Crans-Montana in the Valais region of Switzerland may be the usual preserve of the well-heeled ski tourists of Europe, but in York, 20 UK bands also showed that they were also pretty adept at tackling the musical slopes of Thierry Deleruyelle's 'Snow Island'.

Written to celebrate the region's renowned brass and wind bands, its mix of lively melodic lines and testing technique made for a cracking contest — won in super style by Allerton Brass from Liverpool.

Although just 177 feet above sea level compared to the 10,400 feet of its Swiss counterpart, the North West Area champion overcame its challenges under MD, Jamie Duncan like a latter-day Franz Klammer — pipping their impressive rivals Betteshanger to the title in thrilling late-draw fashion with East Riding of Yorkshire in third.

Just behind came a close-knit trio of top-six finishers in Clock Face Miners Heritage ahead of the Scottish pairing of Selkirk Silver and St David's Brass.

Wonderful day

The quality which brought a close level of competitiveness at different levels from the 20-band field was acknowledged by the judges, with Andrea Price (joined by Brett Baker and Alan Bourne) telling the audience before the announcement of the results that they had enjoyed both, "a wonderful day and a really challenging day as well".

In what was a finely balanced critique of what was heard in the box, Andrea offered praise for the conductors, soloists and "impressive" percussionists, as well as identifying the keys areas of ensemble concern heard "over and over again" in both the fast and slow sections.

These really marked the best from the rest, from rhythmic accuracy and melodic poise to tempo control and lyrical phrasing. It was a precis much appreciated — as you suspect would be the written remarks and observations of the trio for bands to work on in the coming months.

Allerton ticks

Allerton certainly ticked the right boxes in a performance of both ensemble and solo confidence, led with a passionate sense of controlled purpose by Jamie Duncan.

And whilst a few minor issues were noted, the overall quality was not missed with Andrea describing it as, "thoroughly enjoyable, very musical, detailed and controlled". Alan Bourne was equally impressed: "Thank you for such a well played reading — excellent contributions from all", whilst Brett Baker called it, "a very good performance" with "some very nice musical moments".

A little later, with the National Trophy in his hands, Jamie said he felt, "absolutely brilliant", saying the secret had been that his band "really gave 100% with the commitment and dedication they put into it."

Committed

Formed in 2013 in the southern city suburb of Liverpool, the band rehearses twice a week (the MD playfully admitting to 4BR that it 'gets him out of the house and away from the kids') and has since developed into a committed organisation that reflects the ethos of its founders Mike and Tony Jackson as being a core part of their local community.

They have also had a few ups and downs in recent times, but following relegation in 2025 the appointment of Jamie Duncan has heralded an immediate rejuvenation. Now they can look forward to promotion to the Second Section in 2027.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the result!", they said on their Facebook page. "All the effort that the band has put in over the past few months has paid off! We want to say an extra special thank you to our incredible MD Jamie Duncan for all his hard work, extensive score work, and dedication to bring everything together.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who has supported the band over the past few months, especially those who supported our fundraising efforts and summer concerts."

Second second

Also looking forward will be Betteshanger Colliery who continued their remarkable run of competitive success under MD Michael West by coming runner-up for the second year in a row.

Any disappointment that may have been felt by not adding to three consecutive London & SC victories and a National Championships success since their return in 2024 will surely be offset by their desire to reach out into their local community in Kent to inspire the next generation of players. Here they came close to victory with yet another performance of notable quality.

So too East Riding of Yorkshire as Richard Grantham used all his years of experience to mould a fine account from the North of England representative, warmly textured but rhythmically sharp edged.

Key to success

As Andrea Price pointed out, the ability of the best bands to balance rhythmic pace and pulse with melodic phrasing and colouring was key to success — from the resolute opening section through the ebb and flow of the tender melodic lines of the central section and the final presto flourish.

Not far behind came the top-six finishers of Clock Face Miners Welfare, Selkirk Silver and St David's Brass. Each of their MDs in Will Haw, Stuart Black and John Dickson showed a great deal of musical nous in tempering dynamics and pacing tempos to enable the music to retain shape and flow without falling into the traps that Andrea highlighted of losing control in the faster sections or "falling into a rut" in the slower ones.

Stuart Dickson, principal cornet of St David's was also the deserved winner of the 'Best Instrumentalist' award on a day when there was plenty of fine individual contributions made by players in every band.

Difficult task

Andrea Price also pointed out that the judges had taken their time in considering the final placing of all the bands — emphasising the difficult task of comparison they had on a work that as nearly all MDs told 4BR, they had thoroughly enjoyed working on with their bands.

In the end it was Wetherby & District Silver, Cwmtawe, Avonbank (Evesham) and St Pinnock that eventually came in the top-10 with their engaging accounts, just ahead of a host of other hard-working performances.

Iwan Fox

Allerton certainly ticked the right boxes in a performance of both ensemble and solo confidence, led with a passionate sense of controlled purpose by Jamie Duncan4BR

Result:

Test piece: Snow Island (Thierry Deleruyelle)
Adjudicators: Brett Baker, Andrea Price, Alan Bourne

1. Allerton Brass (Jamie Duncan)
2. Betteshangar Colliery Welfare (Mike West)
3. East Riding of Yorkshire (Richard Grantham)
4. Clock Face Miners Heritage (Will Haw)
5. Selkirk Silver (Stuart Black)
6. St David's Brass (John Dickson)
7. Wetherby & District Silver (Craig Ratcliffe)
8. Cwmtawe (Wayne Pedrick)
9. Avonbank (Evesham) (Micah Parsons)
10. St Pinnock (Helen Varley)
11. Bream Silver (Hugh Bamford)
12. Tadley Concert Brass (Paul Chapman)
13. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Chris Banks)
14. Drighlington (Nick Eastwood)
15. Market Rasen (Peter Richardson)
16. Barton Community (Garry Oglesby)
17. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2 (John Murray)
18. Epping Forest (Keith Schroeter)
19. Swindon Brass (Steve Yorke)
20. Littleborough (Max Stannard)

Best Instrumentalist: Stuart Dickson (cornet) — St. David's