The Hepworth Band made it three wins in a row on the lucrative march and hymn tune circuit this year as they took the honours at the 22nd Brighouse & District Lions March & Hymn Tune Contest.
Excellent renditions
Under the baton of MD, Ryan Watkins they provided adjudicator Alan Morrison with excellent renditions of George Allan's 'The Wizard' and their hymn tune selection to add to their recent victories at the Traveller's Rest and Hebden Bridge events.
The band also bagged silverware for 'Winning Conductor', 'Best March', 'Best Hymn', 'Best Soloist', 'Best Principal Cornet', 'Best Soprano', 'Best Basses' and 'Best Trombones on March', as they now set their sights on their return to the British Open at Symphony Hall in September.
Hard work
Speaking about their victory the band stated on their Facebook page: "This means a clean sweep of all the local march contests and a respectable 5th at Whit Friday Marches against some tough opponents.
We are over the moon at these results and the hard work has paid off. The hard work however doesn't stop here as we now start to prepare for the British Open before a quick 2-week summer break!"
Fine playing
There was plenty of fine playing on show from all 19 competitors, with podium finishers Milnrow and Skelmanthorpe also showing their quality in pushing the winners all the way.
The day had earlier got off to a blustery start with the wonderful appearance of British Open, Brass in Concert and Saddleworth Whit Friday Champion, Brighouse & Rastrick, conducted by Garry Cutt, performing prior to the contest to the delight of the packed Town Hall Square audience
Section awards were claimed by the in-form Skelmanthorpe, Lindley, Dobcross Silver and 'Boro Brass, whilst Elland Youth Band retained their title.
We are over the moon at these results and the hard work has paid off. The hard work however doesn't stop here as we now start to prepare for the British Open before a quick 2-week summer break!Hepworth Band
Result:
Adjudicator: Alan Morrison
1. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins)
2. Milnrow (Lee Skipsey)
3. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Heartfield)
Best March: Hepworth
Best Hymn: Hepworth
Best Soloist: Hepworth (euphonium)
Best Principal Cornet: Hepworth
Best Euphonium: Marsden
Best Soprano: Hepworth
Best Trombone Section: Elland
Best Basses: Hepworth
Best Road March: Marsden
Best Trombones on the March: Hepworth
Deportment: Uppermill
Best First Section Band: Skelmanthorpe
Best Second Section Band: Lindley
Best Third Section Band: Dobcross Silver
Best Unregistered Band: 'Boro Brass
Best Youth Band — Elland Silver Youth
Runner-up: Wardle Junior Blast
Best Youth Soloist: Cornet (Elland Silver Youth)
Youth Deportment: Elland Silver Youth
Youngest Player: Ryuto Calderbank (aged 9) of Wardle Junior Blast
