English Nationals 2012

On Saturday 23rd June the Senior Band competed in the English Nationals Contest at the Guild Hall, Preston.  Each of the 8 Bands performed a set test piece “Masquerade” by Philip Wilby in the morning followed by an 'Own Choice' test piece in the Afternoon.

Having been at the bottom of the pile at this contest in the last couple of years and being the only Grand Shield band in the contest we knew it was going to be hard to turn over any of the British Open standard bands that were competing but nevertheless we put down 2 great performances. 

Our rendition of Masquerade in the morning was the best we had played the piece in the week leading up to the contest and after the final three notes, the listening public including composer Philip Wilby certainly gave us a good cheer for our efforts on such a difficult test piece.
 
The good form continued in the afternoon with our own choice selection “Harmony Music” by Philip Sparke.  Again it was a top draw performance that peaked on the stage and after we had played we received some great feedback from the band press and listeners alike.   Well done to soloist’s Nick Birch, Lynne Campbell and Joanne Johnson who did the band proud on both test pieces and thanks to Mark for all his hard working preparation.


Come results time we came 8^th on the set test and 6^th with Harmony Music in the own choice section.  Year on year we are getting closer to the rest of the pack at the contest and it was only because the set work takes precedence in the event of a tie that we ended up 8th overall on 14 points joint with Virtuosi G.U.S and Reg Vardy.

On a happy note the band would like to welcome Andrew Goodier to the organisation.  Andy joins on Bb bass from Marsden Band and enjoyed playing his first contest with band at the English Nationals.



Well done to Black Dyke and Leyland who will now represent England at the European Brass Band Championships in 2013.

Result = Set work / Own Choice
Set Work result takes precedence in event of tie

1. Black Dyke, (Draw:7/3) 1/1= 2
Dr Nicholas Childs
Own Choice Selection: Revelation (Philip Wilby)

2. Leyland (5/8) 3/2= 5
Michael Bach
Own Choice Selection: Audivi Media Nocte (Oliver Waespi)

3. Foden's, (4/1) 2/5= 7
Allan Withington
Own Choice Selection: Rococo Variations (Edward Gregson)

4. Fairey, (2/2) 4/3= 7
Ian Porthouse
Own Choice Selection: Audivi Media Nocte (Oliver Waespi)

5. Hepworth, (1/6) 5/4= 9
Russell Gray
Own Choice Selection: On the Shoulders of Giants (Peter Graham)

6. Reg Vardy, (6/4) 6/8= 14
Ray Farr
Own Choice Selection: Rococo Variations (Edward Gregson)

7. Virtuosi GUS (3/5) 7/7= 14
John Berryman
Own Choice Selection: Extreme Makeover (Johan de Meij)

8. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (8/7) 8/6= 14
Mark Bentham
Own Choice Selection: Harmony Music (Philip Sparke)