Chalford Youth Band were placed 3rd in the Intermediate section of the national brass band championships at Warwick Arts Centre.

1. Wardle Academy School Band (Lee Rigg) — Gold
2. Elland Silver Training Band (Samantha Harrison) — Silver
3. Chalford Youth Band (Steve Tubb) — Silver

Bronze Awards:
Stockport Schools’ Intermediate Band (Tom Ridgley)
Egglescliffe School Brass Band (Matthew Haworth)

Merit Award:
Tewit Youth Intermediate Band (Martin Tromans)

Best Soloist: Adam Warburton (trombone) — Wardle Academy School Band

Pulsar
Opening confident and a lovely band sound = some great detail in articulatioin and dynamics not overdone. Perhaps try to find more contrast throughout the full range of dynamics. Nice way to start!
Eyes of a Child
Lovely sound from the flugel soloist – Bravo! Band are supportive throughout and accompanying figures are effective. Well done.
Stantonbury Festival
Clear rhythmic work from the outset. Excellent Basses at [D]! Largando at the end of movement I effective – watch intonation on sustained sounds. Movement II has great shape and style – lovely sounds. Bravo Euphonium – lovely solo to close the movement! Variation III presents some challenging rhythms, mostly well executed. Percussion section add some lovely texture and the rhythmns well! A great scherzando feel to this movement.
Brassed off
A real foot-tapper to finish, once again featuring some excellent work from the percussion section. Dynamic contrasts are more effective in this piece. Great energy overall, finishing with some great drum fills!
SAM FISHER

Pulsar
What a great start! Full of energy from start to finish.
Eyes of a Child
Oh wow! What a wonderful sound! the soloist has such a beautiful tone and vibrato. I loved it.
Stantonbury Festival
This brought excellent contrast with a fine change of mood. Great balance an bass line [F] maybe a bigger ff would add more impact? Bravo Euph. Excellent detail – this is all so comfortable.
Brassed Off
great drive! This is so well rehearsed. What a great percussion section!
You were all a joy to listen to!
Thank you
OWEN FARR

Iwan chats with a few members of the Chalford Youth Band from 4barsrest.com