (particularly flugels) and percussion, whilst the duo was in "no doubt"over the "stand-out performances"from the eventually qualifiers and the "clear winner"in particular.

And whilst Duncan apologised in advance due to the quality of his handwriting, his precise remarks were chiseled with clarity. "The top bands were clear,"he said "We had difficulty with the others — the gaps between them very tight. Those who took the time to breathe and take risks with the music were rewarded as the slow movement offered so much scope for musicality."

Berryman hallmark

Over the years that has been a hallmark of performances led by John Berryman, and so it was here; with the written remarks from David ending with, 'A fine show. Well done everyone. MD did a fine job. Bravo!', whilst Duncan wrote, 'Well structured, well controlled. Solid performance. Enjoyed it. Thank You.'

Few would have disagreed as a performance built on a frisky dancelike opening section, a lovingly shaped central movement and a finale that built in passion and substance gave John his ninth Regional Championship victory at various senior levels, and one he was particularly delighted with.

"I've been enjoying myself down here, back home really,"he later told 4BR. "It's a different level of banding of course, but the enthusiasm of the players and the desire to enjoy making music together is so refreshing.

They are also such a hard working bunch, so this is a victory every bit as good as any I've had before."

Consistent Shrewton

There may be more to come if Helston can build further by the time they get to Cheltenham, whilst Shrewton Silver and MD Michael Dunford will also be a band to watch out for after their understated all round consistency captured second place.

Soundhouse Brass will have been proud of their efforts from the number 1 draw, which very nearly held on until the final few bands, whilst Downton's bravura approach certainly made a late mark.

Both Cinderford and St Pinnock will know that nerves and may have just cost them a chance of qualification whilst Camborne Junior Contesting and Midsomer Norton & Radstock just didn't quite catch the ears of the men in the box as they did with many in the hall.

No such problems for Helston though, as once again John Berryman showed that there is no substitute for contest experience and class.

I've been enjoying myself down here, back home really. It's a different level of banding of course, but the enthusiasm of the players and the desire to enjoy making music together is so refreshingHelston Band MD, John Barryman

Result:

Second Section:

Test Piece: Ex Terra Lucem (Jonathan Bates)
Adjudicators: David Roberts & Duncan Stubbs OBE

1. Helston Town (John Berryman)*
2. Shrewton Silver (Michael Dunford)*
3. Soundhouse Brass (Lee Clayson)
4. Downton (Paul Williams)
5. Cinderford (Chris Howley)
6. St Pinnock (David Johnson)
7. Denmead Brass (Estelle Flood)
8. Midsommer Norton & Radstock Silver (Steve Sykes)
9. Camborne Junior Contesting (Alan Pope BEM)
10. Corsham (Colin Hogg)
11. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (Gary Greenstock)
12. Weston Brass (Ceri Thomas)
13. Bream Silver (PhilipTurner)
14. Cheltenham Silver (Nigel Galliott)
15. Poole Borough (Phil Randall)
16. Pendennis Brass (Kevin Ackford)

*Qualify for National Final