Due to the heavy snow fall that dropped like a freezing layer of knee-deep cake-icing over the south Wales valleys on the Sunday morning, there were concerns that the Fourth Section contest could have been substantially delayed or even postponed.

Thankfully it wasn't, although unfortunately Oakdale Silver had to withdraw, as travelling from the top of the Gwent valleys at 7.00am to reach the Brangwyn Hall would have tested the skills of Roald Amundsen let alone a bus driver on a 50 seater coach.

Considerable style

It meant that just five well-matched bands made it to the stage, with adjudicators and audience (quite a few hardy souls braved the elements to make the early morning trek) enjoying a contest that was won in considerable style and youthful enthusiasm by Upper Rhondda conducted by Jayne Thomas.

Made up overwhelmingly of young players from local secondary schools in the area (including the contest's 'Youngest Player', 12 year old Zoe Marie Gregory) supplemented by a few adult players, they produced a cracking account of Rodney Newton's 'World Tour' (which thankfully didn't include any musical stop-offs in colder climes) that warmed the cockles of the heart let along the toes on frost bitten feet.

Splendid performance

It was a splendid performance — led by a conductor who captured the various stereotyped styles from march to ragtime, languid Hawaiian reflections (with a super euphonium lead from 'Best Instrumentalist winner, Matthew Eveson) to Aussie swagger to perfection (and from the number 1 draw), to send them to Cheltenham for the first time since 2010.

"The winning band would certainly have been in the prizes in the West of England,"adjudicator John Winterflood said in his pre-results remarks — something of a compliment given there were no less than 15 competitors in Torquay.

Mark Wilkinson agreed: "The general standard was good, with the bands coping very well today. The soloists and percussion in particular were very good and winner stood out for us."

And whilst the pair did pinpoint the usual areas of concern to work on such as articulation, intonation and musical flow, they felt the basic contest requirements had been tackled with a mixture of good sense, enthusiasm and talent.

None better

None were better than Upper Rhonnda though, with Mark writing that their rendition contained, "lots of good secure playing"whilst John added that he had "really enjoyed"their performance.

"I'm so happy for the youngsters as well as the older players,"the delighted MD Jayne Thomas told 4BR. "We enjoyed working on the piece and it's certainly improved us as a band. We are a busy band with plenty of great things happening, so this will be a fantastic bonus to represent Wales at the National Final."

Talented youngsters

Joining them there for the first time in their history will be another ensemble made up talented young players, as Cwmtawe Youth claimed the second qualification place with a super rendition led by Wayne Pedrick; bubbling with spirit and character to pip the debutants of Buckley Brass.

Under Steve Pugh-Jones they made a real impression on their first outing (especially their multi-tasking percussion player) with a performance that showed encouraging signs for a long and bright future for the band from North Wales.

And with well directed accounts from Crosskeys Silver and Gwaun Cae Gurwen, it may have been a contest short on numbers but certainly not short of quality, with Wales sending two young bands to Cheltenham who will relish the opportunity to showcase their burgeoning talents.

It was a splendid performance — led by a conductor who captured the various stereotyped styles from march to ragtime, languid Hawaiian reflections to Aussie swagger to perfection4BR

Result:

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: World Tour (Rodney Newton)
Adjudicators: Mark Wilkinson and John Winterflood

1. Upper Rhondda (Jayne Thomas)*
2. Cwmtawe Youth (Wayne Pedrick)*
3. Buckley Brass (Steve Pugh-Jones)
4. Crosskeys Silver (Mike Davies)
5. Gwaun-cae-Gurwen (Jeff Hutcherson)

*Qualify for National Final

Best Instrumentalist: Mathew Eveson (euphonium) — Upper Rhondda
Youngest Player: Zoe Marie Gregory (aged 12) — Upper Rhondda

Withdrawn: Oakdale Silver (Kerry Bowden)