21st November 2009

Seniors Take Second Place and Juniors  Take Gold

The Town of Blaenavon resounded to the sounds on over 30 brass bands this Saturday as the South East Wales Brass Band Association Contest came to town.   This contest is normally held in Treorchy but this year the Bleanvon Workmens Hall was chosen.

For the Town Band it was a chance to compete in the First Section for only the second time.  After a disappointing performance at Ebbw Vale and being unable to go to Burry Port the band were determined to put on a good show. 

It was also the first Contest for new MD Andrew Protherough-Jones.

The test piece we played was The Aeronauts by Goff Richards which found favour with Adjudicator Mr Brian Buckley.  A second placing behind Rogerstone Band was a fantastic result and just reward for the hard work and time spent preparing the piece.

Results from First Section

1. Rogerstone (Jamie Jones) – 189
2. Blaenavon Town (Andrew Jones) – 187
3. RAF St Athan (Alan Bourne) – 185
4. Penclawdd (Tony Small) – 184
5. Briton Ferry (Dr Christian Jenkins) - 183

Adjudicator: C. Brian Buckley
Best Instrumentalist: Eb tuba (Rogerstone)

There were more celebrations earlier in the day when the Junior Band took to the stage for the Youth Section.  The Programme of Fanfare for an Occasion, Half a Pound  - Tuppeny Rice, Amazing Grace and Bandstand Boogie was much appreciated by the local audience.  Being the only band in the section was a bit disappointing but the complimentary remarks from Roy Roe were very welcome and were a big boost for the band. The Juniors were awarded the highest award of Gold Standard.