Butlins Mineworkers Open National Brass Band Festival 2014

The weekends report courtesy of 4barsrest.com

"We have to say though, that it is exceptionally close between Desford and Flowers and could go either way. They were some way ahead of the rest this weekend and either would be a worthy champion".

Championship Section • Saturday 18, 14:19:28

Draw No. 6 Desford (Tom Davoran)

Such dark and bold sounds in a majestic opening that only briefly loses its focus. There are a couple of tuning issues, but musically this is so well laid out - a true Chorale, even if it is one very much crepuscular in intent.

A nippy tempo to start the long accelerando but it pulses and bristles with energy and momentum. There is plenty of fine solo and ensemble work in evidence here and that tempo has just edged up through the next two sections - appearing to know where it is destined to finish up too.

The final section is up in the red zone, but still it bubbles and fizzes. Not everything is razor sharp but that ensemble drive is so coherent. At last - we carry on accelerating right to the end - helped by a great trom trio who push the ensemble forward.

The final few bars just sneak up a few revs too.

Overall:
The most coherent musical and technical performance of the contest by a margin - the technical aim was met in full and with a sense of musicality too. A quality rendition this.

Championship Section • Sunday 19, 16:53:07

Draw No. 12 Desford Colliery (Tom Davoren)

Desford really go for it to open with a thumping 'Bat out of Hell' - one that Meatloaf would be proud off and then follow that up with the deft touch of Emily Cumby and Becky McChrystal playing the 'Flight of the Bumble Bee'.

There is a neat touch of humour to go with the superb playing - all without music. Classy, clever and entertaining.

There is also a touch of real virtuosity about this programme themed on damnation and redemption - with trombonist Jonathan Pippen the next to showcase his abilities with an outstanding performance of 'Diversions on Calon Lan'. Tremendous playing.

Much to admire about the second playing of 'Magnum Mysterium' too - tasteful, elegant and refined - although it was played at a pretty safe dynamic level.

Final redemption comes with the Sally Army - and Dean Jones's 'Glorifico Aeternum' - played at a cracking pace. It hangs in there at times but the drive and excitement wins through. If you are to save your soul and get your hands on the £10,000 first prize this hasn't been a bad way to do it.

Overall:
Desford have put the work in this weekend - and haven't left anything to luck or judgement with this programme either. Well selected items that played to undoubted strengths and had that added bit of prize winning virtuosity about it too.

Championship Section Results • Sunday 19, 23:04:37

Results: Championship Section
(Set test + Own Choice) = Total
Test Piece: 'Energy' - Robert Simpson
Adjudicators: David Read MBE and Derek Broadbent (Set Work) Ian Porthouse and Derek Southcott (Entertainment)

1. Flowers (Paul Holland) 1st/1st = 2
2. Desford Colliery (Tom Davoran) 2nd/2nd = 4
3. East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison) 3rd/6th = 9
4. Woodfalls (Phil Randell) 5th/5th = 10
5. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Leigh Baker) 7th/3rd = 10
6. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst) 4th/9th = 13
7. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke) 9th/4th = 13
8. Thoresby Colliery (Brian Grant/Steve March) 6th/10th = 16
9. Aveley & Newham (Melvin White) 8th/8th = 16
10. Wingates (Paul Andrews) 10th/7th = 17
11. Redbridge Brass (Jeremy Wise) 11th/11th = 22
12. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (David Nesbitt) 13th/12th = 25
13. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill) 12th/14th = 26
14. Wantage A (Phillip Bailey) 14th/13th = 27

Set Work placing takes precedence in event of tie.

Highest Placed Mining Band: Desford Colliery
Most Entertaining Band: Flowers
Geoff Dove Soloist Award: David Childs (Flowers) Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Best Bass Section: Desford Colliery

Courtesy of 4barsrest.com