The band travelled to Cheltenham at the weekend to represent the North West in the National Final Brass Band Championships.
Playing the test piece Connotations by Edward Gregson, we had soloists who played out their skin, first time contesters for some, and first time contest after a big break for all of us. Our performance was loved by some, but unfortunately not by the 2 people in the box.
4BR comments were very complimentary and they had us in 3rd position.
The twin elements of approach and execution came close to being intertwined best with Blackburn & Darwen with a flowing, confident account that owed as much to Daniel Thomas' approach at the helm as that of his players who responded to his gestures and inflections so well. Top marks to euph and cornet, but there was something to catch the ear all around the stand. Stylish playing — not without its unease and issues, but as close to mastering things as we have got today. Bravo. A band that sounded like a solid quality First Section outfit with the potential to step up in class.
British Bandsman also enjoyed our performance and had us in 4th position.
A measured opening, balanced and well controlled. With the change in tempo comes more depth of sound and a nice balance with it, the principal cornet has a lovely sound and really comes across well. The band have settled into this now and sound more confident and the dynamic contrasts now come in and sound great.
Good cadenzas and the move into the end of the piece has a great feeling of movement and the ending is very good. Nicely played, enjoyed that.
The band finished in 8th position out of 14 bands. We would like to thank David McLeod who travelled from Scotland to play solo trombone for us and did a sterling job.
The band now have a well deserved break after a very busy period and will then be busy rehearsing again for their first concert in over 2 years as well as preparing for the Wychavon Entertainments contest in late October.
Well done to every single band who performed throughout the weekend, it was marvellous to be competing again. Congratulations to all the winners.