Ebbw Valley Wins Welsh Open
Ebbw Valley retained the CISWO Miners' Challenge Cup with a fine Welsh Open victory in Newport earlier this month. Adjudicator Sheona Wade had an extremely enjoyable day listening to 14 creditable performances, but it was the 'Welcome to the Circus' set of Ebbw Valley that saw the band deservedly claim the £1,000 top prize for the second successive year, as well as secure the accolades for 'Best Tubas' and 'Best Trombones'. Their MD Gareth Ritter also went home once again with the Miners' Eisteddfod Cup as the winning conductor.
Wantage Silver, welcome cross border visitors, came runner-up with their neatly executed 'Friendship' programme, winning the Tower Colliery Trophy plus £500 in prize money. In addition, their talented young baritone player Imogen Fewster claimed the 'Best Soloist' award for her stunning playing of Bach's 'Siciliano' arranged by MD Chris King, whilst Brian Thomas took the 4BR 'Best Soprano' award.
A delighted Parc & Dare was third, as the First Section band conducted by Dewi Griffiths also claimed the invitation to the British Open Spring Festival Senior Trophy with their well-played set led by their 'Best Horns'. 13-year-old Garyn Jones also enjoyed his day by being presented with the 'Youngest Player' prize.
Result:
Adjudicator: Sheona White
Entertainment Prize judge: Sarah Hayward
1. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter): 196
2. Wantage (Chris King): 195
3. Parc & Dare (Dewi Griffiths): 194
4. Llwydcoed (Joshua Ruck): 193
5. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Daniel Hall): 192
6. Tongwynlais Temperance (Owen Farr): 190
7. Tylorstown (Rob Westacott): 189
8. Pontardulais Town (Paul Jenkins): 188
9. Milton Keynes Brass (Matthew Brown): 186
10. Filton Concert Brass (Gary Davies): 185
11. Forest of Dean Brass (Martyn Patterson): 184
12. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson): 183
13. Lympstone (Nigel Seaman): 182
14. Chapeltown Silver Prize (Colum O'Shea): 181
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