Kenneth Downie was a very contented man after listening to all 20 performances from the competing bands on Saturday.

The composer of ‘Concertino for Brass Band’ thoroughly enjoyed the experience too.

Wonderful day

"It was a wonderful day. I am full of admiration for all the bands and the amount of work they must have put into providing such marvellous music making. I really do thank them all."

It was a wonderful day. I am full of admiration for all the bands and the amount of work they must have put into providing such marvellous music making. I really do thank them allKenneth Downie

Deeply impressed

He was also deeply impressed by the winners too: "Black Dyke was an exceptional performance, so detailed and musical, although so many performances made a lasting impression on me today."

On a day when the end of the second movement caused problems for every band, Dr Downie was sympathetic — too a degree. "I initally thought of leaving the last note to be played just by the soprano on the top A, but I think that would have been a little cruel. The main problems though seemed to be with other parts of the chord and not just the soprano having to playing very quietly without a mute."

Heard in full

Dr Downie also revealed that he would still have liked to have heard his work in its full glory however, as he felt that the missing second movement ‘Scherzo’ gave it a much more balanced feel.

"I think it would have been nice to hear the ‘Concerto’ in full, but I understand the time constraints involved. I do hope however that bands take the opportunity perform the ‘Scherzo’ in future. It has been published separately, so it could be added without a problem."