Official tMP Welsh Regional 2007 thread

[Di]

WELSH REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th March, 2007

Brangwyn Hall, Swansea


Details courtesy www.4barsrest.com (http://www.4barsrest.com)

Section : Championship
Date : Sunday 18th March
Test Piece : Isaiah 40 (Robert Redhead)
Adjudicator: Geoffrey Whitham
Draw Time : 1PM
Play Commences : At conclusion of 4th Section


Participating Bands:

BTM, J. Katsikaris
Burry Port Town, M. Thorne
Buy As You View, Dr. R. Childs
Cwmaman Institute, I. Porthouse
Parc & Dare, P. Parkes
Tongwynlais Temperance, G. Pritchard
Tredegar, M. Fowles
Wrexham Brass (NEWI), W. Ruston


Section : First
Date : Saturday 17th March
Test Piece : Sinfonietta for Brass Band, ‘The Wayfarer’ (Eric Ball)
Adjudicator : Geoffrey Whitham
Draw : 3:30
Play commences : At conclusion of 2nd section



Participating Bands:

Ammanford Silver, C. Hogg
Deiniolen, G. Saynor
Markham & District, N. Seaman
Northop Silver, T. Wyss
Penclawdd Brass, A. Small
Pontardulais, P. Jenkins
RAF St. Athan Voluntary, A.R. Bourne
Thomas Coaches Mid –Rhondda,S. Sykes
Treherbert, C. Roberts



Section : Second
Date : Saturday 17th March
Test Piece : Carnival (Helen Perkin)
Adjudicator : Lloyd Landry
Draw Time : 12:15
Play commences :At conclusion of 3rd section


Participating Bands:

Beaumaris ‘B’, G. Evans
Briton Ferry Silver, Dr. C. Jenkins
Holywell, G. Thomas
Lewis Merthyr, L. Price
Newbridge (Celynen), P. Holland
Newtown Silver, S. Edwards
Rogerstone, C.B. Buckley
Royal Buckley, P. Lovatt-Cooper
Tylorstown Arriva Trains, G. Davies
Ynyshir (Stacks of Tiles), D. Evans



Section: Third
Date : Saturday 17th March
Test Piece : Prelude & Jubilate (Darrol Barry)
Adjudicator : Geoffrey Whitham
Draw Time : 10:30
Play commences : 11:30


Participating Bands:

Blaenavon Town, A. Hathaway
Goodwick Brass, G. Ritter
Harlech Silver, C. Evans
Llwydcoed, A. Davies
Ogmore Valley, I. Barnett
Porthaethwy Menai Bridge, C. Williams
Severn Tunnel, S. Crawford

Section : Fourth
Date : Sunday 18th March
Test Piece : The Seasons, Suite for Brass Band (Philip Wilby)
Adjudicator : Lloyd Landry
Draw Time : 10:00
Play commences : 11:00

Participating Bands :

Abergynolwyn, A. Williams
Blaenafon Concert, P. O’Leary
Crosskeys Silver, L. Bowden
Crwbin, C. John
Cwmbran Brass, A. Lucas
Ebbw Vale, C. Thomas
Gwaun Cae Gurwen, G. Davies
Gwernaffield, M. Robinson
Newport Borough, M. Davies
Oakdale, R. Probyn
Pontypool Brass, P. Hallahan
Upper Rhondda, R. Griffiths

[dyl]

Looking forward to the contest - really starting to enjoy The Wayfarer now. Not looking forward to the annual 5 hour plus trek down to Swansea though. :mad:

[jim]

I may pop along to the wlesh arears but the numbers seem to be dwindelling? Im a bit concerned long term for welsh bandng at the moment if im honest. the championship section should be preatty tight this year as there dousnt really seem to be an obviouse 2nd band to cory all to play for outside of corys I think

[jamieow]

I may pop along to the wlesh arears but the numbers seem to be dwindelling? Im a bit concerned long term for welsh bandng at the moment if im honest. the championship section should be preatty tight this year as there dousnt really seem to be an obviouse 2nd band to cory all to play for outside of corys I think

you're right, there doesn't seem a stand out band but BAYV do need to play before winning!!!.....I know what you mean though!!
Some Welsh bands, certainly up north are thought of by a lot of 'bandspeople' as out of the way (and some are from England) and we don't really have a massive population up here, though we are literally under an hour from Manchester - I know as I work there and commute everyday!!!
Recently two major bands have 'gone' - Point of Ayr (which is a massive shame) and Beaumaris 'A' (though they do have a great youth 'development' thing going on so I hope it won't be long before they're back in the top section). That's two bands who sinece the turn of the millenium have represented Wales at the Albert Hall in the Championship Section (and the europeans) and who are now not competing.
This could potentially be a can of worms and may be a conversation for elsewhere but for some reason bands in general are struggling for players etc.
It is good to see local(ish) bands - Northop, Deiniloen and Beaumaris for example with thriving youth schemes but I do feel that we are strugging somewhat up North at the moment - many factors - lack of a major University (apart from Bangor and NEWI to a slightly lesser extent) with music courses, reduction of peri lessons in schools...lots and lots of factors.
I'll try closing the can of worms now........

[Deano]

Recently two major bands have 'gone' - Point of Ayr (which is a massive shame) and Beaumaris 'A' (though they do have a great youth 'development' thing going on so I hope it won't be long before they're back in the top section). That's two bands who since the turn of the millenium have represented Wales at the Albert Hall in the Championship Section (and the europeans) and who are now not competing.



I thing strikes me with your comment about Beaumaris, how come the "A" band has folded and the "B" band continues to compete, are they 2 separate organisations now?

Surely if the "A" band are struggling for players would they not promote players from the "B" band.

[Big Gav]

I thing strikes me with your comment about Beaumaris, how come the "A" band has folded and the "B" band continues to compete, are they 2 separate organisations now?

Surely if the "A" band are struggling for players would they not promote players from the "B" band.

Beaumaris has always been, and always will be, ONE organisation Deano which contains several ensembles. One ensemble (out of 5!) is no more but they still have 4 left-Beaumaris B, Youth Band, Intermediates, and Juniors.
Now does that sound like a struggling organisation (as some have suggested) to you?! Of course it doesn't. It just means that some re-organisation has had to happen in response to other factors such as loss of players etc. I am sure that the new generation at Beaumaris will show their class at Swansea and push for the higher sections in the near future.

Good luck to all at Swansea!!

[Big Gav]

Just had an excellent rehearsal with Deiniolen this morning. It makes such a difference to have a superb test piece to play. We are all enjoying it. Can't wait for Swansea now!!
Having seen the line up I really do think that the 1st section should be the best contest of the whole weekend with a really strong field. The fact that the test piece is a real "ensemble" piece will also make it a true contest, there can be too much emphasis on solo work in test pieces these days.

As far as the Championship section is concerned I think that some bands use the "BAYV always win, we haven't got a chance" excuse far too much.
Do yourselves a favour and start thinking positive for a change!! I have never been in a harder working band than BAYV. Ask yourself - Does your band work as hard or have the same determination and hunger for success? If the answer is YES then you have as much chance as them. Some bands give up before the preparation even takes place for the area!!

[TheMusicMan]

Just so you all know - the tMP Predictogizmatron is up and running. Get your votes in!!!

Here's the announcement : http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26781

See link at top of page

[hughess]

Just had an excellent rehearsal with Deiniolen this morning. It makes such a difference to have a superb test piece to play. We are all enjoying it. Can't wait for Swansea now!!
Having seen the line up I really do think that the 1st section should be the best contest of the whole weekend with a really strong field. The fact that the test piece is a real "ensemble" piece will also make it a true contest, there can be too much emphasis on solo work in test pieces these days.

As far as the Championship section is concerned I think that some bands use the "BAYV always win, we haven't got a chance" excuse far too much.
Do yourselves a favour and start thinking positive for a change!! I have never been in a harder working band than BAYV. Ask yourself - Does your band work as hard or have the same determination and hunger for success? If the answer is YES then you have as much chance as them. Some bands give up before the preparation even takes place for the area!!

Well said Gav, But what will it take to get all the North Wales talent together
(and the talent is there) in a band to give BAYV a run for there money

[stopher]

As a player with Beaumaris, hopefully I can clear something up here - we're still alive!

Unfortunatley, having two competing bands plus youth band, Junior Band and Begginer band proved to be too much in many ways - the organising, financing 2 bands to travel to Swansea - it costs well over £2000 to come down to Swansea each year for 1 band so to do it for 2 means a hell of a lot of time outside Tescos at Christmas

Basically (and not that it's anybody else'e business!) both bands lost a hell of a lot of players to uni, for work or because people joined other bands. We had a meeting and planned to keep the Senior Band going by promoting 16 from the B Band and the B band would go but the jump from a then 3rd section band to Championship has proved to be just too big so we've combined both bands, have a pretty good turnout for it, a good atmosphere, still have a great set up and now just one competing band.

Other bands have struggled and combined from different organisations, we've just done it from one!

Anyway, looking forward to Swansea both playing and wagging. Carvnival isn;t as easy as everyone seems to be making out it is - everyone will be able to play it, maybe just not perform it (yes, there is a difference!). Am practicing waving my arms around for the 7/8, 8/8, 10/8 bars in Prelude and Jubilate with Menai Bridge. Just hope Menai Bridge aren;t drawn last in the 3rd and Beaumaris drawn first in the 2nd. Could be fun if they do!

[Kiz7]

Why aren't Abergavenny competing?

[stotty74]

Does anyone know the current standings for Welsh bands before we get down there? Tried to work it out but got confused with points for bands not competing, relegations/promotions etc.
Was wondering if someone with more knowledge on this subject knew anything?
Thanks

[TheMusicMan]

Why aren't Abergavenny competing?As far as I know they are - it may be a mistake on our part. I shall confirm if this is the case.

[stotty74]

I think a few of the sections look interesting this year.
Our Section (1st) should definitely be close. The piece is really enjoyable and no-one i know from other bands dislikes it, which is very important to how a band prepares for the contest. Obviously i'm going to say i'd like to believe Northop will win again as we're all working extremely hard and the band sounds pretty good.
The Second Section could be even tighter though, with Newbridge obviously doing very well recently. But then you have Holywell and Buckley who both did well in a strong field in Preston, plus Beaumaris B with their mix of youth and experience. Don't really know the other bands, but at least 4 have got good chances.
I agree with Gav about the top section. Unless bands remain positive and put in the hard work, then obviously you are not going to have a chance of beating BAYV. The situation in Yorkshire is worse for the 'lesser' bands, with the likes of Hepworth and Sellars having to compete against the big four of Dyke, Grimey, B&R and YBS. But they still work hard and occasionally cause an upset, and there's a similar situation in the North West.
Probably not going to get to hear any other sections unfortunately, but good luck to everyone competing.

[JessopSmythe]

As far as I know they are - it may be a mistake on our part. I shall confirm if this is the case.

John,

I'm afraid that the information is correct. Abergavenny will not be competing at the areas this year :(

Since losing Colin Hogg after Treorchy, we only appointed a new MD last week (That news hasn't even hit our website yet!) and we've yet to replace Rhian on principle cornet who left to take up a seat at Tredegar. Since there are also one or two other vacant seats, it was felt that we would be unable to do Isiah 40 justice and did not want to go just to make up the numbers. We're working hard to plug the gaps and do have a couple of fun projects lined up for the spring season but we'll certainly be back in the front line for Ebbw Vale.

[Di]

Please note: The discussion re the possibilities of Welsh Regional venues has been given its own thread. Please feel free to continue the discussion here (http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26821). ;)

[Pastit]

Wrexham are certainly working very hard for our first shot at the championship section for a few years (Whitsun Wakes, I think last time) The band are better pepared for it than then.
There do seem to be a few S. Wales bands in good form at the moment, BTM, Tongwynlais, Cwmaman and Burry Port all seem to have had good results/performances lately.
Hopefully we can reproduce our first round performance from Radio Cymru!!

Jamieow: Is that you putting us first with the predictamathingy!!. We'll have to but you back in that padded room again

[jamieow]

nope, not me putting us first Mr G!!

[Gaz Wynne]

I'm playing at the Welsh Area for the first time since 2001 when I last played there with Point of Ayr. I'm going to be there with Royal Buckley this time and am really looking forward to it!

All the best to all the North Walian bands who are competing down in Swansea.

[tam-tam2]

This will be only the second Welsh regional contest I have missed playing in since I started contesting back in the early 90's. The last one I missed was 2000 when I was ill......Rogerstone won that year and I should have been playing for them. I'm not playing for them again this year so I am expecting them to win again!! With bands such as Newbridge and Tylorstown the Second section could be very interesting.......I will be there to listen to it though!!

All the best Rogerstone!! Oh and Newbridge and Cross-keys too!!

[madandcrazytromboneguy]

can the soon to become just cory band be beaten, thats the question on everyones gobs when talking about the top welsh section, we shall see this time round!, good look to my mate jayne who again will be stylizing the soprano cornet for last years runners up burry port!

also a mention of good luck to royal buckley who each year make the trip from wales to brighouse of all places for the marching contest, you guys seem to produce a decent performance there each year with the marches, hopefully you can do the same with the test pieces aswell!

[Big Gav]

I think this years area could possibly be the best for a while. Having played with BTM recently I was VERY impressed with the band. They work (and play!) hard and have a very enthusiastic conductor who is able to get the best out of his players. They have many quality players, not least my mate Tim Evans (BBb Bass) who is an immense bass player ( take note 4barsrest!!). Just be careful to leave some plaster on the ceiling Tim!

[Gaz Wynne]

also a mention of good luck to royal buckley who each year make the trip from wales to brighouse of all places for the marching contest, you guys seem to produce a decent performance there each year with the marches, hopefully you can do the same with the test pieces aswell!

Cheers Clive! Fingers crossed we'll put in a good'un.

[bagpuss]

anyone got any results for the welsh areas? Looked on 4 bars rest and they barely even mention that wales exists

[super_sop]

dude, you drunk to much yesterday for some reason???

welsh area is next weekend

[bagpuss]

Yeah, just realised my mistake:oops: :oops: think I'm still tired after yesterday. Look on the brightside though - I made a BIG STUPID mistake today and not yesterday!!!:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:


Puss

[super_sop]

Yeah, just realised my mistake:oops: :oops: think I'm still tired after yesterday. Look on the brightside though - I made a BIG STUPID mistake today and not yesterday!!!:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:


Puss
LMFAO!!!!!!:clap::clap::clap::clap:

[JayneSop]

can the soon to become just cory band be beaten, thats the question on everyones gobs when talking about the top welsh section, we shall see this time round!, good look to my mate jayne who again will be stylizing the soprano cornet for last years runners up burry port!

also a mention of good luck to royal buckley who each year make the trip from wales to brighouse of all places for the marching contest, you guys seem to produce a decent performance there each year with the marches, hopefully you can do the same with the test pieces aswell!

Thanks Clive.

I will be trying my best but will still need lots and lots of luck!!

Hope you are keeping well and that you've had a good area contest.

Kind regards

Jayne

[dyl]

Just a quick post to inform those who don't know, that Dolce Productions will be recording every section at Swansea again this year. The cost per CD is £5 and there's a minimum order of 4 discs per band. Email Gareth & James for more details: sales@dolceproductions.co.uk

[Gaz Wynne]

Just a quick post to inform those who don't know, that Dolce Productions will be recording every section at Swansea again this year. The cost per CD is £5 and there's a minimum order of 4 discs per band. Email Gareth & James for more details: sales@dolceproductions.co.uk

Nice one, I hadn't heard about that.

[dyl]

Nice one, I hadn't heard about that.
It's an excellent service - our discs were ready within about 30 minutes of our last note being played last year.

[Di]

It's an excellent service - our discs were ready within about 30 minutes of our last note being played last year.

That's fantastic, I do wish it'd catch on in all of the regions. What I wouldn't give to hear last weekends performance again. :rolleyes::(

[Big Gav]

So, where are all the bands staying this year? Deiniolen and Beaumris will be staying at the Ramada Jarvis on saturday night so I'm sure there will be plenty of singing!!

[Pastit]

So, where are all the bands staying this year? Deiniolen and Beaumris will be staying at the Ramada Jarvis on saturday night so I'm sure there will be plenty of singing!!

Sadly, Wrexham will be forgoing the delights of a Swansea night out. A 7am start and god knows what time return with Isiah 40 stuck in the middle. Hurrah!!!

[stotty74]

So, where are all the bands staying this year? Deiniolen and Beaumris will be staying at the Ramada Jarvis on saturday night so I'm sure there will be plenty of singing!!

We used to stay there, but now we go to the Ramada Encore in Swansea Bay. Likely to be visiting the Potter's Wheel (Wetherspoons near a big roundabout in the city??) for a few mineral waters and curry house over the road afterwards;-)

[cornetblower]

Sadly, Wrexham will be forgoing the delights of a Swansea night out. A 7am start and god knows what time return with Isiah 40 stuck in the middle. Hurrah!!!

You make it sound such fun - beginning to wonder what I've let myself in for !

[dyl]

So, where are all the bands staying this year? Deiniolen and Beaumris will be staying at the Ramada Jarvis on saturday night so I'm sure there will be plenty of singing!!
Apparently, I'm staying (and singing) at the Ramada Jarvis!

[Pastit]

You make it sound such fun - beginning to wonder what I've let myself in for !

Well the coach journey will be fun. The new percussionist told me he's bringing a crate of absynthe

[Mr_Euniverse]

Is there still a European place for the winners of the Welsh area or is it worked out differently now?
I think with the case of YBS, Grimey and to some degree Dyke they had nothing really to play for as they've already qualified for London.
Could Cory go down the same road if there's not a Euro place? Well we'll live in hope!!!

[jamieow]

Well the coach journey will be fun. The new percussionist told me he's bringing a crate of absynthe


Excellent, I'll be smashed and possibly puking in the shower for a second wk in succession!!!.......or maybe not.....;)

I always thought you were classier than Absynthe, more of a Special Brew man??!!!

[Pastit]

Excellent, I'll be smashed and possibly puking in the shower for a second wk in succession!!!.......or maybe not.....;)

I always thought you were classier than Absynthe, more of a Special Brew man??!!!

How much classy can you get than a green French drink which sends you mad!!! (Other than your usual 50/50 Brasso/Windolene mix)

[smi00107]

Just to let anyone who want's to know that Blaenavon Town Band will be competing at the Welsh Regional Contest at Swansea this weekend. Following the departure of Alun Hathaway we have secured the services of Local Boy Andrew Jones who is doing an excellent job of working up the test piece Prelude and Jubilate.

[TheMusicMan]

Just to let anyone who want's to know that Blaenavon Town Band will be competing at the Welsh Regional Contest at Swansea this weekend. Following the departure of Alun Hathaway we have secured the services of Local Boy Andrew Jones who is doing an excellent job of working up the test piece Prelude and Jubilate.OK, I might have been out from playing or ducting in the Welsh regions for a few years now, but... where's Bryn?

[Deano]

Bryn sadly passed away over a year ago now.

[smi00107]

Bryn passed away a few years ago and the Band miss him greatly. There is a fitting tribute to Bryn on the Bands website at:
http://www.blaenavonband.co.uk/bryndavies.htm

Al;un Hathaway had been directing the band for about 18 months but resigned unexpectedly for personal reasons about 3 weeks ago. Since then we have managed to secure Andrew Jones for the Swansea contest but we are still looking for a permament MD. The band is in good shape (we could do with another Solo Cornet) and we have a busy schedule this year and a successful recent history at contests (Eisteddfod, Ammanford, Wychaven, GBBA etc...)
I understand that the Committee want to make an appointment soon after the Swansea Contest.

[TheMusicMan]

Oh my - had no idea, how behind am I with the news. Very sorry to hear this.

[TheMusicMan]

Alun Hathaway had been directing the band for about 18 months but resigned unexpectedly for personal reasons about 3 weeks ago. Since then we have managed to secure Andrew Jones for the Swansea contest but we are still looking for a permament MD. The band is in good shape (we could do with another Solo Cornet) and we have a busy schedule this year and a successful recent history at contests (Eisteddfod, Ammanford, Wychaven, GBBA etc...)
I understand that the Committee want to make an appointment soon after the Swansea Contest.
I took Cwmbran from the brink of nothingness to almost 2nd section over a period of a few years... taking in the Finals (10th), three successive wins at Treorchy (as well as soloist prize - my wife :) ), WSM and many prizes in various contests en route - but their bandroom is only 10 mins from my home. I'd very much love to get back into conducting again, but even coming up for an audition would be a long way for me.

Good luck in Swansea, and with your recruitment.:tup

[Roger Thorne]

Good luck to all bands competing this weekend, but special mention to my friends at Deiniolen and to Peers who'll be wagging in front of Pontypool Brass.

;)

[johnmartin]

Pack your woolies. Snow forecast for the weekend. :)

[dyl]

Good luck to all bands competing this weekend, but special mention to my friends at Deiniolen and to Peers who'll be wagging in front of Pontypool Brass.

;)
Thanks Roger.

[super_sop]

:tupAye, best of luck dyl:tup

I'd also like to wish my Li'l baby sister the best of luck for the weekend.
see you in Harrogate sis:tup

Craigy

[Jasonp]

Good luck to all bands in Swansea this weekend, especially Craig and Mal at Parc and Tweetie at Penclawdd.
Hope to see you all soon.

[Anno Draconis]

Hope everyone has a good weekend in Swansea, especially Northop and Holywell!

[andylockett86]

a few results from 3rd sect - 1st??????????? 2nd menai bridge porthaethwy 5th harlech...............and don't know the rest yet!!!

[Roger Thorne]

Third Section - Results

1. Llwydcoed, A. Davies, 6, 179
2. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge, C. Williams, 1, 178
3. Goodwick Brass, G. Ritter, 4, 176
4. Ogmore Valley, I. Barnett, 3, 175
5. Harlech Silver, C. Evans, 7, 174
6. Blaenavon Town, A. Jones, 2, 173
7. Severn Tunnel, S. Crawford, 5, 172


Second Section - Results

1. Newbridge (Celynen), P. Holland, 8, 188
2. Beaumaris ‘B’, G. Evans, 3, 187
3. Briton Ferry Silver, Dr. C. Jenkins, 9, 186
4. Rogerstone, C.B. Buckley, 2, 185
5. Royal Buckley, P. Lovatt-Cooper, 1, 183
6. Ynyshir (Stacks of Tiles), D. Evans, 10, 182
7. Holywell, G. Thomas, 7, 181
8. Tylorstown Arriva Trains, G. Davies, 4, 179
9. Newtown Silver, S. Edwards, 6, 177
10. Lewis Merthyr, L. Price 5, 176


First Section - Results

1. Northop Silver, T. Wyss, 7, 190
2. Treherbert, C. Roberts, 5, 188
3. Thomas Coaches Mid–Rhondda, S. Sykes, 1, 187
4. Penclawdd Brass, A. Small, 8, 186
5. Pontardulais, P. Jenkins, 4, 185
6. Markham & District, N. Seaman, 6, 184
7. Deiniolen, G. Saynor, 3, 182
8. RAF St. Athan Voluntary, A.R. Bourne, 2, 180
Ammanford Silver, C. Hogg, w


Courtesy 4barsrest (http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=5259)

[Anno Draconis]

Congratulations to Northop for retainig their 1st section title!:clap:

See you in Harrogate...

[skilly]

Another great result for Northop - back with the big guns next year. Some bad heads tomorrow but well worth it.

[no2taz]

Just like to say great day for newbridge band gaining promotion to the 1st section!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and well done to all bands representing wales in the nationals.

[Val]

Just logged on from the South of France to see yesterday's results and delighted to see we have a N Wales qualifier in each section! Very well done to Northop, Beaumaris B and Menai Bridge - even more reason to argue a rotation in venue to be fair to N Wales bands!!

Good luck to all N Wales bands in the 1st and 4th Sections today, especially Wrexham. I am really missing being at the Area (and I bet it was great in the pub last night watching the rugby!) but I suppose I am probably a bit warmer than you lot right now!


Val
Ex Flugel - Rhyl

[Roger Thorne]

Fourth Section Results

1. Crosskeys Silver, L. Bowden, 1, 177
2. Blaenafon Concert, P. O’Leary, 12, 176
3. Gwaun Cae Gurwen, G. Davies, 5, 175
4. Crwbin, C. John, 6, 173
5. Upper Rhondda, R. Griffiths, 4, 172
6. Gwernaffield, M. Robinson, 11, 171
7. Oakdale, R. Probyn, 10, 170
8. Ebbw Vale, C. Thomas, 2, 169
9. Pontypool Brass, P. Hallahan, 8, 168
10. Newport Borough, M. Davies, 9, 167
11. Cwmbran Brass, A. Lucas, 7, 166
12. Abergynolwyn, A. Williams, 3, 164


Courtesy 4barsrest (http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=5262)

[stotty74]

Congratulations to Northop for retainig their 1st section title!:clap:

See you in Harrogate...

:woo :woo :woo

Band are so pleased to have won again. We've worked soooooo hard since last year it's hard to believe that we have kept improving!!

Roll on Harrogate (and hopefully a decent test-piece ;-) )

Well done to everyone who has qualified, but especially Beaumaris and Menai Bridge.

[BandTaxi]

Championship Section Results

1. Buy As You View, Dr. R. Childs, 7, 196*
2. Tredegar, M. Fowles, 4, 194
3. BTM, J. Katsikaris, 8, 193
4. Burry Port Town, M. Thorne, 2, 192
5. Cwmaman Institute, I. Porthouse, 3, 191
6. Wrexham Brass (NEWI), W. Ruston, 1, 190
7. Parc & Dare, P. Parkes, 6, 189
8. Tongwynlais Temperance, G. Pritchard, 5, 188

* Already qualified

Other qualifiers:
Tredegar and BTM

courtesy of 4barsrest.com

[BandTaxi]

:woo :woo :woo

Band are so pleased to have won again. We've worked soooooo hard since last year it's hard to believe that we have kept improving!!


Hi Carl,

Congratulations to everyone in the band!! Well deserved result!!

Might we see you with the Youth Band in Manchester next month?? Will watch out for you there.

[stopher]

YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

MEGA CHUFFED!

Came 2nd in the 3rd with PORTHAETHWY Menai Bridge (not PORTHYWAEN - wrong region Mr Fox!!!) wagging off number 1 and then qualified with Beaumaris in Section 2 playing me kazoo! Had a fairly good night out in Swansea and the rugby result helped too!

Can;t wait till September! Will be fairly busy I think!

Had fun on the way home with the weather - added an extra hour on so took 5 hours home! Glad I left at lunchtime.

Congrats to all the other bands who are through to the finals and nice to meet up with a few old and new faces I(Keith Jones-Banding Character, Gaz Wynne, Dyl,Ceri John, Dr Gaz John and Dr FilthCraig Roberts and loads of others)

[Cantonian]

Congratulations to BAYV, Tredegar and BTM.

Being relatively new to contesting, I realise adjudicators have a tough job but i would expect more than six lines as an adjudication on Isiaih 40. If all bands had a six line adjication that is about 600 words for 3 hours work! Was he happy with tempos, dynamics, balance. I don't know what tent Mr Whitham was in but I don't think it was one in the Brangwyn Hall this afternoon!

[Lisa]

I went to Swansea to watch the areas this weekend and managed to watch nearly all of the bands - it was a bit of a mission and I think I'm slightly insane to have sat there listening for that long! I did really enjoy it though and thought there were some really good bands. I shouldn't say this, being a westcountry girl, but I thought the standard of playing was higher than back home! :tongue:

I particularly enjoyed the 2nd and championship sections. Newbridge were amazing in the second section. I also thought Beaumaris B and Rogerstone stood out as being really good.
In the championship section the band I most enjoyed listening to was Tredegar - especially the ending - I thought the build up at the end was sooooooooooooo moving - it was real music that gets under your skin!

In the 4th section I heard all but Crosskeys. Out of the bands I heard I thought the best bands were Ebbw Vale and Upper Rhondda. I especially liked watching Rhodri Griffiths' conducting style - he is so bendy and flexible!

One thing that was better at the Southwest areas in Torquay was the weather. It was freezing in Swansea today! (and I don't feel the cold that easily)

Hopefully next year, if I'm still living in this area, I will be playing in a band instead of watching :)

[Lauradoll]

YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

MEGA CHUFFED!

Came 2nd in the 3rd with PORTHAETHWY Menai Bridge (not PORTHYWAEN - wrong region Mr Fox!!!) wagging off number 1 and then qualified with Beaumaris in Section 2 playing me kazoo! Had a fairly good night out in Swansea and the rugby result helped too!

Can;t wait till September! Will be fairly busy I think!

Had fun on the way home with the weather - added an extra hour on so took 5 hours home! Glad I left at lunchtime.

Congrats to all the other bands who are through to the finals and nice to meet up with a few old and new faces I(Keith Jones-Banding Character, Gaz Wynne, Dyl,Ceri John, Dr Gaz John and Dr FilthCraig Roberts and loads of others)


Well done Chris :-)

[Mr_Euniverse]

Congratulations to BAYV, Tredegar and BTM.

Being relatively new to contesting, I realise adjudicators have a tough job but i would expect more than six lines as an adjudication on Isiaih 40. If all bands had a six line adjication that is about 600 words for 3 hours work! Was he happy with tempos, dynamics, balance. I don't know what tent Mr Whitham was in but I don't think it was one in the Brangwyn Hall this afternoon!

HERE HERE!!!!

[Mr_Euniverse]

Absolutely gutted with result.
Ton didn't play to the best we could have, a few nervy clips but we had been playing Isaiah REALLY well in rehearsal. Not a last placed performance. Most of the people I spoke to had us in best 3!!

Think it needs saying again.
I don't know what tent Mr Whitham was in but I don't think it was one in the Brangwyn Hall this afternoon

[mutedropper]

Congratulations to all the winners on the weekend and especially to my Mam's band Llwydcoed, another double for us this weekend. Also well done to Cwmaman, keep at it, you're going in the right direction.

6 in a row!!!!!!! Come on the View.

[Dave_the_Flugel]

Great Result for us - espeicially off number 1. We played really well although there were a few others who pushed us all the way (as you would expect!). Also like to mention what is a very good adjudication from Mr Landry. Also like to congratulate all the other the qualifiers - see you there.

[Pastit]

A long but satisfactory day for us at Wrexham. Up at 5.30am, left the house at 6.30 and got home at 11.45pm after unloading the coach!. Pleased with our performance, especially with the number one draw, and glad to take a couple of scalps (so to speak). Pretty sure we've done enough to remain in the top section for next year

Agree with the comments on here regarding the amount of information in the adjudicators remarks. Not very helpful!

Well done to all the qualifying bands with another good showing from North Wales

Special thanks to Briton Ferry band for allowing us to use their bandroom (and equipment!!) for rehearsal in the morning. We appreciate your help and congratulations on your fine placing.

[MAW]

I would like to know why some Regionals have 2 adjudicators whereas here in Wales we only have 1.? Is it the money aspect.? Let's face it the prize money isn't exactly going to break the bank.
1st prize £200
2nd prize 100
3rd prize £75.

it' an insult. We all know that we are not in it for the money but decent prize money would make it a more rewarding experience for the prize winners.

I don't know what tent Mr Whitham was in but I don't think it was one in the Brangwyn Hall this afternoon

I think our adjudicator ( lloyd Landry) must have been in the same tent as yours after the first band. :dunno :cry:

[dyl]

Really enjoyable weekend (at the risk of sounding like a stuck record - apart from the travelling!) - thought we gave a really good account of ourselves - a few minor clips here and there - but we felt we'd given a very musical performance - this was confirmed on the recording we received of our performance. Fair enough the adjudicator didn't agree, but that's contesting - we came off stage very happy and received loads of favourable comments in the bar afterwards about our performance - so one guy in a box wasn't too keen - them's the breaks!

The band worked really hard, and our deepest thanks go out to Gav for doing such a tremendous job in getting us to play the way we did - cheers mate.

Huge congratulations to Chris and everyone at Menai Bridge, and also to Beaumaris B with whom we enjoyed a rousing sing-song in the hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning - how did that one go again 'Who beat the Engl..........................' ;)

Well done also to Northop and to all the other qualifiers.

PS. I agree with MAW above - there should be some level of consistency with regards to the number of adjudicators - you get two in the finals, two in some Regions, but only one in others - surely it would make more sense to have every region and the finals judged in exactly the same way?

[Griffis]

In the championship section the band I most enjoyed listening to was Tredegar - especially the ending - I thought the build up at the end was sooooooooooooo moving - it was real music that gets under your skin!


Thank you for for your nice comments!
The ending was amazing...our conductor was so involved with the music he was shouting at the top of his voice "COME ON" to try and get even more sound out of the band, but it must have worked :)
It's nice to see Tredegar band back where it belongs too, being a North Walian, I always hated playing against Tred and Cory for obvious reasons, but hopefully this is the building block that we need at Tred to try and make the Welsh area a contest rather than an outing for Cory!!

Anyway, roll on the Grand Shield now, and hopefully another great day fo Tred and we'll also be back in the Open!!

Congrats also to my old bands from North Wales, Menai Bridge and Beaumaris, and of course all the other bands that have qualified!! Well done everyone!

[OneTonBass]

The sadite that I am has completed the grading tables for the welsh region.
bear in mind that these are my figures and not official confirmation from the registry etc.

As you will see in my next few postings that 2008 will be an interesting year, especially for Beaumaris as its 'A' band is threatened with relegation from the top section, and the 'B' has been promoted to the 1st section.

Grading Tables for 2007 and 2008 for Welsh Region.

These are NOT official and have just been compiled by me using the rules and the results.

[Mr_Euniverse]

Which equates to, over last 3 areas:

Cory 3
Tredegar 10
BTM 11
Burry Port 13
Parc 15.5
Cwmaman 16
Wrexham 16.5
Beaumaris 'A' 19
Tongwynlais 21
Abergavenny 28 (R)

Not delightful reading for us!
Need a good result next year (we're due one here!)
Oh the beauty of banding!

[tam-tam2]

I went to Swansea to watch the areas this weekend and managed to watch nearly all of the bands - it was a bit of a mission and I think I'm slightly insane to have sat there listening for that long! I did really enjoy it though and thought there were some really good bands. I shouldn't say this, being a westcountry girl, but I thought the standard of playing was higher than back home! :tongue:

I particularly enjoyed the 2nd and championship sections. Newbridge were amazing in the second section. I also thought Beaumaris B and Rogerstone stood out as being really good.

One thing that was better at the Southwest areas in Torquay was the weather. It was freezing in Swansea today! (and I don't feel the cold that easily)
:)

Agree with a few points here. I thought the standard of the 2nd Section was higher in Wales, I also had Rogerstone higher than they were, definately better in my eyes than Briton Ferry.......not sure about Beaumaris. I did, however, feel the standard of the !st Section bands was not up to that of the West of England.....though before you shoot me down I did not listen to Northop orTreherbert. Oh, it was particularly cold in Swansea on saturday.....that wind!!

Good luck to all bands that qualifiy, especially Cross-Keys and Newbridge.:tup

[midwalesman]

Hi,

First of all I echo the words of everyone on how good the standard was. I was only there on the sunday but thought the fourth section was excellent and did justice to the Wilby test piece. Cross Keys played really well and had you down as winners for most of the contest, so well done.

Secondly, congratulations to Cory, Tredegar and BTM for qualifying for London. It will make the competition for us Yorkshire folk a lot harder going on the standard of the playing (including Parc and Dare who also played really well, congrats to Mr Roberts on his interpretation, enjoyed it!)

Finally, on a personal note I would congratulate Ian Roberts who played principal with BTM as a one-off. He assured me after that it was a one off after in the bar but after that performance who knows ;-) Nevertheless he was absolutely awesome, and taking away nothing away from the other cornet soloists, was the best cornet player on the day. Having not really played for a couple of years he was magic and it was nice to see BTM getting back to their very best.

[Cantonian]

Hi,

Secondly, congratulations to Cory, Tredegar and BTM for qualifying for London. It will make the competition for us Yorkshire folk a lot harder going on the standard of the playing (including Parc and Dare who also played really well, congrats to Mr Roberts on his interpretation, enjoyed it!)



I wish you had been in the tent that Mr Whitham didn't seem to be in!

[horn1]

YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

MEGA CHUFFED!

Came 2nd in the 3rd with PORTHAETHWY Menai Bridge (not PORTHYWAEN - wrong region Mr Fox!!!) wagging off number 1 and then qualified with Beaumaris in Section 2 playing me kazoo! Had a fairly good night out in Swansea and the rugby result helped too!

Can;t wait till September! Will be fairly busy I think!

Had fun on the way home with the weather - added an extra hour on so took 5 hours home! Glad I left at lunchtime.

Congrats to all the other bands who are through to the finals and nice to meet up with a few old and new faces I(Keith Jones-Banding Character, Gaz Wynne, Dyl,Ceri John, Dr Gaz John and Dr FilthCraig Roberts and loads of others)

Well Done Chris!!! Sounds like you had a better areas than we did last week at blackpool! :(

[Chris Thomas]

Congratulations to all the winners on the weekend and especially to my Mam's band Llwydcoed, another double for us this weekend. Also well done to Cwmaman, keep at it, you're going in the right direction.

6 in a row!!!!!!! Come on the View.

Damn you and your shapely trill - you cost us 4 points. Good contest yesterday - loads friendly faces. A big thank you to your Mam who clapped at the end - a very brave thing to do by herself in such a big hall:clap:.

[mutedropper]

Damn you and your shapely trill - you cost us 4 points. Good contest yesterday - loads friendly faces. A big thank you to your Mam who clapped at the end - a very brave thing to do by herself in such a big hall:clap:.

Frizzy man, just Frizzy! Jealous are you because you can't do shapely on your slidey slidey machine!

[SuperHorn]

More than happy with our performance with special thanks to Ian Porthouse. He really worked us hard over the last 2 and a half weeks.

In Mr Whittam's comments he did say that he was really impressed with the playing bearing in mind he adjuducated Yorkshire only 3wks ago. I believe everyone played really well and we all thought we deserved higher than what we all got. We had all positives saying we framed but not this year. Roll on the next competition Spring Festival.

Well Done to BAYV (soon to be Cory), Tred & BTM.

[nickjones]

Well done to All the North Wales Bands Menai Bridge and Beaumaris especially , also to Northop for getting back up to the championship , well done to Tred ,Mike Fowles and Dewi G on Flug ( man you should be playing a proper instrument dew) and heard loads about Tred's hot new Solo Bari player ( player for the future and a rising star in Welsh Banding)... ;)

[jim]

I have missed the welsh area for 2 years in a row know, and I feel like I have been out of it for more like 10!! Looks like a missed a cracking weekend of banding instead I spent about 11 hours in the car depping for a mate!!

Good luck and well done to my old band Tredegar, not many people would have seen that result comming, I had a nice big shock when the 4br txt came through on my phone but very pleased for the band.

Jim

[mutedropper]

More than happy with our performance with special thanks to Ian Porthouse. He really worked us hard over the last 2 and a half weeks.

In Mr Whittam's comments he did say that he was really impressed with the playing bearing in mind he adjuducated Yorkshire only 3wks ago. I believe everyone played really well and we all thought we deserved higher than what we all got. We had all positives saying we framed but not this year. Roll on the next competition Spring Festival.

Well Done to BAYV (soon to be Cory), Tred & BTM.

Well done Tim, it was a pleasure to hear the band playing so well, and on a consistent basis, especially Steve Stonelake on Baritone and Jeremy on Euphonium, both played superb on Sunday. I'm sure the result made up for the disappointment of Porthcawl where you were hard done by!

Tell everyone to keep at it and I'm sure with Ian's input the band will get back to where it belongs and go on to better things.

Richy Rich

[Griffis]

Well done to All the North Wales Bands Menai Bridge and Beaumaris especially , also to Northop for getting back up to the championship , well done to Tred ,Mike Fowles and Dewi G on Flug ( man you should be playing a proper instrument dew) and heard loads about Tred's hot new Solo Bari player ( player for the future and a rising star in Welsh Banding)... ;)


Cheers Nick...not sure what u mean about that proper instrument though??

[Tredegarboy]

I have missed the welsh area for 2 years in a row know, and I feel like I have been out of it for more like 10!! Looks like a missed a cracking weekend of banding instead I spent about 11 hours in the car depping for a mate!!

Good luck and well done to my old band Tredegar, not many people would have seen that result comming, I had a nice big shock when the 4br txt came through on my phone but very pleased for the band.

Jim

Thanks for that James. Yes were are very pleased with the result and may I, on behalf, of the band thank everybody for their many txts/emails/calls of support and congratulations.

A few members of the band attended the Branwyn on the Saturday and were surprised to be asked, on several occasions, "were Tredegar attending and did they have a band ?" You can imagine what our reaction was given what had been going on in rehearsals and how well the piece was going. Still, we did our talking on stage !

Don't get me wrong we have a number of seats to fill and the management of the band are working hard to secure quality,committed players to fill those vacancies. There remains, however, a core of quality players in Tredegar who have played, and enjoyed success, at the highest level. We have recently augmented this with several signings, more on that will follow on 4bars in the near future, and are in talks with several other players.

[no2taz]

Cheers Nick...not sure what u mean about that proper instrument though??

Da iawn Dewi.

Have you spoken to Iwan about the trip home > Propper messy. Chwydu dross y lle ar y M4.

Most Amusing

[Griffis]

Da iawn Dewi.

Have you spoken to Iwan about the trip home > Propper messy. Chwydu dross y lle ar y M4.

Most Amusing

Yes, Iwan has had a fair bit of explaining to do, and funnily enough, it's not the first time he's been away on a band trip where the money spent on filling his body went to waste... lol

Well done to you boys too for qualifying yet again!!

[no2taz]

Yes, Iwan has had a fair bit of explaining to do, and funnily enough, it's not the first time he's been away on a band trip where the money spent on filling his body went to waste... lol

Well done to you boys too for qualifying yet again!!

Thanks Dewi its not a bad record 4 out of the last 5 years.

I spoke to Iwan or (I won as he is now called) the following day about the trip home he was not a happy chap. I have heard it’s a regular thing for Him, so much money wasted. LOL


Oh by the way I’m doing the Mount Charles thing on sat. Should be a good one.

[dyl]

For those who are interested, the 'official' photos from last weekend are now on the photographer's website: http://brass.umbrellaphotography.co.uk/2007/Brangwyn%2007/custcd1.html

[DaveR]

Chwydu dross y lle ar y M4.

Most Amusing

Ah, I love the luxury and refinements of the band bus! Second only to being on a rugby tour.....:rolleyes: :tongue:

[Dave_the_Flugel]

For those who are interested, the 'official' photos from last weekend are now on the photographer's website: http://brass.umbrellaphotography.co.uk/2007/Brangwyn%2007/custcd1.html

That bloke getting the trophy for Cross Keys seems like a jolly nice chap - quite handsome as-well ;)

[TheMusicMan]

That bloke getting the trophy for Cross Keys seems like a jolly nice chap - quite handsome as-well ;)
Hmmm... not so sure about that ;) :)... but certainly great news for everyone at Cross Keys. Please send regards to everyone from Jen & I yeah.

[stopher]

For those who are interested, the 'official' photos from last weekend are now on the photographer's website: http://brass.umbrellaphotography.co.uk/2007/Brangwyn%2007/custcd1.html

Ace pics but I wish I hadn;t upset Ellen o Eb bass as I ended up trying to pull it off my head!

[New South Welshman]

Hello all.

Just thought I'd say thank you again to my band BTM who worked their bums off (again) for a wonderful performance. I had an absolutely wonderful time and can't wait to get back.

Keep an eye out for these guys.

Cheers,

Bruce