Saturday 27th January 2007

Blaenavon Town Juniors Win Most Improved Band Award

Today was the annual Greater Gwent Youth Band Festival held at Coleg Gwent Crosskeys Campus. 20 Bands took part from Gwent, Wales and even further afield.  Blaenavon Town Junior Band took part in Section 2 where there were 7 bands, each playing a 20 minute entertainment programme.  Although we finished outside the prizes we were awarded with the Most Improved Gwent Band accolade which is very encouraging for the band.

Adjudicator, Ian Porterhouse was very pleased with the standard of Bands in both Section 3 and Section 2.  He commented on the choice of programme and gave advice about nerves on stage.  His advice was not to be afraid of making mistakes.  'People who are afraid to make mistakes don't do anything.'

Blaenavon, under the direction of Evan Smith, started their programme with Alan Pring's Red Alert. Next was Eternal Flame followed by Bruce Fraser's Cool Calypso.  The finale was Johann Strauss Seniors Radetsky March.

The Section 2 was won by Gwaen Cae Gurwen Youth who also took the soloist prize.

In Section 1 the top prize was awarded to Camborne Youth Band who put on an extraordinary performance and were clear winners.  Section 3 was non-competitive so no placings were given.

Adjudicators Remarks

Red Alert  -  Very good opening.  You play with excellent rhythm. Excellent dynamic contrast.

Eternal Flame  -  Bass not secure at A. Percussion plays well throughout.  Euphs / Baris struggle in 1st time bar.  Well done cornet 5 bars from the end.

Cool Calypso - Dynamic contrast could be better, e.g. 21.  Again very good rhythm is noted.

Radetsky March  -  Some good technique is shown throughout the band here.  Again good percussion.  Excellent use of quit dynamics at 35 especially on DC to set up an excellent ending.

Overall an excellent performance with many fine points.  Just a little uncertainty in ensemble at times, which I'm sure you know about and will work on.

Thankyou.

Finally, before the Section 1 results were announced the audience were treated to an impromptu euphonium performance from the adjudicator, Steven Mead.  What an superb performer he is.  The technique, sound and musicianship on display left the audience spellbound for over five minutes as Mr Mead demonstrated why he is the best euphonium player on planet earth at the moment.