Tredegar Triumphant
In one of the smallest fields of the Regional competitions, Wales was still able to boast some of the finest performances, not least in the top section at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Sunday. With the podium places following the draw, Tredegar was triumphant from a dreaded number one draw. Under the expert leadership of MD Ian Porthouse the band were on scintillating form and it was of little surprise to the audience when the band was announced in first place. Welsh rivals Cory, had to be content with second place on this occasion, although the band also gave a great account of Wilby’s challenging ‘Red Priest’. Adjudicator Dr Childs stated that the two bands were ahead of the rest, with “individual brilliance” in both performances. Cory’s Principal Cornet, Tom Hutchinson and the bass section were rewarded for their efforts, as was Rob Westacott (soprano) of Tredegar. Alan Morrison agreed that both displays were “superb”, however the judges felt that Tredegar’s had the musical edge. Completing the podium places and also securing an invitation to the Royal Albert Hall, owing to Cory’s pre-qualification, was third placed Llwydcoed. As Welsh champions, Tredegar also receives an invitation to compete at the 2024 European Championships.
Congratulations also go to Ebbw Valley, Abergavenny Borough, Cross Keys Silver and Royal Oakeley Silver on winning their respective sections. In addition Beaumaris, Newport Borough, Newtown Silver and Melingriffith 2will join them in Cheltenham to compete in the Lower Section National Finals. Full results can be viewed below:
Results:
Championship Section:
Test Piece: Red Priest (Philip Wilby)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs & Alan Morrison
1. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)***
2. Cory (Philip Harper)**
3. Llwydcoed (Joshua Ruck)*
4. City of Cardiff (M1) (Christopher Bond)
5. Tongwynlais Temperance (Owen Farr)
6. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins)
7. Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
*** Qualify for National Final and to represent Wales at 2024 European Championships
** Pre-qualified for National Final
* Qualify for National Final
Best Instrumentalist: Robert Westacott (soprano) — Tredegar
Best Cornet: Tom Hutchinson — Cory
Best Basses: Cory
First Section:
Test Piece: A Day in the Life of a Knight (Philip Lawrence)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs & Alan Morrison
1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter)*
2. Beaumaris (Bari Gwilliam)*
3. Goodwick (Matthew Jenkins)
4. BTM (Jonathan Pippen)
5. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
6. Parc & Dare (Nigel Seaman)
7. Burry Port Town (Andrew Jones)
8. Deiniolen Silver (Lois Jones)
9. Markham & District (Jayne Thomas)**
*Qualify for National Final
** Ninth placed Markham & District was subsequently disqualified for a registration infringement.
Best Instrumentalist: Tianna Thomas (horn) — Ebbw Valley
Second Section:
Test Piece: The Pilgrim's Progress (Rodney Newton)
Adjudicators: Nicholas Garman & Martin Heartfield
1. Abergavenny Borough (Lana Tingay)*
2. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett)*
3. Usk (James Jones)
4. Penclawdd (John Jones)
5. Ammanford Town Silver (Glyn Rhys Davies)
6. Royal Buckley Town (Keith Jones)
7. Cwmtawe (Wayne Pedrick)
8. Abertillery Town (Alun Williams)
9. Mid Rhondda (Graham Sheppard)
*Qualify for National Final
Best Percussion: Abergavenny Borough
Best Instrumentalist: Patrick Miller (Eb bass) — Newport Borough
Third Section:
Test Piece: Chorale and Toccata (Stephen Bulla)
Adjudicators: Chris King & Duncan Beckley
1. Crosskeys Silver (Sion Rhys Jones)*
2. Newtown Silver (Steve Edwards)*
3. Crwbin (Alex McGee)
4. City of Wrexham (Ian Johnson)
5. RAF St Athan Voluntary (Alan Bourne)
6. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (Alex Parker)
7. Ynyshir (Dean Evans)
8. Briton Ferry Silver (Jeff Pearce)
*Qualify for National Final
Best Instrumentalist: Tomos Evans (cornet) — Crosskeys Silver
Fourth Section:
Test Piece: Hungerford Town (Darrol Barry)
Adjudicators: Nicholas Garman & Martin Heartfield
1. Royal Oakeley Silver (Paul Wilson)*
2. Melingriffith 2 (John Murray)*
3. Severn Tunnel (David Ferris)
4. Ogmore Valley Silver (Danny Stone)
*Qualify for National Final
Best Instrumentalist: Ian Colwell (euphonium) — Royal Oakeley Silver
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