Skelmanthorpe MD John Roberts has told 4BR that he is hoping that the First Section National Finals test piece will have some sort of link to the sea later this year, as his band can’t seem to lose when they get the salty smell of the waves in their contesting nostrils!

100 miles inland

"I just thought it was that we enjoyed going to play be the sea given that we have now won at Pontins and Butlins, but even though we are about 100 miles inland at Bradford the link with the ocean waves in James Cook seemed to inspire us again!"

Inspired they were too and the MDs experience of the piece built up as both a player and conductor saw them claim a clear victory. "I really enjoy Gilbert Vinter’s music, and although on paper this looks perhaps one of his easier pieces, the more you delve into it the more it reveals itself as a great work."

...even though we are about 100 miles inland at Bradford the link with the ocean waves in James Cook seemed to inspire us again!John Roberts

Atmosphere

John added: "I’ve played it many years ago of course but also worked on it as a conductor too and I knew that we had to really work hard to ensure that we managed not only to play the notes, but also captured the sense of atmosphere and inspiration. I must thank all my players again for all the hard work they have put in, but a special mention to my principal cornet player Jo Payne who was making her Bradford debut. She was wonderful and played a huge part in our success."

Nautical pieces?

As for the Finals then? "I’ve been looking for nautical pieces, so you never know – ‘Un Vie de Matelot’ or ‘Seascapes’ would be nice wouldn’t it?"