Blaenavon Town Band  Second Place at Ebbw Vale

Saturday 6th May 2006

The band recorded a second place at the South East Wales Brass band Association Contest at Ebbw Vale today.  Blaenavon town Band, competing in the Second Section, played Edward Gregson's Variations on Laudate Dominum in the own choice contest.

Adjudicator Brian Buckley placed the band second behind Penclawdd who won and before Briton Ferry who were third.  MD Alun Hathaway was very pleased with the performance which was solid but not without errors. It puts the band on a very good footing for the Welsh Second Section league which continues in Ammanford and finishes in Treorchy.

The Band will play the same piece at the Weston-Super-Mare contest in two weeks time.

It was also a successful day for the Junior Band who played a short programme in the Junior Section. The youngsters Picked up a Bronze Standard from Brian Buckley who was impressed with all 3 junior bands playing today.

The Adjudicators remarks are given below:

VARIATIONS ON LAUDATE DOMINUM

A well measured opening with attention to detail. Untidy horns link to 4/4. Basses lumpy and heavy for leggerio style. This music sounds pedantic but should be ‘lighter’ in style – better on the repeat. D: more flow (crotchet quaver) to achieve the Siciliano style. Cornet rather tense, just relax, it is obvious you are capable. Euphs impressive in melody at E and Eb tuba too! 3rd cornet/trombs not balanced before G.   H: This is mostly accurate and precise. Quavers should link, they do not achieve this in the rhythmic accompaniments. Fairly well balanced xxx at J.   K: This is more settled generally. Whoops! (solo trombone).   M:This is convincing but euph intonation is not always precise. Untidy ensemble (middles) also N to O is generally untuneful. Phrases well shaped by MD from P with ineffective link to Q. Quavers not always clearly delivered by the basses – better in the other fugal lines. Take care to balance dynamics from U, forte melody, others mf. Good build to U. Do not force the sound soprano! Untuneful middle band (bars 354). Ending rather forced and loose in tonal quality.

Much to commend in the musical approach – try not to force sound quality, it will develop. Try also to monitor balance of styles in all sections to improve performance levels

 JUNIOR SECTION

 RED ALERT. Not reall together at the start then improves at A. Take care to play the crochets the correct length. Triplets in the melody are quite well judged. Well controlled to end.

NIGHTCAP. Opening bar not really together, then again there is an improvement in the clarity of the ensemble. Percussion plays securely. At the coda the dynamic changes are well noted. Not quite the precise rhythm to end.

MEDIEVAL GAMES. This is a much better opening. Melody could be a trifle louder. B: cornets are very stylish at this juncture. Flugel and horns play to good effect. F: Again this melody is rather weak in balance and dynamics (mf).

JOUSTING TOURNAMENT. Well judged fanfare style to open. C: Ensemble not quite together and better at D. Try to play clearly at all dynamic levels.

 The playing improved as the programme proceeded!

The next contest is Weston-Super-Mare in 2 weeks time.  before that the band has a concert at the Workmen's hall to prepare for. It is a very busy time for the band!