So, two weeks later and it was the Senior band's turn to begin their 2011 contest assault, this time closer to home, at the Brass at the Guild Championship in Preston. The band has had a good record at this contest, winning 5 out of the 10 contests, and rarely being out of the top 3. Two years ago, the band won the contest and soprano cornet player John Atkinson won best soloist. Last year the band came second. It was time for a return to winning form!
As an own choice contest, Mark Bentham chose a piece the band played as the set test at the Grand Shield last year, where the band narrowly missed out on a place at the British Open. Edward Gregson's "Rococo Variations" has since been a favourite of the bands. The choice of a return to a previously used piece was a decision made with the looming Area Championships which are to be held at the end of February (earlier than previous years!).
The band were drawn 9 of 12 and had a leisurely afternoon following an 11 0'clock rehearsal (which finished around 12pm) before taking to the stage at around 4pm. This meant the band were relaxed and looking forward to playing on stage. The opening theme began confidently and in a relaxed manner before a rhythmically complex Toccata was well handled by the band, with confident playing across the stands.
The delicate, lyrical Siciliana was very well played, with some excellent solo work from all corner chairs. The Waltz followed showing the band's outstanding virtuosic capabilities, as did the Moto Perpetuo that followed. The potentially fragile Lament was also played well, again displaying some fantastic solo work from all corners of the band. Following the Lament was the technically demanding last movement, which passes a virtuosic melody across the band. The Fugal Scherzo was also well-handle with technical security and control before the big finish where all the themes collide and the work finishes with the band displaying their enormous sound and rich tone.
After a lengthy wait for results (partly due to rivals Hammonds' soprano player collapsing on stage), the band were once again crowned Champions of Brass at the Guild. The band's soprano cornet player John Atkinson was also awarded the prize for best soloist once again. The full results of the Championship section can be viewed here.
Obviously, the band and the organisation are thrilled with the results of the start of 2011, and are eagerly awaiting the Area Champions, where the two bands are hoping to qualify for their respective National Championship Finals.
Along with the great results, the senior band has also welcomed a new set of players into the Pemberton fold. Nick Birch joined the band just before Christmas on Solo Euphonium, and Adam Keech also joined before Christmas on back row cornet. After the withdrawal from contesting of Wire Brass, we have quickly snapped three of their players to fill our own vacancies. Lynne Rigby has joined our front row, Tony Daniels has filled the Second Baritone vacancy and John Breeze has joined the back row. This has already proven to be a winning combination!
