Sixteen bands battled to varying degrees of success well into Saturday night to overcome the testing metamorphic challenges of James Curnow's set work.

In the end it was the closely matched brace of Sandhurst Silver and Amersham, either side of the mid-point interval, that secured the all important qualification places; MDs David Johnson and Paul Fisher bringing a welcome sense of composure and sensibility to what in general was a disappointing contest.

Curiously problematic

It has been hard to think just why 'Brass Metamorphosis' has been so curiously problematic over the last few weeks around the country — its familiar structure, scoring and musical shape nothing out of the ordinary for prospective Championship Section bands.

However, the amount of poor ensemble playing, nervous solo lines, badly chosen dynamics and tempi has been alarming. And so it was here.

Adjudicators Ian Brownbill and Sandy Smith pulled no punches with their on stage comments — hitting the bands in the musical solar plexus with their findings. It was hard to disagree that it hadn't landed on the right spot.

Clear winner

Their winner was "clear"- as were those in second and third. After that, as Sandy markedly pointed out; "It was very difficult placing the bands in order", especially as so many had "fundamental problems"brought about in the first part by ignoring the initial tempo markings.

And whilst Ian was sympathetic to stage nerves and adrenaline rushes, he did feel that a number of MDs had placed solo lines under somewhat unnecessary stress with misplaced tempo choices.

Although be no means totally secure, Sandhurst's MD David Johnson used his experience to grab the piece by the scruff of the neck; allowing a sense of composed clarity to be heard in gaining their first National Final appearance since 2014.

As they later said on their Facebook page: "Our win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of the players and officials of the band. Our thanks must go to David Johnson for his excellent preparation of direction of the band."

Confident, coherent and aided by the prize-winning contributions of their 'Best Soprano', 'Best Cornet' and Best Basses', there was little doubt they were going to be in the mix come the results. They could well surprise a few fancied runners at Cheltenham.

Amersham return

With the judges having plenty to ponder at the mid-point break, it was Amersham that immediately gave the leading rendition of the second half: Paul Fisher's intelligent musical approach sending his band back to Cheltenham for a second successive year on what was their First Section debut. Little wonder the players celebrated as joyfully as the eventual winner.

Earlier, the contest marker had been provided by a measured rendition off number 1 by East of England Co-op under Nigel Cooper, who captured the final podium slot following their relegation from the top-flight last year with a bold no nonsense approach.

Meanwhile, the remaining top-six places went to contrasting efforts from a fine effort from a rather depleted looking Staines Brass, a robust Fulham and Bedford Town, featuring David Thornton on solo euphonium.

Personnel shortages

And whilst it was alarming to hear so many prospective Championship Section outfits behind them struggle with the musical challenge of a testing but not overtly taxing score, it was certainly more troubling to see a number so short of personnel.

The weather certainly had something to do with that in some cases, but not all surely?

It all rather summed up what was a rather disappointing contest — although better weather and musical prospects hopefully await the region's qualifiers come Cheltenham in September.

Their winner was "clear" — as were those in second and third. After that, as Sandy markedly pointed out; "It was very difficult placing the bands in order", especially as so many had "fundamental problems"4BR

Results:

First Section:

Test Piece: Brass Metamorphosis (James Curnow)
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill & Sandy Smith

1. Sandhurst Silver (David Johnson)*
2. Amersham (Paul Fisher)*
3. East of England Co-op (Nigel Cooper)
4. Staines Brass (Shane O'Neill)
5. Fulham (John Ward)
6. Bedford Town (Steve Phillips)
7. Regent Brass (Paul Archibald)
8. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe)
9. Hitchin (Graham Chambers)
10.Colchester (David Maddocks)
11. Ware Brass (Craig Patterson)
12. City of Cambridge (Peter Bassano)
13. Egham (Gareth Green)
14. Chiltern Hills Brass (Gordon Davies)
15. Grimsdyke Brass (Sharon Broughall)
16. Alder Valley Brass (Lee Woodward)

*Qualify for National Final

Soprano: Sandhurst Silver
Cornet: Sandhurst Silver
Bass Section: Sandhurst Silver