ODBBA Winter Contest Success
23 bands recently took the opportunity to test their preparations for potential London and Cheltenham qualification at the excellently organised Oxfordshire & District Brass Band Associations annual Winter Contest. Held over two days at Cokethorpe School, adjudicator Paul Norley "thoroughly enjoyed" and was "highly encouraged" by the standard.
Verwood Concert Brass certainly showed that they are building nicely towards their Torquay top section appearance with a hard-working account of 'Variations on an Enigma' to take the Championship honours. Kidlington also took the chance to air their preparation on 'High Peak' ahead of Stevenage at the end of March. Just behind them came Michelmersh Silver for the West of England with Oddfellows Brass in third.
In the Second Section where Ocean Brass led a trio of West of England contenders into the podium spots, whilst Welwyn Garden City took the 'Corineus' honours ahead of Verwood Town in the Third Section. In the Fourth Section, as Alan Fernie's enjoyable work brought plenty of fine playing from the bands, it was Witney Town that claimed a well-deserved victory from City of Oxford Silver with Godalming Band in third.
Speaking about the successful event ODBBA Chairperson Nigel Hall, said: "We hope we have found a regular venue at Cokethorpe School to hold our contests, as the facilities are superb, and the team here have been very helpful. The comments from the bands and our valuable volunteers have all echoed these sentiments, so we look forward to building on the success of this year's event."
The next ODBBA event is the Brass Festival (Solos, Duets, Ensembles) being held at the West Kidlington Nursey & Primary School on Sunday 28th April.
Results:
Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Norley
1. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith): 193
2. Kidlington Concert Brass (Jonathan Pippen): 190
Best Instrumentalist: (trombone) — Verwood Concert Brass
Special Prizes:
Best Percussion: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Bass Section: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Cornet: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Tenor Horn: Verwood Concert Brass
First Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Norley
1. Jackfield Band (Ryan Richards): 190
2. Michelmersh Silver (Kevin Smith): 189
3. Oddfellows Brass (John Davis): 187
4. Weston Brass (Ian Dickinson) 186
Best Instrumentalist: Chris Barker (trombone) — Jackfield Band
Second Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Norley
1. Ocean Brass (Andy Wareham): 188
2. Chinnor Silver (Oliver Halstead-Brooks): 187
3. Cinderford Band (Steve Kane): 186
4. Markham & District (Gary Davies): 184
5. Oxford Cherwell Brass (Danny Dullforce): 182
6. Olney Brass (Philip Devine): 180
Best Instrumentalist: (cornet) — Ocean Brass
Third Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Norley
1. Welwyn Garden City (William Douglas): 181
2. Verwood Town Band (Kevin Smith): 179
Best Instrumentalist: (horn) — Verwood Town Band
Best Euphonium: Welwyn Garden City
Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Norley
1. Witney Town Band (Guy James): 179
2. City of Oxford Silver (Douglas Brown): 178
3. Godalming Band (James Haigh): 177
4. Arrow Valley Brass (David Hunt): 176
5. Abbey Brass (Abingdon) (Rob Tompkins): 175
6. Test Valley Brass (Edward March): 174
Best Instrumentalist: Jenny Howes (flugel) — Witney Town Band
Unregistered Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Norley
1. Hook Norton (Shaun Humphries): 175
2. Yarnton Band (Guy James): 173
3. Parkend Silver (Louis Thomas): 171
Best Instrumentalist: (cornet) — Parkend Silver
Special Prizes:
Best Percussion: Welwyn Garden City
Best Bass Section: Jackfield Band
Best Cornet: Jackfield Band
Best Tenor Horn: Michelmersh Silver Band
Band with most players U19 (both days): Yarnton Band
Youngest Player (both days): James Pye (Yarnton Band) — aged 9
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