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The Senior Cup

The Pavilion Theatre
Test Piece: Pageantry — Herbert Howells
Adjudicators: Frank Renton & Dr. Roger Webster

Saturday 9th May
Draw: 9.00am
Commence: 10.00am

Live Comments

Live Comments by Malcolm Wood

What do we think?

An interesting contest lasting six and a half hours. In the modern era of new test pieces, an old classic in Pageantry has certainly sorted the bands out today. It’s been a case of putting three solid movements together and it has proved to be more successful for some than others.

There has been some good performances though and there could well be some bands making the journey home a touch disappointed later today after missing out on a podium finish, never mind promotion into the Grand Shield.

There isn’t too much in it at the top end though for us and it could come down to the personal preference in the box of what Frank Renton and Dr Roger Webster require.

However………….

4BR Prediction:

1. SWT Woodfalls
2. Skelmanthorpe
3. Powerfuel Hatfield
4. Marsden

Kingdom Brass (Craig Anderson), 20

Kings Herald:
Not the most precise of openings. It’s a touch messy and the detail does get lost and the ensemble is a touch bland. It does recover though almost as though the band settles into the acoustic with some good playing. Nearly sop, but not quite – and the closing section could be tighter.

Cortege:
It’s an uncertain opening but the horn has a commanding presence. Cornet is ok but the ensemble does need a touch more warmth and tenderness for us. This appears at the first climax which is a touch harsh. The ending doesn’t quite knit together.

Jousts:
It’s a very edgy cornet solo and it takes the gloss of the opening and hence detail is missing as we progress. It’s a touch overblown and harsh and as a result doesn’t really capture the style.

Overall: One that didn’t stand out today as much as they’d have hoped for.

Burry Port (Craig Roberts), 19

Kings Herald:
We’ve heard better openings than this today but it does recover. Detail is not as prominent as it could be but the style appeals. Well done euph, sop wavers just a touch. Ensemble gets a little OTT and is aggressive to close. Not quite a herald.

Cortege:
Baritones are just a touch uncertain to open but horn performs well, but a touch more euphonium would be ideal. Cornet solo isn’t bad at all. The climax is a little bit understated and in need of a touch more warmth. Moves well and sop does ok this time. Closing is ok but not memorable.

Jousts:
It’s a cautious opening statement from cornet – just a touch more brio required. Not all the detail is clear although the style is good. It does sound a touch difficult and it’s a hard sound and isn’t really effective.

Overall:
It had moments of real Welsh passion but it won’t be enough today.

Powerfuel Hatfield Colliery (Graham O'Connor), 18

Kings Herald:
A really confident bold opening that is secure. There is detail coming through and the style is highly commendable. This is full of pomp and the sop does well. Some fine ensemble on display as well and it’s a fine finish to a movement containing lots of character.

Cortege:
Excellent baritones and horn does very well indeed with fine projection. Solo cornet is excellent there is a fine climax. This is really good playing. Well done sop and the end is so delicate.

Jousts:
Solo cornet is forceful and bold almost laying down the law. It’s all good stuff though, with loads of detail coming through. It’s clearly been well rehearsed and so well delivered. Classy ending.

Overall: A very impressive reading full of Yorkshire grit

Dalmellington (Archie Hutchison), 17

Kings Herald:
It’s a bold opening but it doesn’t quite come off with not all the detail coming through. The style is good but its not as precise as it could be. Euph does ok though and the ensemble supports well. Sop does well towards the end and the detail shines through.

Cortege:
Some uncertainties in the baritone line but horn does well. Cornet does ok and she delivers a lovely tender sound. First climax isn’t the best. Sop is good though, well done holds nerve and it closes somberly.

Jousts:
Cornet fanfare is a touch nervy and without that crispness. There is detail to be heard but slight blemishes also detract. The musical shape isn’t bad at all and there is lots to admire – well done euph. It’s all confident stuff right to the end but it does sound a touch hard on the ear.

Overall:
A performance that didn’t quite come off

SWT Woodfalls (Dr Nicholas Childs), 16

Kings Herald:
A bold assertive opening – very confident start. There is lots of detail and a strong and effective style. Good euph and ensemble playing to compliment it. It’s really neat and tidy. Sop is good, the detail is evident again. It’s all clean and tidy to close.

Cortege:
Nice baritone duet and horn projects so well. Cornet does well and has a tender and delicate feel. Just right. First climax is really good stuff – the music has time to breathe (one of the few Md’s who has done that today). Well done sop, wavers only slightly. It all has a lovely understated feeling.

Jousts:
Solo cornet is excellent – a great heraldic call to arms. Loads of detail – its all so vividly placed and a terrific style. Well done euph and well done MD – shape is so musical and its all played with a great deal of confidence and the odd touch of swagger.

Overall:
A fine reading and a fine performance that should be in the mix.

Staffordshire (Huw Thomas), 15

Kings Herald:
Confident and upbeat opening. The detail is coming through as it the style and shape of the music. Nice euph and sop does well. It’s neat and tidy this and there’s a real Royal style that leads to a firm close.

Cortege:
Nice opening from baritones and horns leads to a confident solo cornet player. First climax is excellent – warm and musical and nice on the ear. Sop once more does ok and there is a somber feel to the close.

Jousts:
Cornet does ok but the odd blip detracts. Here after, lots of quality, confident style with purposeful playing. It’s just a touch quick towards the end but exciting.

Overall:
Good show this that was confident, musical and well directed.

Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles), 14

Kings Herald:
Good purposeful opening that is very effective. Detail is good and it knits together well. Soprano comes off and so does ensemble and it’s a good finish to a movement of character.

Cortege:
Excellent baritones and horn shows qualities with nice projection. Solo Cornet is nice, so tender and all this sounds so well rehearsed but there is a touch in the baritone/horn area at the close.

Jousts:
Solo Cornet is forceful and bold in delivery. Lots of good detail and again it sounds well-drilled. Trombones are effective and it is big and bold to close

Overall:
A good reading that although had the odd moment was very well executed.

Bournemouth Concert Brass (Jonathan Camps), 13

Kings Herald:
Not a bad opening but there is some loose ensemble takes the edge of it. Detail is not as prominent as some but style good. Soprano doesn’t quite come off and neither does ensemble. Ending seems overblown and lacks crispness required.

Cortege:
Nervous baritone leads to tentative horn. Well done Solo Cornet – nicely done. First climax is big but needs touch more warmth. Needs a touch more confidence at times. Sop survives and the ending is somber but not secure.

Jousts:
Steady approach to the cornet solo that has the odd glitch. Ensemble style is ok but it is a little up and at ‘em. Tempo seems to lose detail and it does feel brash and hard at the close.

Overall: Not up there with the best of them for us today.

Aldbourne (Melvin White), 12

Kings Herald:
Opening is bold and confident. MD crafts detail out of the score and it’s a very individual reading. We like the stately style – bravo. Sop and euph do ok but its not without blips along the way. The approach is good, but there are blips.

Cortege:
Uncomfortable nervous opening from the baritones and horn. Cornet is steady and a touch cautious
There is a nice build to first climax which is well handled – there is quality here under the surface. Sop does ok and there is a somber feel.

Jousts:
The call to arms of the brave knight is a touch uncertain but it recovers with plenty of good detail and this is where the band has been at its strongest. Good close.

Overall: It never really came off for us. Quality in places but inconsistent.

Stocksbridge (Miles Davison) 11

Kings Herald:
A purposeful and authoritative opening. Lots of detail in evidence and the style has much to commend. Preparation has gone in. Well done sop and there is good playing throughout the band. A good opening section.

Cortege:
Uncomfortable opening but horn is confident. Solo cornet just needs a touch much warmth for us. It recovers through to first climax which has a nice full sound and is round. Sop does well. Sombre feel to close.

Jousts:
Good attacking cornet solo, just tiny glitches but its heart on sleeve stuff. Detail is good. Lots to commend here and the band feels comfortable with the style required. Perhaps a touch quick in the final section but so much to admire.

Overall:
Decent show just the second section that started uncomfortably took the edge of.

Comfort Break

Ashton-under-Lyne (Martyn Evans), 10

Kings Herald:
Not a bad opening. It flows well with good detail. The style is good and the band plays in a relaxed style. Well done, good close to section.

Cortege:
Nice baritones and the horn compliments. Cornet does well – just the odd glitch. There’s a nice feel to this though and its generally well executed. Nice soprano and some nice playing to a thoughtful end.

Jousts: Cornet does well – just the odd blip. Some good detail is evident. Good ensemble work that brings it to a positive close.

Overall:
Good show this with some fine relaxed playing despite the unusual seating plan.

Unison Kinneal (Paul Drury), 9

Kings Herald:
Firm opening but not without slips. There is detail in evidence and the style is good. Sop does well but other detail not always there. The ending is nicely done though.

Cortege:
Balance in baritones is suspect and horn along with cornet do sound nervy but both survive. First climax has warmth. There remains an edgy feel throughout the section although it has nice style.

Jousts:
The cornet call is a touch rushed and nervy. The tempo is sensible, just a few blips and touch of tiredness does creep in at the end.

Overall:
Not bad at all, but it did have slips that took the edge of it.

Bo'ness & Carriden (Steve Sykes), 8

Kings Herald:
Steady opening that is laced with caution. It just needs a touch more detail and vibrancy for us. It has quality and a warmth in sound. Sop is touch edgy but ensemble is nice. Touch overblown at the end

Cortege:
Baritone balance works and horn is good. Cornet is good and ensemble has the right kind of pathos. Ending is well delivered.

Jousts:
Cornet does well with nice style and real articulation. Ensemble detail and style is good and has a good shape. Some nice touches here and there too. The ending is ok.

Overall:
A good reading but a performance that perhaps didn’t meet the musical intentions of the MD.

Skelmanthorpe (John Roberts), 7

Kings Herald:
Good solid opening and we hear real detail and style. It’s a nice grand style, euph does well. Sop does well and we hear good clean detail . Crisp and effective. This moves well and reflects pomp and pride. Fine end.

Cortege:
Well done baritones and horn, some really good stuff. First climax is warm tuneful and grand in style. It all works together well and there is lots to admire here – bravo!

Jousts: Solo Cornet is good with just a hint of nerves. Detail is good, well done euph, it’s great, so assured. All the detail is there, its so triumphant in style and its played with so much confidence. Great ending.

Overall:
A really good interpretation with lots of fine playing.

Knottingley Silver (Dr Owen Wedgwood), 6

Kings Herald:
A decent opening. Odd clips but the detail is there as is good band sound. MD keeps it flowing. Good troms but euph is touch edgy. Nice style, very regal, but sop does sound uncomfortable. Good build to to finish that is rounded off brightly.

Cortege:
Not 100% in baritone lines. Horn does well despite the odd glitch. Solo cornet is a touch cautious even though it is a cortege. Ending has nice feel to it.

Jousts:
Well done solo cornet, a fine piece of work. The attention to detail is good but there are lapses which take the gloss of it. Some over-blowing in places and it is excitable perhaps. Not all of the detail evident in final section.

Overall:
Mixed. The good stuff was really in there but it had blips.

Fishburn (Alan Morrison), 5

Kings Herald:
Firm opening – bright cornets which really shine. Lots of detail evident and the regal style required is evident. Sop does well – good ensemble playing thereafter. Nice conclusion.

Cortege:
There are a few nerves around but horn is nice. Cornet does well and plays with warmth. Ending is excellent and well delivered.

Jousts:
Nervous cornet to open . Detail isn’t too bad and we like the style. The ensemble work is good and supports well. The MD works out fine tempo to close. Tight and crisp with plenty of excitement.

Overall:
A good one this with lots to admire and a fine reading from the middle.

Marsden Silver Prize (Ossett Brewery) (Glyn Williams), 4

Kings Herald:
Good opening, nice and bold, loads of detail. Great style and they’ve set out their stall to deliver here. Some excellent solo lines and it’s a big, bold finish.

Cortege:
Excellent opening from baritones and horn is quality, great projection. Solo cornet follows suit and it’s a fine climax. There is some fine playing and it’s the best close so far, real somber, heart-felt stuff.

Jousts:
Solo cornet is purposeful and bold. Lots of detail comes through. Well done euph, this sounds so good. Bravo MD – this is so well shaped. Big and bold but still rounded. Huge ending is very satisfying.

Overall:
Really good performance this so classy and commanding.

Cwmaman Institute Silver (David Evans), 3

Kings Herald:
Not a bad opening just lacks the fanfare ingredient. There is lots of detail on show though and the MD has set out a fine canvas. Style is regal but touch staid. It’s just a touch wayward at times and it takes the edge of it. Well done sop. It’s a steady close.

Cortege:
Not the best of openings, it’s very uncertain. Cornet and horn survive just. The climax is good though and this has clearly been well thought out. Sop does ok and it’s a rather somber close.

Jousts:
It’s a rather steady call to arms with the odd blip. Not quite jousting pace but nice style with detail. It improves as it goes along but it is a touch brash and hard at the close.

Overall:
Not too bad, but didn’t quite have the consistency throughout required.

United Co-op Crewe (Jef Sparkes), 2

Kings Herald:
Good opening – nice and bold – we like the detail but possibly a touch loud. Fine style and they’ve really set out their stall. Some fine solo lines and it has nice big finish.

Cortege:
Not quite 100% in baritone but effective horn – minor blip doesn’t detract. Solo cornet is nice on the ear, lovely tone. We sit, listen and enjoy, its all nicely done to the first climax. Sop does well – a fine close to a movement that had the right feel and sentimentality.

Jousts:
Solo cornet is good and carried on by fine ensemble and solo lines. Well done euph, it sounds great. Well done MD – so well shaped, big, bold but so effective. Huge ending is satisfying.

Overall:
Good stuff this, plenty of confidence on show in a well delivered performance.

Lindley (Nick Payne), 1

Kings Herald:
Not a bad opening but a touch of loose ensemble takes the edge of a little. Detail not totally evident, but style is good. Soprano doesn’t quite come off and neither does ensemble. Ending is touch over-blown.

Cortege:
Baritones not quite there and this leads to tentative horn. Nerves are in evidence but well done solo cornet who does a good job. First Climax is big but not totally warm and tuneful. Just needs touch more confidence. Soprano survives and ending touch somber but not totally secure.

Jousts:
Very steady approach to the cornet solo – the odd glitch but it’s a good attempt. Ensemble style is very much up at ‘em. Tempo isn’t bad but it just seems touch brash and hard to close.

Overall:
One that had its moments for sure but was a touch uneven at times.