OMG – Skegness is a long way! A long weekend of mixed emotions, but one which succeeded in its primary aim of bringing the band together.

Even though Andy Powis didn’t actually pull the tag out of the bag his presence was enough, and as is almost traditional, Chalford were drawn last in a huge field of 23.

Still, that left time for Lianne to find someone who would lend her the soprano part (Cheers Mark!)

All parts present and correct time for a relaxed rehearsal in the somewhat covert “Lakeside”, complete with table tamtam to work on a revised ending.

On to the main event! Steve was pleased with performance itself, once again close to those delivered in the band room. However, the adjudicators weren’t so keen, placing Chalford 18th.

Nevertheless, the mood in the coach on the way home was buoyant, with everyone looking forward to the regionals in March.

Many thanks to Chris Jones for organising the weekend, and to Kieran and Sean Morgan for driving.

Good opening. Builds well in [B]. Well done soloists. [C] lacks impact. Not all parts sustain dynamics (balance). [D] has good pace but intonation not secure on cornets, particularly. [F] a little messy. [G] lacks impact. It should be first ‘ff’ but was temperate. [H] The lines (sp?) do not all marry up. Early entry 102. [I] Lacks empathy, for me. Piu Mosso better, though each fragment of melody if rather separate, and do not really link. [L] sounds rather tentative on some parts. [M] all the notes and rhythms are there but lacking on atmosphere, today. [O] messy just before [P] Good attempt of the effects at [P] but it is all a little subdued. [Q] lacks ‘bounce’ [S] fine [T] the melody is lost in the texture and much more sop required, please. Why rall before [W]? The dynamic at the end sounds tired.
Thank you for your performance, though a lack of shape and impact was detrimental today.
NICHOLAS GARMAN

Good Opening. Nice link to [B] – confident soloist. (33)-(37) some untidy moments and not all detail clear (45) chord is well balanced. [D] some tuning issues in the horns [F] tempo change effective – ensemble is untidy [G] f/ff not balanced [H] effective, cornet entry untidy. Well done euph. [I] could have more musical shape please. Piu Mosso – good trom! The inner parts don’t always move together. [L] careful with accomp tuning. [M] secure but could be more cantabile [O] quite good but becomes loose before [P]. [Q] more accents please. B. row tuning needs attention. [R] good [S] keep the tempo steady [T] balance not secure – melody is lost! [V] tempo slows into [W]. A controlled ending That tires on the ‘fff’.
Overall a performance that didn’t capture the style of the piece entirely. Several issues with balance/intonation overshadowed some good moments. Thank you
MARTIN HEARTFIELD

Test Piece: Rennaisance (Peter Graham)
Adjudicators: Martin Heartfield & Nicholas Garman

1. Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray)
2. Stannington (Derek Renshaw)
3. Skelmanthorpe (Charles Fyffe)
4. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
5. Blackburn & Darwen (Tariq Ahmed)
6. Sandhurst Silver (Andrew Porter)
7. Knottingley Silver (Kevin Belcher)
8. Bedford Town (Steve Phillips)
9. Strata Brass (Jonathan Bates)
10. Rushden Town (Adele Hudson)
11. Foresters Brass (John Davis)
12. Harborough (Brad Turnbull)
13. Enderby (Simon Gresswell)
14. Hebden Bridge (David Hamilton)
15. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Colum O’ Shea)
16. Ibstock Brick Brass (Simon Willis)
17. Old Silkstone (Owen Wedgewood)
18. Chalford (Steve Tubb)
19. Colchester Band (David Maddocks)
20. Gresley Colliery (Craig Stevens)
21. Cawston (Leigh Sharpe)
22. Alder Valley (Lee Woodward)
23. Dunston Silver (Aidan Hodgson)

Withdrew: East of Engand Co-operative (Nigel Cooper)

Highest Placed Mining Band: Strata Brass