Sunday 23 March
Adjudicator: Stephen Roberts
Own Choice and Stage March
Time: 2.45pm
1.Waratah Brass, Matthew Van Emmerik
Own Choice:
Music of the Spheres (Sparke)
A convincing start from the band's solo horn, before getting into the nasty stuff. Plenty of confidence on show in the louder passages, with the slight unsteadiness of the softer passages getting ironed out as the performance unfolded.
The following slower section showed some nice flow, and good interplay from the soloists featured through here. Things didn't quite flow so well after the climax was reached, with some sections not quite matching up vertically with each other.
Waratah gained their sense of ensemble as the pace increased in the following section. As this section unfolded they maintained the playfulness of the material. Again, as per last night, the lower end of the band tended to get in the way of some sections, particularly where the inner voices of the band were featured.
Getting into the slow finish, the band showed us the warmth of their sound, with some very attractive articulation from all concerned. Just watch the intonation on the muted bell tones.
Excellent build from the whole band for the final chattering finish. Just too much bass trombone (even for me!) throughout here, and some other tutti sections.
March:
The President (German)
Some gutsy, precise playing here from Waratah (there's that bass trombone again. Just too much!), with good dynamic contrasts to help keep the excitement up.
Overall an exciting and energetic performance, only marred by some balance issues.
2.South Brisbane Federal Brass Band, Lindon Weise
Own Choice:
Essence of Time (Graham)
Plenty of raw energy from South Brisbane. They were able to maintain the tempo until the fugato section, which started to drag on them (until, of course, they needed to). There was plenty of confidence exhibited during the fuller moments, but seemed to lose their footing in the more exposed passages.
The band gained some melodic flow during the next slower section, but tended to not give the soloists enough breathing space in which to draw us in.
The next chattering section seemed to be coloured with the same balance and vertical movement issues in the previous sections. Again, as the band moved from this to the slower, more lyrical sections, they appeared to be more at home with the material.
The stately appearance of the fugato section by the euphoniums was very well set up, and showed a lot promise. However, the band seemed to be plagued by a constant flucuating tempo (when it needed to be solid), and some intonation problems. The band was able to make up some lost ground in the theme's statement at the end of the work, but unfortunately not enough to fully satisfactorily round off this performance.
March:
The President (German)
A full, strong start from South Brisbane with their march. Again, the tempo seemed to fluctuate- speeding up in the softer parts of the march proper. I would have liked to have seen some middle-ground with the dynamics, with them generally being either fortissimo or piano, and not much in betwen.
With enthusiasm fully evident, South Brisbane have some general ensemble issues to tackle, which will get them to the next level.
3. Brisbane Brass, Greg Aitken
Own Choice:
Apocalypse (Bourgeois)
A very LOUD start from Brisbane Brass. Lots of energy here.
The first slow interlude seemed to feel a little strained for the soloists involved. Moving from a jazzy feel back to the opening material, the band's motion was marred by some occasional slips and unconfident technical moments.
I know that there's a lot of raw energy required for this piece, but there are also demands in terms of intimacy, and the softer passages were wanting for this sense of internal contemplation (perhaps the individual mentally hiding from the nasties out in the greater world?). Again, we heard a lot of high-octane loud playing, but not as much security in the more delicate moments. A piece like this being all about extremes, it sometimes takes a lot of effort to find the middle-ground moments, and to help them provide a wider array of contrasts.
The question is not whether they had any lips left after playing Apocalypse, but whether the audience did!.
March:
Simoraine (Barraclough)
A lively and well pulsed start from Brisbane Brass, but I can't help but think they are still in Apocalypse mode. Things settled by the trio, and the band continued with the nice pulse during the softer, more lyrical moments here, followed by some good old fashioned punch. Overall some good energy and well prepared contrast from Brisbane Brass.
4. Warringah Concert Brass, John Saunders
Own Choice:
Paganini Variations (Wilby)
Just starting a little bit unsteady, once Warringah were settled in they provided us with some well prepared moments, full of contrast. There are various tempo changes within this work, and just occasionally the tempo got in the way of the band's precision, which probably caused some slight intonational problems. Probably the dread of all cornet sections, their featured variation, just before the basses soften things down, wasn't as clean as it could be.
This soft middle section takes for a great deal of sensitive playing, and while some moments weren't as secure as they could have been, there were some nicely shaped ensemble moments, and some attractive work from the flugelhorn soloist.
The build-up to the concluding faster section was well orchestrated, with some well controlled pedal notes from the band's bass trombonist, and glissandi from his tenor counterparts.
It's flow only interrupted by some disagreements in tempo, the build up to the trombones restatement of the theme was well done, but once there they seemed to find it difficult to keep up the pace set, and some clarity was subsequently lost. However, Warringah gave us some nice moments in this performance.
March:
ORB (Anderson)
A punchy and rhythmically solid start, the band needed to come down further for the cornet soloist. The same could be said for the solo in the trio as well. Speaking overall about Warringah's performance here, they play very solidly, and with some security in the softer sections. An even greater sense of balance and ensemble movement (ie vertically lining up) will help them to achieve mmore, and greater, moments of expression.
To the basses:- love the hat!
5. K&N Spring Gully Brass, Kevin Cameron
Own Choice:
Macbeth (Meechan)
I've not heard this work previously, so I was very eager to hear this performance. There are so many disparate elements going on at the beginning, and it's important that those elements (such as the low drones in the tubas against the glockenspiel, and also the trombones)do not start to sympathetically alter their dynamics (ie try and blend with one another). With a work such as this, the softer moments require as much use of the silence that's within them, and the opening section probably could have benefited from a slower tempo to allowed it more breadth.
There are so many changes in style in this piece- not just within (say) the opening five minutes, but also going on concurrently with each other. Things started to settle once we were at the flugelhorn solo, due to its more straightforward texture, but that might have been a little too late into the piece.
As in the faster-paced material that follows this section, starting in the basses, some more clarity in the shorter note values would have provided a greater sense of drive in this performance.
This was a very brave choice of work, one that won't easily appeal to most, but it is good to see bands approaching pieces such as this that are a real departure to many other works that make up the contesting repertoire.
March:
Praise (Heaton)
Feeling a need to drag ever so slightly, the band would have pushed this march along more succesfully with a bit more pulse and bounce in their feel. Still, an enjoyable performance.
6. Brisbane Excelsior, Howard Taylor
Own Choice:
Montage (Graham)
Just a little unsettled in the opening moments, Bisbane Excelsior gave us some good rhythmic and melodic shape, with some very good control of dynamics, and interplay amongst the imitative entries. Some nice poise evident in the closing section of this movement.
The second movement with its haunting material, was treated to some good interplay from the array of soloists involved. The middle section, faster in speed, was well prepared, and the balance and dynamics well under control until the climax, which didn't disappoint. Concluding with the opening material of this movement, the confidence in the softer, more intimate moments was very well maintained. A good atmosphere kept up throughout.
The third movement, slightly unsteady at first, quickly picked itself up, and there was some excellent work here from Excelsior. Keeping a good grasp on their ensemble, in terms of pace and dynamics, only marred for a couple of bars by some untidy tonguing.
Keeping a lid on the dynamics until the very end, the audience weren't disappointed.
March:
Knight Templar (Allan)
A very punchy and energetic start from Excelsior here, with the band executing some very effective subito dynamics. Good balance between the soloists and the background figures in the softer passages. Particularly noticeable was Excelsiors'attention to the length of note values in the tutti sections.
Certainly a performance that will be close to the top of the results.
7. Willoughby Band, Andrew Snell
March:
The Elephant (Hume)
A gutsy start from Willoughby, with some good control in the softer dynamics. Like some of the other bands, however, the louder dynamics (such as forte, fortissimo, and even mezzo-forte with some of the bands) tend to sound very much the same, with little consideration for the middle ground. Some nice work in the softer sections of the trio, but watch your tuning cornets!
Own Choice:
Dove Descending (Wilby)
Set up with the cornets and trombones around the rest of the band for the beginning of this work, Willoughby maintained a consistency of tempo, whilst giving a warm and vibrant sound. The excitement continued once the band returned to their normal formation. As this section continued, however, the band just started to get a little heavy, which pulled the tempo back a little, and therefore its momentum and clarity.
The opening moments of the second movement saw this heaviness (mostly in tongue) continue. Things started to settle down once the birds arrived, and the softer dynamics saw some lightness, and shape, gain more prominence in Willoughby's playing. As this section built the band seemed to show some signs of fatigue, with both attack and tuning become inconsistent. The final building section was energetically played, but with some clarity suffering from the apparent fatigue from the players. Still, and exciting performance of an interesting work.
...and at this half-time point this is where I see the lay of the land at the moment with our predictions. But remember that there are a lot more bands to come, and it wouldn't surprise me if we see this prediction lineup change significantly by the end of the day:-
March:-
1. Brisbane Excelsior
2. Waratah
3. Willoughby
Own Choice:-
1. Brisbane Excelsior
2. Waratah
3. Warringah
8. Footscray Yarraville City Band, Phillipa Edwards
Own Choice:
St Magnus (Downie)
If I remember correctly Footscray did this as their own choice (apologies if I'm wrong about this). After a confident tutti start, the band seemed to have some tempo issues with the following faster interlude, in terms of consistency of tempo and getting around some of the faster note values here. They fared better in the following slow section after this, with some good phrasing moments (nice work from the solo cornet), only hindered by some balance issues.
The next, faster, section unfortunately didn't fare as well, with some questions about balance left unanswered, and some struggling within certain band sections to get around the material on the page.
Preceeded by some very well controlled euphonium solo work, the next slower section gained more poise. Again, just some balance issues to be rectified, especially when backing the other soloists.
The final faster sections showed more confidence from Footscray, but I would have liked to have seen even more musical shape here, not to mention throughout other sections of this very challenging work.
March:
The President (German)
Footscray showed some refreshingly diverse shades of dynamics as they began their march, but tended to overblow as the sections built in energy. Just a little lacking in clarity at times, their balance was better through here than in St Magnus.
9.Kew, Mark Ford
Own Choice:
Vienna Nights (Wilby)
A well balanced start from Kew, with a good 'fade in'of the Mozart quote. Some very good changes of style throughout this opening section, with only some of the faster moments getting a little unclear.
After a nice start to the jazz section, the band seemed to lose a little in tempo, with some entries just been hit a little harder than needed for this gentle section, and the one that followed, before getting back into the faster and louder material.
Passing through some nice work from the bass section, which showed some nice phrasing, we returned to some brisker material, which just lost a little in tempo, before returning to some slower material, featuring some solo work from both top cornets and euphoniums. The tempo just became ever so even through here, despite some very sensitive playing from all soloists and band alike.
Coming out of this, and coming back into some more agressive moments was just a little unclear, and although this started to right itself there still seemed to be a slight amount of arguing with the tempo.
An enjoyable performance nonetheless, with some excellent ensemble work, balance, and style noticeable throughout. But will they get penalised too much for the unsettled moments in tempo?
March:
Simoraine (Barraclough)
Some very good shaping of dynamics with this fast-paced performance from Kew. A very crisp and lively pulse to this march. Very impressive dynamics at the beginnng of the trio, and good control from all sections of the band. This will be a hard performance to beat.
10. Darebin City Brass- Preston Band, Jason Mears
Own Choice:
Contest Music (Heaton)
First Movement: Some good clarity achieved at the beginning of this movement by Darebin, just losing a little momentum in the softer moments, which need to be played just a little lighter.
Second Movement: There's a lot of very delicate moments in this lovely movement, which was a little hit and miss for Darebin, who achieved some of these with the help of their principal cornet. Cornets- watch your tuning in the unison moments. What moments were caught had a great sense of mystery about them.
Third Movement: Returning to more livelier material, Darebin achieved some very soft dynamics, but at the sacrifice of the tempo. Unfortunately our cornet tuning issues continued well into the last movement, detracting from some good tutti ensemble playing from the rest of the band. Particularly notable during this last movement was some of the section work from the middle of the band (and the basses, too!), and as this movement continued on that crept into the rest of the band, resulting in some very fine passages from all. Finishing on such a confident note, it was a shame that the early sections of this work were so uneven in comparison.
March:
The Contestor (Powell)
A pleasing warm sound from Darebin with this march, with a few unsettled moments from the cornets getting in the way. Demonstrating softer dynamics at the louder end of the spectrum, Darebin could have possibly explored going a little louder with some of the louder markings, to give a little more variety to their performance of this march.
11. Dalewool Auckland Brass, Nigel Weeks
Own Choice:
Extreme Makeover (de Meij)
A nice and convincingly intimate start from Dalewool here, with some very fluent phrasing in evidence. Ignoring a few intonation blemishes, this section built very well, with some very well contrasted sounds, before dying away with excelent result.
The following section, starting with the basses, was real joy to watch. This whole sectoin built with such energy, and maintained it throughout, which is saying something given the length of this section.
Initially wondering if the novelty of blowing bottles was going to sit within the parameters of this work, Dalewool made it sound like an integral part of the percussion, with the other brass sections imitating the attack and length of sound played by them.
The following section, led by the baritones and euphoniums, showed the only signs so far of shakiness in Dalewool's performance, with a couple of entries not being quite as solid as they could be. The band, however, seemed to regain momentum very quickly, realising the energy behind this section as it built, and carrying us convincingly to the very end of the work.
...I think we might have a winner here...
March:
Wizard (Allen)
A very satisfying performance again from Dalewool, with excellent ensemble warmth and movement. Interesting to note that, despite the band playing a march, the sound didn't get at all harsh. If there was only one thing that was a slight issue it would be that the band was just getting a little too loud for the cornets in the softer sections, but this certainly wasn't as much of a concern as it had been for some other bands.
12. Gunnedah Shire Band, Jason Katsikaris
Own Choice:
Harmony Music (Sparke)
A great start from Gunnedah, with lots of excitement, before settling into the following lyrical section, which had a very good sense of flow about it. Some very nice euphonium playing evident at the end of this section.
The following faster section had plenty of life to it, with good punch and delicacy where required (with only a couple of exceptions).
Very exciting.
Settling back into the softer stuff, we saw this nicely flowing phrasing continue, with some nice solos from both the principal cornet and solo horn. There were some really lovely moments here, before returning, with gusto, to the opening material, before heading off again briskly.
This final section was probably the least tightest of Gunnedah's performance of this work, with a couple of important lines just struggling to keep up. Impressive ending.
I think that we've already found our winning performance for the Own Choice, but this is certainly not very far away from second.
March:
Mercury (Van Der Roost)
Another gutsy start here, probably just getting a little too loud in some of the lighter scored passages. Having said that, there were some very fine moments during this march, with a fine sense of nobility being conveyed from the band. Very exciting, too.
...and I think that if they ever do another series of the Vicar of Dibley, I have a pretty good idea who to cast for the role of the choirmaster. The moves certainly worked for the band tonight.
13. Capricornia Silver Band, Dennis Ilott
Own Choice: Journey to the Centre of the Earth (Graham)
Just a little bit unsettled with their opening of this piece, Capricornia were able to keep up the momentum once they got to the faster second, just getting a little too heavy at time.
After some unsettled moments in the basses, the band showed some moments of flow, but generally seemed to be struggling with the softer dynamics, and the sustained work contained with them, resulting in some intonation problems. Some even softer dynamics throughout these moments would have really enhanced Capricornia's performance here.
As the band entered the faster dynamics, it returned to some heavy, and very loud playing, which got in the way of their intonation. Otherwise, an exciting finish to this work by the band.
March: High Command (Sampson)
A punchy start from the band here. I should point out that, generally speaking, that most of the bands today didn't have many problems maintaing the tempo that they started with.
Capricornia just let their dynamics get out of hand a few times, make the march harder work than it needed to. As with their Own Choice, some of the softer dynamics, if taken down a shade, would have enhanced Capricornia's performance further here, instead of trying to find the contrast by extending the volume of the louder volumes.
...and with that performance we come to the end of the performances for not only the Own Choice and Stage March for today, but for the A Grade band section this year.
4BR Predictions at the end of day two:
Own Choice:-
1. Dalewool
2. Gunnedah
3. Brisbane Excelsior
March:-
1. Dalewool
2. Brisbane Excelsior
3. Gunnedah
Overall predictions
The overall winner is quite clear to us, although finding a second and third is a little trickier, especially when some of the bands had a better day today than yesterday. Generally speaking, however, the feeling amongst some of us here at 4BDU is that the performances today were not as tight as those we heard yesterday- with a couple of notable exceptions. Perhaps the Test Piece gave some of the bands more trouble than last year's? I'm sure that it the playing standards today nothing to do with the ways that band members have traditionally found to spend their Easter Saturday nights between the two competition days.
4BR's Overall Prediction to Win:-
1. Dalewool
2. Brisbane Excelsior
3. Kew
Saturday 22 March
Adjudicator: Stephen Roberts
Test: Dances and Alleluias, Sparke
Time: 3.15pm
After a delayed start, this is how we heard the bands as they played...
1. Kew Band, Mark Ford
Hymn:
"It is Well With My Soul"(Sundstrup)
This was a nicely warm, and relaxed start from the band, and they continued this throughout their hymn, particularly during their tutti sections. Their softer-scored sections of this performance were only marred by the odd fluff in an entry, and only at the beginning of the first verse of the hymn was there just a slight balance problem. Otherwise a fine performance, with a well controlled ending, supporting some very nice playing from the euphonium soloist.
Test:
Good control and sense of mystery at the beginning here, just some unsteadiness in the running passages, with some passages not quite flowing as much as they should. The second section featured some nice trombone, soprano and euphonium solos, back with some very delicate backing work from the rest of the band. I just found the following Jubiloso a little unsettled in terms of the band finding the tone of the piece, however the following vivace showed a great deal of thought. The closing section might have seen some more dynamic shading from the accompaniment to the lovely cornet solo, but the band gave us a solid finish to this performance.
2. Capricornia Silver Band, Dennis Ilott
Hymn:
"This is my Father's World"(Himes)
The band gave some playing that showed a strong sense of ensemble, with the tempo being well maintained throughout. Just a little more warmth in the band's sound, and a greater sense of flow in the band's phrasing would have given the band an even more "yummier" performance of this lovely hymn.
Test:
Capricornia just seemed to be struggling with some of the finer details throughout the opening section, with the tempo fluctuating at times. The band fared better in the middle Andante, providing some melodic shape, and interplay between the soloists.
Both of these first two bands have shown a little less confidence when it comes to the transition section to the Vivace, and it will be interesting to note whether this is a trend that will be seen in the later band's performances. Capricornia displayed some good, robust, playing within the Vivace, and greater contrasts in the band's dynamic shadings would provide them an even more exciting performance during this part of the test piece. The same applies to the last section of the piece, where a softer start in terms of dynamics would have also lifted this performance even more.
3. Brisbane Excelsior, Howard Taylor
Hymn:
"His Provision"(Bosanko)
Some very warm and well thought phrases in this performances, with a good sense of ensemble on show. Good playing from all soloists throughout.
Test:
A good start to this piece from Excelsior, just marred by a couple indelicate entries, made up for by a sense of excitement in this section's build-up.
Some good dynamics and sense of balance within the second section, and some lovely sensitive playing from the soloists concerned. The build to the middle Jubiloso of this section was hair-raising.
With the exception of one moment, the band showed great rhythmic and dynamic control, setting up the fortissimo passages of this section. The final andante section starting with a great sense of poise and sympathetic playing across the band. Featuring some great moments from the soloists throughout, this was an excellent finish to this well-paced performance.
4. Darebin City Brass- Preston Band, Jason Mears
Hymn:
"Crimond"(Richards)
A nicely shaped start from this band, with just a little hesitation from some players. Displaying some well thought out dynamics during their performance, maybe just (and only just) getting a little on the heavier side during some moments. Otherwise, a very exciting performance.
Test:
Some very sensitive and controlled playing in this first section, just getting a little rhythmically untidy when the excitement builds. Still, very exciting.
The middle section further showed the band's sense of control and interplay, with a few slips from the soloists, and some occasional intonation problems.
Darebin fared better in the following Vivace, continuing to display excellent dynamics and balance, enhancing the excitement of this section.
The final Andante afforded Darebin more chances to show us the warmth of their ensemble sound, which rounded off this exciting performance.
5. Brisbane Brass, Greg Aitken
Hymn:
"I'll Walk With God"
A warm, and round-toned start from Brisbane Brass here, with good dynamic control on display, with just the occasional slip in intonation from the top half of the band getting in their way. Otherwise, an enjoyable performance.
Test:
Good rhythmic control, just getting a little too much presence too early on. As this section unfolded some of the tighter rhythms just got a little bit unsteady, but this didn't get in the way of the excitement being shown by the band through here.
It's been interesting to note that during the first Andante many bands displayed excellent balance, but only within the brass instruments, with the percussion sounding a little too loud and out of context as a result. Brisbane Brass experienced this as well (maybe the hall?). Once this section gained momentum this issue passed, and we heard some strong playing evident, with much gusto.
The Vivace fared well, with the performance heightened by the band's sense of dynamics, the tempo only fluctuating only during the heavier moments.
Demonstrating how the same piece can be presented in so many different ways, Brisbane Brass gave us a version of the final Andante that was more 'epic' than any of the others that had been heard so far, with the opening baritone solo, and the following horn/baritone/trombone section interplay being given to us with a more broader tongue than some of the other more legato renditions that we'd seen today. In keeping with the rest of their performance of this work, we were treated to a rousing finish of their performance of the test piece.
6. South Brisbane Federal Band, Lindon Weise
Hymn:
"Nottingham"(Richards)
The Feds, with their new MD, provided us with a warm performance of their hymn, only occasionally having some issues with intonation, and some securities in the softer, and more intimately scored moments of this setting. Despite this, their control over their dynamics added to the sweep of their performance.
Test:
South Brisbane's opening showed some well-planned dynamics and expressive moments, but had some fluctuations in tempo that just got in the way of the drive of this section (but not for too long!).
The following Andante, probably starting just a little too loud for my tastes, built nicely, and made the transition to the Vivace with ease. The Vivace itself, like the Andante before it, could probably have started a little softer. Occasionally losing a little bit of their clarity with their articulation during this section, this didn't get too much in the way of the band's ability to keep the musical drive of this section — at least not until towards the end of the section, where the band started to find it a little harder to maintain their tempo.
Not withstanding some questions of balance preceding it, the band gave us a convincing finish to their performance, with good dynamics and strong articulation.
7. Dalewool City Brass, Nigel Weeks
Hymn:
"In Perfect Peace" (Downie)
Dalewool provided us with some very controlled and intimate moments, with an appealing warmth of sound present. If there was one criticism to make then it would be to have heard a freer sense of flow in the more legato, and within those moments the more lightly scored moments as well. Otherwise one of the finer performances we heard today.
Test:
Again, lots of rhythmic control from Dalewool here, with their dynamics just getting a little too heavy in some places. Still, plenty of energy and drive evident throughout.
The following Andante showed some of the soloistic strengths of the band, with some nice ensemble playing to back it up. Perhaps just that little bit softer in the pianissimo markings through here as well.
Interestingly, the band's sense of dynamics for the following Vivace were more in keeping with the wide range needed to the test piece. Dalewool gave us some very controlled playing here, but keeping the edginess of this section going throughout.
Dalewool's take on the finishing Andante was a more heartfelt affair, excellently paced and resulting in a finish that was thoroughly convincing. Certainly a performance that will be very close to the top of the rankings. But we've still have six more bands to go.
Predictions so far, which is oh so close:-
Test:
1. Brisbane Excelsior
2. Dalewool
3. Kew
Hymn
1. Dalewool
2. Brisbane Excelsior
3. Kew
8. Footscray Yarraville City Band, Phillipa Edwards
Hymn:
"Martyn" (Heaton)
Footscray gave us some nice sweeping moments in the more fuller moments, providing good ensemble movement throughout all dynamics. However, the lighter and softer scored passages tended to lose their fluency, with some slight intonational problems evident (but not too many!).
Test:
Footscray provided us with some nice tutti moments, but not before a few not-quite-so tight moments early on.
Their following Andante performance displayed some very tender moments, but generally a lot of bands would have benefited from
softer dynamics at the beginning of this section.
Rhythmically tight, the next Vivace section provided some strong rhythmic tightness, but perhaps the band here getting just a little too heavy with their tonguing for this light section (if only at first...and last!). Still, Footscray maintained a good tempo throughout here, and a convincing scurry to the finish of this section.
The beginning of the last section featured another broad and 'epic' performance, but very different to Brisbane Brass. Footscray maintained this style to the very end, and the audience were rewarded by this approach.
9. Willoughby Band, Andrew Snell
Hymn:
"Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah"(Downie)
Such a great arrangement this one, and it certainly requires a different approach to perform than most other hymns. There's a quality of playfulness, and the burlesque, in this arrangement, and although Willoughby gave us a strong performance which was full of excitement and secure ensemble playing, I would have liked to have seen these qualities come out in the performance as well, which would have also given even more flow to this performance. That said, this was an exciting and well thought out performance.
Test:
A good start here from Willoughby, with well controlled dynamics and plenty of attention to the finer points of the score. Just the odd early fortissimo moment getting a little rugged in terms of tempo, but otherwise the band started to settle into this section.
Andante: some nice playing here from our soloists, and from the accompanying figures. Again, I'm wondering if the bands softer dynamics could have been made more of here, to help provide the soloists with my space to draw the audience in.
Vivace: the band struggled a little here to get into the new tempo, which started to settle by the first fortissimo section. Probably one of the more aggressive approaches we've seen today to this section (nerves?).
Andante: It's interesting to note how many different approaches that we've had to this last section today, and Willoughby's rendition is certainly no exception to this. Excusing some slightly rhythmically secure moments in the horns and baritones, we were treated to a more post-holocaustic performance (that is a complimentary comment, by the way), which gave us another version worth pondering. Rounding off their performance with a strong finish, they were enthusiastically received by the audience.
10. Warringah Concert Brass, John Saunders
Hymn:
"Crimond" (Irvine)
Just a few intonation problems at first, but certainly the band demonstrated for us a nice full sound in the tutti sections, and very often a good sense of flow. Just watch the tuning on the final chord in the top half of the band!
Test:
Some fine moments in the first section, with only a couple of moments of unsuredness- both finger-wise and tempo-wise. An exciting start here from Warringah.
The first of the two Andantes had some very tender moments from our soloists, only marred by some unconfident moments within the ensemble. Warringah's dynamics probably more on target here than many other bands.
Vivace: Good dynamics here as well from Warringah, but a lighter attack where needed will help to keep the tempo going. Another thing that has become apparent with this section is how many bands have approached this section as a brisk march, and how many have approached it as a very energetic frolic, which gets trampled upon halfway through (Godzilla meets Bambi?). For me, the 'bouncy' version has been the more convincing so far.
Another strong and rewarding finish here (now a bit more like "Essence of Time Perhaps"?). An enjoyable performance from Warringah, providing us with another chance to hear them in full cry.
11. Waratah Brass, Matthew Van Emmerik
Hymn:
"I Know Thou Are Mine"
A warm start, just watch the tuning in the softer sections. Just in some of subsequent softer moments we're hearing the cornets and horns getting covered by the bass end. Having said that, the sound that the band is putting out is warm, and certainly very attractive.
Test:
Opening section: Good dynamic shading here, with only a couple of strained entries getting in the way. As we're getting further into this section, we're hearing plenty of excitement, and good sounds. Just a few fluctuations in tempo in evidence, but nothing too dangerous.
Waratah set up the next section very nicely, with some well-controlled dynamics present. I was left wanting a little at the climax of this section, but I'm putting that down to a personal bias.
(i.e. more triple forte trombones!)
Vivace:
A very fast-paced ride through here by Waratah, which seemed to work very well until the fortissimo section, which might have required a bit more room for the music to breathe (or, in the case of this section, not to be too starved of oxygen!).
Waratah gave us a final Andante section, with plenty of poise and space to build from, which certainly didn't disappoint. Deciding the top three is now getting more difficult.
12. K&N Spring Gully Brass, Kevin Cameron
Hymn:
"Crimond"
After a slightly unsettled start from K&N, we saw some good tutti ensemble balance and dynamic shading from them. Just the slight hesitation from some sections to move the rest of the ensemble just hindered the flow of this arrangement at times, but otherwise K&N gave us an enjoyable performance of this hymn.
Test:
Perhaps the fastest tempo from the bands today. Unfortunately the dynamics crept up a little too, although the band wisely didn't get too heavy throughout here, avoiding any tendencies they might have had to drag the tempo back.
Some sensitive playing throughout the second section of this performance, although the accompaniment could have been perhaps a little lighter at first. K&N gave us a nice build to the climax of this section. But I would have like just a little more from the trombones and back row cornets in their triple forte moment.
Vivace: the intention was there to get a nice and light bounce in this section, but the band was not lining up vertically at times. Still a good feel throughout this section, with plenty of excitement.
Final Andante: some nice ensemble sweep here, only marred by some inconsistencies in attack. Some of the lighter scored phrases early in this section may have needed a little more attention given to them in terms of balance, but otherwise, a fine and enjoyable performance by this band.
13. Gunnedah Shire Band, Jason Katsikaris
Hymn:
"His Provision"(Bosanko)
Gunnedah took a little while their feet- quite noticeable from their problems moving together. This didn't stop them from providing us with some very attractive moments, with good dynamic shading and melodic flow, just occasionally being covered by their strong bass end.
Test:
Gunnedah's opening of the test was much more confident, displaying some very attractive dynamic shading, and maintaining a good pace throughout the rest of this section.
The band showed a fine sense of control during the following Andante section, building from some very well-managed soft dynamics to a well orchestrated climax.
Vivace: Gunnedah seemed to have the right feel through here, but started to get a bit heavy as the section unfolded, thus causing some occasional moments of tempo fluctuation. Good fortissimo playing from them, however, further highlighting the dramatic subito pianissimo that finishes this section.
Final section: Some nice interplay between the horns and baritones at the beginning of this section, which gave the tone of this section a more intimate feel, further heightened by the arrival of the solo cornet. Taking this to the opposite extreme, we were given one of the more louder and dramatic endings to this work- accompanied nicely by some nifty footwork from THE Mr Katsikaris!
4BR Predictions at the end of day one:
Test:
1. Brisbane Excelsior
2. Dalewool
3. Kew
Hymn:
1. Dalewool
2. Brisbane Excelsior
3. Waratah
A very close competition, which will make for a very exciting day tomorrow when all the bands line up again, this time for the Stage March and Own Choice.
Adrian Head
