With the various Regional Championship contests looming on the horizon a fine turn out of 23 bands took the opportunity to test their preparations for potential London and Cheltenham qualification at the excellently organised Oxfordshire & District Brass Band Associations annual Winter Contest.

Held over two days at Cokethorpe School, adjudicator Paul Norley enjoyed a series of performances at various stages of 'oven ready' development', stating that he "thoroughly enjoyed" and was "highly encouraged" by the standard. In return the bands certainly appreciated his comments which gave plenty to work on ahead of the challenges to come.

Verwood and Jackfield top

Verwood Concert Brass certainly showed that they are building nicely towards their Torquay top section appearance with a hard-working account of 'Variations on an Enigma' to take the Championship honours. Kidlington also took the chance to air their preparation on 'High Peak' ahead of Stevenage at the end of March.

All four bands in the First Section took the opportunity to perform the Eric Ball classic, with Jackfield Band planting their flag on the summit under Ryan Richards — something they hope to repeat at Corby in a few weeks' time.

Just behind them came Michelmersh Silver for the West of England with Oddfellows Brass in third.

Ocean, Welwyn and Witney win

There was a sextet of 'Triptych' performance to enjoy in the Second Section where Ocean Brass led a trio of West of England contenders into the podium spots, whilst Welwyn Garden City took the 'Corineus' honours ahead of Verwood Town in the Third Section.

Five of the six contenders performed 'Music for Jock Tamson' in the Fourth Section, as Alan Fernie's enjoyable work brought plenty of fine playing from the bands. In the end it was Witney Town that claimed a well-deserved victory from City of Oxford Silver with Godalming Band in third.

Inclusion plus

It was also great to see three unregistered bands take part, with Hook Norton conducted by Shaun Humphries leading the way with a super show on 'Plus Ultra 2.0' by Andrew Stevenson. There were also excellent performances to enjoy of 'English Folk Song Suite' and 'The Journal of Phileas Fogg' from Yarnton and Parkend.

Regular venue

Speaking about the successful event ODBBA Chairperson Nigel Hall, said: "We hope we have found a regular venue at Cokethorpe School to hold our contests, as the facilities are superb, and the team here have been very helpful.

The comments from the bands and our valuable volunteers have all echoed these sentiments, so we look forward to building on the success of this year's event."

The next ODBBA event is the Brass Festival (Solos, Duets, Ensembles) being held at the West Kidlington Nursey & Primary School on Sunday 28th April.

Entry forms and schedule will be available shortly by emailing odbbacontests@gmail.com

We hope we have found a regular venue at Cokethorpe School to hold our contests, as the facilities are superb, and the team here have been very helpfulODBBA

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Norley

1. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith): 193
2. Kidlington Concert Brass (Jonathan Pippen): 190

Best Instrumentalist: (trombone) — Verwood Concert Brass

Special Prizes:
Best Percussion: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Bass Section: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Cornet: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Tenor Horn: Verwood Concert Brass

First Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Norley

1. Jackfield Band (Ryan Richards): 190
2. Michelmersh Silver (Kevin Smith): 189
3. Oddfellows Brass (John Davis): 187
4. Weston Brass (Ian Dickinson) 186

Best Instrumentalist: Chris Barker (trombone) — Jackfield Band

Second Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Norley

1. Ocean Brass (Andy Wareham): 188
2. Chinnor Silver (Oliver Halstead-Brooks): 187
3. Cinderford Band (Steve Kane): 186
4. Markham & District (Gary Davies): 184
5. Oxford Cherwell Brass (Danny Dullforce): 182
6. Olney Brass (Philip Devine): 180

Best Instrumentalist: (cornet) — Ocean Brass

Third Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Norley

1. Welwyn Garden City (William Douglas): 181
2. Verwood Town Band (Kevin Smith): 179

Best Instrumentalist: (horn) — Verwood Town Band
Best Euphonium: Welwyn Garden City

Fourth Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Norley

1. Witney Town Band (Guy James): 179
2. City of Oxford Silver (Douglas Brown): 178
3. Godalming Band (James Haigh): 177
4. Arrow Valley Brass (David Hunt): 176
5. Abbey Brass (Abingdon) (Rob Tompkins): 175
6. Test Valley Brass (Edward March): 174

Best Instrumentalist: Jenny Howes (flugel) — Witney Town Band

Unregistered Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Norley

1. Hook Norton (Shaun Humphries): 175
2. Yarnton Band (Guy James): 173
3. Parkend Silver (Louis Thomas): 171

Best Instrumentalist: (cornet) — Parkend Silver

Special Prizes:
Best Percussion: Welwyn Garden City
Best Bass Section: Jackfield Band
Best Cornet: Jackfield Band
Best Tenor Horn: Michelmersh Silver Band

Band with most players U19 (both days): Yarnton Band
Youngest Player (both days): James Pye (Yarnton Band) — aged 9