At a time when the countrywide provision of peripatetic music education is coming under increasing threat, Sage Gateshead on Saturday afternoon provided a focal point of youth inspired hope for the future.

The remarkable Wardle Academy Youth Band claimed the inaugural Youth Brass in Concert Championship title, and with it the Roy Newsome Memorial Trophy and £1,000 in prize money, but in truth the stark evidence was that all five competitors gave displays of mature, disciplined, and best of all, hugely engaging performances that should be held up to education policy makers of the long term benefits that come with playing in community based brass bands.

Vibrant future

Backed by an encouraging level of audience support and excellent organisation, it should also ensure that this ambitious event has a vibrant future too.

When adjudicator Helen Harrelsen (joined by Richard Evans) spoke of her delight at what she had seen and heard, she wasn't wrong (and this coming from someone who is at the forefront of inspirational brass instrumental teaching in Kansas City).

It may be a well worn cliche — but everyone here went home a winner.

Maturity and thoughtfulness

Drawn last, Wardle, led by their own inspirational figure in MD Lee Rigg claimed the honour of being crowned the inaugural champion with a programme commemorating the 100th anniversary of end of the First World War.

This however was no sombre reflection of its horrors and futility, but of pride and hope, echoing the determination felt at the time of the first Armistice that the ultimate sacrifice made by so many was not in vain. It was emotive music making, aided by stunning choreography from first note until last.

The 'Marziale' from the 'Armed Man' by Karl Jenkins led into Kenneth Alford's bravura 'The Great Little Army' to remind you of the naive optimism that would have been held by the bravest of troops as they headed to the muddy fields of Belgium. It of course led to a hellish reality — the 'Hymn before Action' chillingly capturing what would have been the first thoughts of apprehension.

The combined excerpts from Dan Price's 'Flanders Field', 'The Armed Man', the 'Last Post' and a return to 'Flanders Field', with falling poppy petals like droplets of bloodied rain, was emotionally charged music making of maturity and thoughtfulness.

There can be no praise high enough for Lee Rigg and his band — which in a memorable 2018 has been crowned National Youth Intermediate, European Development and now Youth Brass in Concert Champion.

Polish and professionalism

Just a point behind came Elland Youth Band — also led by a conductor of inspirational qualities in Samantha Harrison.

They opted for an eclectic mix of music that combined wit (players sporting Yorkshire flat caps and fantastic costumes) to reflection (with their own tribute to the fallen) and even a touch of James Bond.

'Fantasy on London Nursery Rhymes' and 'One Bitter December's Night' were the preludes to a fantastic 'Live & Let Die' by soprano player Adam Hofland (who deservedly took the 'Best Soloist award), before the poignant 'Cenotaph' incorporating the 'Last Post', and the pulsating 'Nightingale Dances' rounded off a performance set of poise, polish and professionalism .

It was a nice touch from the organisers to give them a special 'Entertainment & Presentation' award.

So much to enjoy

Although Wardle and Elland were a marked level above their rivals on this occasion, there was still so much to enjoy from the trio of Rochdale Borough Youth, Youth Brass 2000 and Houghton Area Youth.

Rochdale's 'Africa' set led by Ben Dixon was packed with colour and vibrancy — from the opening 'Drums of Thunder', a splendid 'Hymn for Africa' featuring a cracking cornet soloist in Ellie Warren, the fun of 'King of the Swingers' and the finale of 'Africa' to close, aided by a super vocalist Ben Whitehead.

In contrast European champion Youth Brass 2000 provided a set that in many ways echoed the performance ethos that applies to the senior BiC event.

The funky 'Blackbird Special' led into 'Ye Morning Stars of Light' by Andi Cook and 'The Long Way Home' by Paul McGhee, before xylophone soloist Sophie Stevenson, who studies at Chethams in Manchester, produced playing of superb maturity on 'The Tongs and the Bones'. They rounded off a programme of musical substance with 'Starburst' by Dan Price.

There was also something different to savour from Houghton Area Youth Band, who continues to impress with their development under MD Brian Adams.

Their medieval 'Kings & Queens' programme (cleverly written by Lee Morris and Luke McCormick), complete with costumed choreography was a delight. It was also played with brio and spirit, collective confidence and plenty of individual smiles.

From the opening 'At the Castle Gate' and 'The Three Roses' through 'Conquest for Gold' and 'Magic in Milan', to the closing delights of 'In a Persian Market' (a great little nod to a brass band entertainment from the past), the players gave their all and would have benefitted hugely by the contest day experience. They are certainly a band to watch out for in the future.

Missed opportunity

The only slight disappointment on a super day was that it took so long for the results to be announced, and then on the concourse outside the hall — almost two hours after the last competitive note was played.

It was a pity that the presentations and the opportunity for the prize-winners to have pictures taken on the main stage was lost amid the understandable hurry to get on buses and head for home — not that the vocal celebrations from the brilliant young players of Wardle Academy (they sing rather well too) would have been dimmed in any way shape or form.

'Aspire, Believe, Achieve' is their school motto. They certainly did that and much, much more on the weekend.

Malcolm Wood

There can be no praise high enough for Lee Rigg and his band — which in a memorable 2018 has been crowned National Youth Intermediate, European Development and now Youth Brass in Concert Champion4BR

Results

Adjudicators: Richard Evans and Helen Harrelson

1. Wardle Academy Youth (Lee Rigg) — 198
2. Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison) — 197
3. Rochdale Borough Youth (Ben Dixon) — 190
4. Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans) — 185
5. Houghton Area Youth (Brian Adams) — 180

Best Soloist: Adam Halford-Ward (soprano) — Elland Silver Youth
Most Entertaining Band: Elland Silver Youth