I will go with Verwood for this section
Verwood didn't hold back, an all guns blazing performance and great to listen to, well played
A strong performance from Kidlington, it is not a piece I know well enough to make comment on, but the performance came across as solid and an enjoyable listen. There was some great impact in the dynamics and the solo sections were very good.
It's a big piece and was well handled.
Up next is Verwood Concert Brass
The Championship Section will start at 16:15
2nd Section Results
Best Instrumentalist - Solo Cornet with Cinderford
3rd Place - Chinnor
2nd Place - Gosport Solent
1st Place - Cinderford
2nd Section
Last band in the section is Cinderford.
A good pace to start and the band stay with it, if this keeps going it will an interesting task for the adjudicator.
Good balance, pace keeps going, only a few slips.
This is another good performance and well constructed, good dynamics, good tempo and together.
Cinderford must be in with a shout.
2nd Section
Band Number 4 Shrewton have withdrawn
Band number 5 is Gosport
The opening struggled, feels the tempo is just too quick. The band take time to settle, but when they do we get some great sounds and some lovely moments to enjoy.
This is growing into a great performance, some slips, but in the main very solid, a shame about the opening
A solid ending
2nd Section
Chinnor Silver Band
A solid start and the band are playing well, together, well balanced and good dynamics.
The tidy playing continues throughout the piece, very few slips and a well controlled performance.
Great solo sections that all come across well, this is a well thought out performance.
Good ending, this was a great performance and will be a tough one to beat.
2nd Section
Oxford Cherwell Brass
A good opening that then becomes a little untidy and the band are not playing together, it comes back and the band settle.
A lovely balance and precision within the sections helps to bring the music out and we get some delightful moments.
Well played Solo Cornet. The band are moving along well and very few issues, good dynamics and together and the 2nd half of the piece comes across very well.
A solid ending
2nd Section
Yiewsley and West Drayton, a good opening but some parts not coming through, a mixed opening, some good sounds and tidy playing but also getting some untidy endings to notes and phrases.
Balance comes and goes, sounds great when it's balanced.
Lovely sound from the Euphonium and solo passages are well presented, nicely played Soprano solo.
The mix of lovely and not so continue, with sections which fit and sound great but other areas where the band are not together.
The performance was well delivered, some sections of uncertainty mixed in with some great sounds and some good shape.
4th Section Results:
1: Abbey Brass (Abingdon) Band - (Rob Tompkins)
2: Wantage Academy Band - (Nikki Jones)
3: Witney Town Band - (Chris Barker)
Best Instrumentalist: Eb Bass - Abbey Brass (Abingdon) Band
4th Section
Witney Town Band sound quite cautious to start, as the piece progresses the parts gel and the sounds come through.
The tempo moves around in places, the band go with it so it comes across well, some lovely balance.
I am losing some of the detail in the piece, which is a shame.
Good move into the Giocoso, that then seemed to lose it's way for a few bars, picks up nicely though and sounds great as it progresses.
The final section of the piece is well handled and comes across well.
4th Section
Wantage Academy get off to a great start, really solid sounds and move together nicely. The tempo fluctuates a little in places, but the band maintain the lovely sound. The move into the giocoso is well handled and remains solid. A good ending and overall a very good performance. Well done
4th Section
A solid performance from Brunel Brass, some great sounds around the band, not without some slips, but in the main they should be very pleased with that performance.
4th Section
The band playing number 1 is Abbey Brass, 4th Section as I was conducting I will just say well done band, I enjoyed the performance.
The draw for this section is
Abbey Brass
Brunel Brass Academy
Wantage Academy
Witney Town Band
In the first section I will go with Wotton-Under-Edge and Hook Norton in the Unregistered Section
Results of the 1st Section and the Unregistered Section will follow shortly.
Unregistered Section
Hook Norton Brass Band playing voices of youth
A very assured performance, this band would do well in the 4th section, the playing is confident, good balance, very few intonation issues and players clearly listen to each other.
Not a performance without slips, but what I am hearing is solid and well presented.
Unregistered Section
Yarnton playing Indian Summer
Can't stop smiling, well played, such enthusiasm, together, well balanced and sounded great.
Well done
We go straight into the
unregistered section with Yarnton playing Indian Summer to open the section. Hook Norton are also in the unregistered section and will play Voices of Youth.
1st Section
Wotton-Under-Edge
A great opening and the intent is there from the start, great shape and care taken with each phrase.
It isn't a performance without slips, but the playing is very precise and clean in the main.
Dynamics are good and well controlled, the balance is very good, all parts can be heard and come across well.
This is a well constructed performance and a delight to hear.
There were some slips, but this shouldn't detract from what has been some excellent playing.
1st Section
City of Bristol
Not an easy opening and it took a while to settle, but settle it did and the piece took shape from there, some moments of uncertainty mixed with some solid and well balanced sounds. The precision of the ensemble is lost in place and then there are some delightful moments where everything comes together and the warmth of sound is excellent.
The band play through the quiet and slow sections with ease and it comes across well, into the quicker tempo and some of the clarity is lost. Dynamics are good and in the main well controlled.
Good ending.
This was a mixed performance, some untidy areas, but also some great moments.
1st Section - 2 bands
City of Bristol up first and then Wotton-Under-Edge
3rd Section Results
Best Euphonium - Nailsworth
Best Instrumentalist - Ocean Brass Flugel
3rd - Olney Brass
2nd - Verwood Town
1st - Ocean Brass
3rd Section Summary
A good mix of performances, and in my opinion the bands that will be fighting it out for the top spots are Ocean Brass and Olney.
In the mix for the places I would say are Lydney and Verwood.
It's been a good contest and so good to hear the bands.
3rd Section
With Tadley withdrawn from the contest the next and final band will be Nailsworth.
A nice opening with some lovely full sounds, not without some intonation issues, but the balance is good and the control is evident and a good ending.
Nice and tidy to open the 2nd movement, some slips creep in but the momentum is kept, good carillon and nice swagger from the troms, loses the balance as the movement progresses and dominant sounds are heard a little untidy towards the end of the movement.
A good opening to the 3rd movement, bari and euph blend well, it sounds very cautious and not as confident as the band move through the movement and it does settle and you get to hear the band and it's a lovely sound.
A confident opening to the 4th movement and feels controlled, nice bass section, control starts to go in places, but comes back as the band move onto the next phrase, a good opening to this movement is lost a little as the movement progresses.
Overall very good, but with some sections that lacked clarity and precision.
3rd Section
Godalming Band are the 6th band in this section.
The opening doesn't feel confident, some untidy phrase endings, there are moments where the balance is good and those phrases work well.
The 2nd movement lacks clarity, again you get glimpses of the bands ability and it would be nice to hear more of this.
Lovely opening from the Bari and Euph in the 3rd movement, the flugel has a lovely sound and when the air is allowed to flow that sound comes across so well. The band are well balanced and the basses are giving us a very solid bass on which the other sounds sit, it is a well put together movement.
The start of the 4th movement sounds like a band unleashed, power and precision and a real sense of confidence, it skips along at a good tempo and feels light. A sense of enjoyment from the band is helping this along and is a good ending to the piece.
3rd Section
Band Number 5 are Verwood Town Band
We get another good opening to the piece and attention to detail really helps get the opening movement to sound triumphant and controlled.
A mixed opening to the 2nd movement, some slips alongside some great sounds, good contrasts and use of dynamics keep the 2nd movement moving along.
The 3rd movement opens well, could be a little smoother and more flow, lovely sound from the Flugel. Good blend from the front row cornets and well balanced troms works well in this movement.
A big opening to the 4th movement where the empty beats have as much impact at the played beats, a good end to the performance, not without some slips and some sections that didn't sound as confident, but overall it was well played.
3rd Section
Ocean Brass are the 4th band in the section.
A very precise and well controlled opening to the piece, this will make the adjudicator sit up and listen, ends of phrases are spot on and balance is very good.
The 2nd movement didn't get off to the best start, but back on track almost immediately and the control and balance gives the piece a great depth and all parts are coming across well. This movement is not as tidy as the opening movement, but in the main was well played.
Into the movement 3 and a good opening from Bari and Euph and then taken on by the Flugel which is confident and sounds great. The balance of the band is helping the 3rd movement come across and has some nice shape that makes it nice to listen to, a good movement.
The final movement has a great feel to it, some slips, but this is well played and ends a very good performance from Ocean Brass, this will give the adjudicator something to think about.
3rd Section
Playing next is Lydney Town Band with a last minute change in conductor, Joshua Ruck stepping in.
Playing Olympus by Philip Harper
A great performance, some moments of insecurity, intonation issues creep in to some areas of the piece, but the drive and dynamics are well placed and it has a great feeling of movement.
The slower and quieter sections of the piece and well balanced and allow the underneath parts to be heard, not without slips, but a lovely full sound which is great to hear.
When the volume is turned up you get a full sound and nothing sticks out, a lovely warm sound where needed and good use of the dynamics have really helped this performance.
A great piece and well played.
3rd Section
Band Number two is Olney Brass
Good shape to the opening, a very secure start and well balanced to show off the lovely chords.
A good opening movement, well controlled and well balanced.
The opening to the 2nd movement is not as secure and a couple of slips detract from the overall performance, things then settle and we get back to the full sound. Lovely carillon effect and you can now feel the confidence return and with it comes a much better sound.
Good opening from Euph and Baritones to the 3rd movement, very quiet but very secure. A well thought out and well presented movement, lovely sounds from the Flugel and well match in balance by the band. A well controlled ending.
The final movement opens well but of the 4 movements is the one that feels unsecure, it has some great moments, but doesn't quite meet the standard of the opening 3 movements. A good solid finish and this the performance to beat in this section, some great playing.
Well done.
3rd Section
Band Number one is Welwyn Garden City
A very tidy opening, some untidy ends of phrases but a secure opening. Everything is being played but it feels very cautious.
A good opening to the 2nd movement that then loses shape and becomes a little loose, the piece comes to life as it moves into the more upbeat section and the band sound more secure. The band sound like they are starting to settle now.
More exposed sections in the 3rd movement and soloists do well, the band sound quite heavy in the accompaniment, it has a relaxed feel and is well balanced as the movement progresses and again you can hear the confidence return, good ending.
A good opening to the last movement and it has a nice feel to it, good dynamics and well presented, this movement is by far the better of the 4 for Welwyn Garden, it had a few slips, but was secure in the main.
Overall it had some great moments, mixed with some untidy sections, but well done and so good to hear a band playing again at the contest after such a long lay-off.
3rd Section Draw - 1st band is at 11:30am
- Welwyn Garden City
- Olney Brass
- Lydney Town Band (Olympus by Philip Harper)
- Ocean Brass
- Verwood Town
- Godalming
- Tadley Concert - Withdrawn
- Nailsworth
All bands will be playing Facets of Glass unless stated otherwise.
3rd Section will kick things off at 11:30 - I will post the draw just before the section starts.
Venue: Marlborough School (MEC),
Shipton Road, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1LP
Adjudicator: Dr David Lancaster
Saturday 26th February - 3rd Section - 11:30am, 1st Section - 3:30pm, Unregistered Section - 4:10pm
Sunday 27th February - 4th Section - 11am, 2nd Section - 1:45pm, Championship Section - 4:15pm
I will go with Verwood for this section
Verwood didn't hold back, an all guns blazing performance and great to listen to, well played
A strong performance from Kidlington, it is not a piece I know well enough to make comment on, but the performance came across as solid and an enjoyable listen. There was some great impact in the dynamics and the solo sections were very good.
It's a big piece and was well handled.
Up next is Verwood Concert Brass
The Championship Section will start at 16:15
2nd Section Results
Best Instrumentalist - Solo Cornet with Cinderford
3rd Place - Chinnor
2nd Place - Gosport Solent
1st Place - Cinderford
2nd Section
Last band in the section is Cinderford.
A good pace to start and the band stay with it, if this keeps going it will an interesting task for the adjudicator.
Good balance, pace keeps going, only a few slips.
This is another good performance and well constructed, good dynamics, good tempo and together.
Cinderford must be in with a shout.
2nd Section
Band Number 4 Shrewton have withdrawn
Band number 5 is Gosport
The opening struggled, feels the tempo is just too quick. The band take time to settle, but when they do we get some great sounds and some lovely moments to enjoy.
This is growing into a great performance, some slips, but in the main very solid, a shame about the opening
A solid ending
2nd Section
Chinnor Silver Band
A solid start and the band are playing well, together, well balanced and good dynamics.
The tidy playing continues throughout the piece, very few slips and a well controlled performance.
Great solo sections that all come across well, this is a well thought out performance.
Good ending, this was a great performance and will be a tough one to beat.
2nd Section
Oxford Cherwell Brass
A good opening that then becomes a little untidy and the band are not playing together, it comes back and the band settle.
A lovely balance and precision within the sections helps to bring the music out and we get some delightful moments.
Well played Solo Cornet. The band are moving along well and very few issues, good dynamics and together and the 2nd half of the piece comes across very well.
A solid ending
2nd Section
Yiewsley and West Drayton, a good opening but some parts not coming through, a mixed opening, some good sounds and tidy playing but also getting some untidy endings to notes and phrases.
Balance comes and goes, sounds great when it's balanced.
Lovely sound from the Euphonium and solo passages are well presented, nicely played Soprano solo.
The mix of lovely and not so continue, with sections which fit and sound great but other areas where the band are not together.
The performance was well delivered, some sections of uncertainty mixed in with some great sounds and some good shape.
4th Section Results:
1: Abbey Brass (Abingdon) Band - (Rob Tompkins)
2: Wantage Academy Band - (Nikki Jones)
3: Witney Town Band - (Chris Barker)
Best Instrumentalist: Eb Bass - Abbey Brass (Abingdon) Band
4th Section
Witney Town Band sound quite cautious to start, as the piece progresses the parts gel and the sounds come through.
The tempo moves around in places, the band go with it so it comes across well, some lovely balance.
I am losing some of the detail in the piece, which is a shame.
Good move into the Giocoso, that then seemed to lose it's way for a few bars, picks up nicely though and sounds great as it progresses.
The final section of the piece is well handled and comes across well.
4th Section
Wantage Academy get off to a great start, really solid sounds and move together nicely. The tempo fluctuates a little in places, but the band maintain the lovely sound. The move into the giocoso is well handled and remains solid. A good ending and overall a very good performance. Well done
4th Section
A solid performance from Brunel Brass, some great sounds around the band, not without some slips, but in the main they should be very pleased with that performance.
4th Section
The band playing number 1 is Abbey Brass, 4th Section as I was conducting I will just say well done band, I enjoyed the performance.
The draw for this section is
Abbey Brass
Brunel Brass Academy
Wantage Academy
Witney Town Band
1st Section Best instrumentalist - Euphonium - City of Bristol Brass Band
1st Section Winners - Wotton-Under-Edge
Unregistered Best instrumentalist - Euphonium - Hook Norton Brass Band
Unregistered Winners - Hook Norton Brass Band
In the first section I will go with Wotton-Under-Edge and Hook Norton in the Unregistered Section
Results of the 1st Section and the Unregistered Section will follow shortly.
Unregistered Section
Hook Norton Brass Band playing voices of youth
A very assured performance, this band would do well in the 4th section, the playing is confident, good balance, very few intonation issues and players clearly listen to each other.
Not a performance without slips, but what I am hearing is solid and well presented.
Unregistered Section
Yarnton playing Indian Summer
Can't stop smiling, well played, such enthusiasm, together, well balanced and sounded great.
Well done
We go straight into the unregistered section with Yarnton playing Indian Summer to open the section. Hook Norton are also in the unregistered section and will play Voices of Youth.
1st Section
Wotton-Under-Edge
A great opening and the intent is there from the start, great shape and care taken with each phrase.
It isn't a performance without slips, but the playing is very precise and clean in the main.
Dynamics are good and well controlled, the balance is very good, all parts can be heard and come across well.
This is a well constructed performance and a delight to hear.
There were some slips, but this shouldn't detract from what has been some excellent playing.
1st Section
City of Bristol
Not an easy opening and it took a while to settle, but settle it did and the piece took shape from there, some moments of uncertainty mixed with some solid and well balanced sounds. The precision of the ensemble is lost in place and then there are some delightful moments where everything comes together and the warmth of sound is excellent.
The band play through the quiet and slow sections with ease and it comes across well, into the quicker tempo and some of the clarity is lost. Dynamics are good and in the main well controlled.
Good ending.
This was a mixed performance, some untidy areas, but also some great moments.
1st Section - 2 bands
City of Bristol up first and then Wotton-Under-Edge
3rd Section Results
Best Euphonium - Nailsworth
Best Instrumentalist - Ocean Brass Flugel
3rd - Olney Brass
2nd - Verwood Town
1st - Ocean Brass
3rd Section Summary
A good mix of performances, and in my opinion the bands that will be fighting it out for the top spots are Ocean Brass and Olney.
In the mix for the places I would say are Lydney and Verwood.
It's been a good contest and so good to hear the bands.
3rd Section
With Tadley withdrawn from the contest the next and final band will be Nailsworth.
A nice opening with some lovely full sounds, not without some intonation issues, but the balance is good and the control is evident and a good ending.
Nice and tidy to open the 2nd movement, some slips creep in but the momentum is kept, good carillon and nice swagger from the troms, loses the balance as the movement progresses and dominant sounds are heard a little untidy towards the end of the movement.
A good opening to the 3rd movement, bari and euph blend well, it sounds very cautious and not as confident as the band move through the movement and it does settle and you get to hear the band and it's a lovely sound.
A confident opening to the 4th movement and feels controlled, nice bass section, control starts to go in places, but comes back as the band move onto the next phrase, a good opening to this movement is lost a little as the movement progresses.
Overall very good, but with some sections that lacked clarity and precision.
3rd Section
Godalming Band are the 6th band in this section.
The opening doesn't feel confident, some untidy phrase endings, there are moments where the balance is good and those phrases work well.
The 2nd movement lacks clarity, again you get glimpses of the bands ability and it would be nice to hear more of this.
Lovely opening from the Bari and Euph in the 3rd movement, the flugel has a lovely sound and when the air is allowed to flow that sound comes across so well. The band are well balanced and the basses are giving us a very solid bass on which the other sounds sit, it is a well put together movement.
The start of the 4th movement sounds like a band unleashed, power and precision and a real sense of confidence, it skips along at a good tempo and feels light. A sense of enjoyment from the band is helping this along and is a good ending to the piece.
3rd Section
Band Number 5 are Verwood Town Band
We get another good opening to the piece and attention to detail really helps get the opening movement to sound triumphant and controlled.
A mixed opening to the 2nd movement, some slips alongside some great sounds, good contrasts and use of dynamics keep the 2nd movement moving along.
The 3rd movement opens well, could be a little smoother and more flow, lovely sound from the Flugel. Good blend from the front row cornets and well balanced troms works well in this movement.
A big opening to the 4th movement where the empty beats have as much impact at the played beats, a good end to the performance, not without some slips and some sections that didn't sound as confident, but overall it was well played.
3rd Section
Ocean Brass are the 4th band in the section.
A very precise and well controlled opening to the piece, this will make the adjudicator sit up and listen, ends of phrases are spot on and balance is very good.
The 2nd movement didn't get off to the best start, but back on track almost immediately and the control and balance gives the piece a great depth and all parts are coming across well. This movement is not as tidy as the opening movement, but in the main was well played.
Into the movement 3 and a good opening from Bari and Euph and then taken on by the Flugel which is confident and sounds great. The balance of the band is helping the 3rd movement come across and has some nice shape that makes it nice to listen to, a good movement.
The final movement has a great feel to it, some slips, but this is well played and ends a very good performance from Ocean Brass, this will give the adjudicator something to think about.
3rd Section
Playing next is Lydney Town Band with a last minute change in conductor, Joshua Ruck stepping in.
Playing Olympus by Philip Harper
A great performance, some moments of insecurity, intonation issues creep in to some areas of the piece, but the drive and dynamics are well placed and it has a great feeling of movement.
The slower and quieter sections of the piece and well balanced and allow the underneath parts to be heard, not without slips, but a lovely full sound which is great to hear.
When the volume is turned up you get a full sound and nothing sticks out, a lovely warm sound where needed and good use of the dynamics have really helped this performance.
A great piece and well played.
3rd Section
Band Number two is Olney Brass
Good shape to the opening, a very secure start and well balanced to show off the lovely chords.
A good opening movement, well controlled and well balanced.
The opening to the 2nd movement is not as secure and a couple of slips detract from the overall performance, things then settle and we get back to the full sound. Lovely carillon effect and you can now feel the confidence return and with it comes a much better sound.
Good opening from Euph and Baritones to the 3rd movement, very quiet but very secure. A well thought out and well presented movement, lovely sounds from the Flugel and well match in balance by the band. A well controlled ending.
The final movement opens well but of the 4 movements is the one that feels unsecure, it has some great moments, but doesn't quite meet the standard of the opening 3 movements. A good solid finish and this the performance to beat in this section, some great playing.
Well done.
3rd Section
Band Number one is Welwyn Garden City
A very tidy opening, some untidy ends of phrases but a secure opening. Everything is being played but it feels very cautious.
A good opening to the 2nd movement that then loses shape and becomes a little loose, the piece comes to life as it moves into the more upbeat section and the band sound more secure. The band sound like they are starting to settle now.
More exposed sections in the 3rd movement and soloists do well, the band sound quite heavy in the accompaniment, it has a relaxed feel and is well balanced as the movement progresses and again you can hear the confidence return, good ending.
A good opening to the last movement and it has a nice feel to it, good dynamics and well presented, this movement is by far the better of the 4 for Welwyn Garden, it had a few slips, but was secure in the main.
Overall it had some great moments, mixed with some untidy sections, but well done and so good to hear a band playing again at the contest after such a long lay-off.
3rd Section Draw - 1st band is at 11:30am
All bands will be playing Facets of Glass unless stated otherwise.
3rd Section will kick things off at 11:30 - I will post the draw just before the section starts.
Venue: Marlborough School (MEC), Shipton Road, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1LP
Adjudicator: Dr David Lancaster
Saturday 26th February - 3rd Section - 11:30am, 1st Section - 3:30pm, Unregistered Section - 4:10pm
Sunday 27th February - 4th Section - 11am, 2nd Section - 1:45pm, Championship Section - 4:15pm