Picking number 1 from the velvet bag at a contest isn't always a bad draw — especially if like City of Norwich you were already bubbling with so much confidence that the snowfall on the roads to the Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre was seen as nothing more than an inspirational coincidence given the Alpine nature of Philip Harper's test-piece.

Gallic brio

From first note until last Andrew Craze's band performed with a fantastic touch of Gallic brio to claim their third Cheltenham appearance since their formation in 2014 — and their second in a row. The smile on the face of Band Secretary, Michelle Apps as she received the trophy was so radiant it could have melted the snow outside the hall.

And that collective sense of pride was certainly shown as they later reflected on their success on their own Facebook page; "To achieve this result it has taken a lot of extra commitment and dedication from each individual. A huge thank you goes to every member of the band for working so hard towards this.

Thank you to our Musical Director Andrew Craze. We are very lucky to have a man in the middle who can bring out the best of a player which contributes towards the band as a whole."

Confident

There were genuine concerns for a number of bands making their way to the contest on Saturday morning, but thankfully all made it to the starting-line, with City of Norwich soon followed by another confident performance from Oxford Cherwell Brass that just missed out on a qualification spot from adjudicators Sarah Groarke-Booth and Friary Guildford MD Chris King.

He later praised the Kapitol Music Panel for the "ideal"choice of 'Napoleon on the Alps', although the wry smile on his face meant he didn't really have to explain anything about the link to the weather outside.

His encouraging remarks were appreciated by competitors and audience alike; emphasising the need for the melodic line to be heard at all times and for MDs to appreciate the layers of balance that created atmosphere and drama within the score.

Sarah meanwhile spoke of the need for consistency, discipline and rhythmic structure — elements that they felt the best bands, the qualifiers and winners in particular showed admirably.

Fine performances

A number of fine performances came and went after Oxford Cherwell, with Epping Forest (fifth), Tendring (fourth) and Jubilee Brass as the last band of the day (sixth) making their mark with their spirited renditions

However, it was Chichester City who came with a Napoleonic flourish full of character (their conductor Rom Stanko handed over the baton to their Community Brass MD Alan Rodger for the contest so that he could fill in on percussion) to snatch the runner-up spot and to gain their first National Final appearance since 2002.

As for the winner? Hopefully City of Norwich won't pick out Kelly's Eye at Cheltenham, but if they do you can imagine on this type of form it won't really bother them too much.

From first note until last Andrew Craze's band performed with a fantastic touch of Gallic brio to claim their third Cheltenham appearance since their formation in 20144BR

Results:

Third Section:

Test Piece: Napoleon on the Alps (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: Chris King & Sarah Groarke-Booth

1. City of Norwich Brass (Andy Craze)*
2. Chichester City (Alan Rodgers)*
3. Oxford Cherwell Brass (Terry Brotherhood)
4. Tendring Brass (Antony Sanders)
5. Epping Forest (Keith Schroeter)
6. Jubilee Brass (Oxford) (Clifford Sadler)
7. Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)
8. Brighton & Hove City (Matthew Hackett)
9. Olney Brass (Kevin Nicholls)
10. East Coast Brass (Paul Speed)
11. Simon Langton Brass (David Cutting)
12. Hangleton (Richard Baker)
13. Tadley Concert Brass (Paul Chapman)
14. Norfolk Wherry Brass (Eddie Baker)

*Qualify for National Final