Competition Information

Adjudicators Remarks

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• 2012
  • 88th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle 16^th June  2012
  • 88th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle 16^th June  2012

• 2011
  • 87th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle 18^th June  2011 
  • 87th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle 18^th June  2011 
  • Wall Music Festival 21^st May  2011 

• 2010
  • West of England Regional Championships @ Torquay 14^th March  2010

• 2009
  • 85th Annual Bugle Contest 2009  20^th June  2009 
  • 85th Annual Bugle Contest 2009  20^th June  2009 
  • 54th Cornish Brass Championships @ Tremough Campus, Penryn  4^th April  2009
  • 54th Cornish Brass Band Championships Open Entertainment Contest 4^th April  2009
  • West of England Championships @ Torquay 14^th March  2009

• 2008
  • SWBBA 62nd Championships 2008  15^th November  2008
  • SWBBA Exmouth Brass Band Festival 6^th September  2008 
  • 84th Annual Bugle Contest (Hymn) 21^st June  2008 
  • 84th Annual Bugle Contest 21^st June  2008 
  • Truro Open Entertainment Contest 5^th April  2008 
  • West of England Regional Championship @ Torquay  9^th March  2008 
  • Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band National Festival 19^th January  2008 

• 2007
  • 61st Annual Championships of the SWBBA @ Torquay  3^rd November  2007
  • Exmouth Brass Band Festival 1^st September  2007
  • 83rd Annual Contest @ Bugle (March) 16^th June  2007
  • 83rd Annual Contest @ Bugle (Test Piece) 16^th June  2007
  • 52nd Annual Band Contest at Truro Methodist Church 31^st March  2007 
  • Torquay Area Contest 10^th March  2007 
  • Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival (Skegness) 20^th January  2007 

• 2006
  • The 60th Annual Championships of the SWBBA @ Riviera Centre Torquay  4^th November  2006 
  • Exmouth Entertainment Competition 9^th September  2006 
  • Truro Open Entertainment Contest 22^nd April  2006 

• 2005
  • 81st Annual Contest @ Bugle (Hymn) 18^th June  2005
  • 81st Annual Contest @ Bugle (Set Piece) 18^th June  2005
  • 50th Annual Band Contest @ Truro 9^th April  2005 

• 2004
  • 58th Annaul Championships at Torquay 6^th November  2004 
  • The National Finals @ Harrogate 12^th September  2004 

• 2002
  • Nation Brass Band Championships Of Great Britain @ Torquay Riviera Centre 21^st September  2002 
  • 47th Annual Band Contest @ Hall For Cornwall, Truro 2^nd March  2002 

88th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle

Adjudicators Remarks

Good opening basses and euphs. Dynamics well managed from (4) into (5). Not all the technique comes through clearly but some splendid sounds at times. Well played troms and cornets then a little clarity from the semis from (13)

Opening safe and now lovely shaping from (15) splendid ensemble from (17) Good singing Euphs from (18). Phrase again well shaped from (20) and nicely rounded off at the end.

Well done cornets and horns to open but cornets have some difficulty keeping the rhythmic pattern up to the mark. Some good sounds overall in this movement although the technique at some points was not quite up to the mark. However, enjoyable listening

88th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle

Adjudicators Remarks

Good solid opening with all important parts coming through clearly. Overall there is a good balanced sound from the band although intonation is not always perfect from all sections.

87th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle

Date	18th June 2011		Draw No	3
Event	87th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle		Bands In Section	4
Adjudicator(s)	William Relton		Marks	88pts
Section	2nd		Result	3rd
Director	David Loukes		Special Awards	Best Player Award in Section - Laura Matthrews
Piece(s) Played		'The Dark Side of the Moon' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper
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Adjudicators Remarks

Opening effective, nice dynamics but some notes don't speak easily also at [A]
[D] Fine playing, also irregular basses great
[E] Nice cornet euph
[I] good tempo and well balanced
[K] All mf should be equal
[N] Sweet Solo Cornet fragile but delicate phrasing
[P] Nice flugal and trombone later horn + euph and great entry to [R]
[S] Same intonation problem here (fired ness?) rather bad split just before [T]
[U] The 4 ..... 6/8 is not good, there is some rushing cornets
[Z] Seems a bit under FF percussion very effective
a good ending, but not always in time.

87th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle

Date	18th June 2011		Draw No	3
Event	87th Annual West Of England's Brass Bandsmen's Festival @ Bugle		Bands In Section	4
Adjudicator(s)	William Relton		Marks	82pts
Section	2nd		Result	3rd
Director	David Loukes		Special Awards	Best Player Award in Section - Laura Matthrews
Piece(s) Played		'Cornish Cavalier' by W.E. Moyle
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Adjudicators Remarks

Opening majestic,
Solo Cornet not entirely comfortable with balanced cord,not to good on the florid semiquavers passage
The middle of the cord often drowns the cornet lines
Trio some ........ for the high notes in the melody
Not entirely comfortable
A rather rushed ending

Wall Music Festival

Date	21st May 2011		Draw No	1
Event	Wall Music Festival		Bands In Section	1
Adjudicator(s)			Marks	86pts
Section	Youth Section		Result	1st
Director	Reuben Long		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Onward Christian Soldiers
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Adjudicators Remarks

Please see PDF

West of England Regional Championships @ Torquay

Adjudicators Remarks

Remarks from 'Jappie Dijkstra'

Big sound but make sure not too strong,
D low cornets not clean.
Nice horn sound F dim starts too early.
Mind the intonation in octaves before G.
G good drive with powerful risoluto..
Big contrasts in dynamics be careful with overdoing the ff.
nice character of the folk song K / N low brass too strong against Horn & Bari sfp good effect but this should also be dim.
Q nice atmosphere but the notes are pushed a bit too much.
R Nice solo work cornet / euph.
S could blend more ( top line to strong).
Keep the Phrasing the same!
T good character, good percussion work U / V Brillante does not come through.
Good drive in the fugue with the right texture.
Y you are losing some some detail.
AA Sound falls away . Cornets to loud it sounds Hard.

You have good possibilities and talented players. Keep the sound polished in all Dynamics,

Good Luck !
J S

Remarks from 'Peter Bassano'

Opening fanfare,a steady tempo & ensemble not perfect but some well controlled & balanced playing.
Good intonation into G & terrifying playing.
After H some rhythmic instability,
after L some attractive ensemble playing at Q
& melody flows from cornet & euph, although balance & intonation a minor issue throughout this passage. Good intonation 2 before
T muted cornets less good.
Respectable percussion at N although V didn't quite work
W the fugue sounded a bit unsettled & moments of rhythmic uncertainty at Z.
The finale was hard driven and the final chord was impressive!

There was much to commend in this performance and it might be argued that the use off forceful dynamics in the mining machinery was appropriate even in FF you should take care of the sound quality.
Peter Bassano.

85th Annual Bugle Contest 2009

Date	20th June 2009		Draw No	1
Event	85th Annual Bugle Contest 2009		Bands In Section	2
Adjudicator(s)	Steve Mead		Marks	88pts
Section	2nd		Result	1st
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards	Best Player Award 'Steve Andrews'
Piece(s) Played		Partita (Postcards From Home) by 'Philip Wilby'
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Adjudicators Remarks

(I)
Vibrant opening. Watch tuning on high G’s solo cornets

B quite good here, just a few moments.

Rhythm well defined.

Allargando – not quite together

Last note hard to tune and this wasn’t 100%

(II)
Fine stuff, let melody come through especially B and D.

Watch tuning before H

Some # voices detract, well played.

Successful moments

Finding just about really together!

(III)
Euph excellent, did you use 4th value for low D (bit #!)?

Warm, open sounds, lyrical sop is most impressive, Eb Bass too,

Little more mutes pp horn to balance the others (solo cornet/troms)

E different section but calmly and effectively played

Good to close

(IV)
Good sense of style, sop changes rhythm? Articulated semiquavers good – still clearer and more measured if possible.

Bar 47 bit scrappy.

C fine scales nicely audible.

Bar 66 start troms, softer then <.

Powerful dynamic ensemble playing to finish

Many thanks, enjoyable


Steve Mead

85th Annual Bugle Contest 2009

Date	20th June 2009		Draw No	1
Event	85th Annual Bugle Contest 2009		Bands In Section	2
Adjudicator(s)	Steve Mead		Marks	88pts
Section	2nd		Result	1st
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards	Best Player Award 'Steve Andrews'
Piece(s) Played		Brass Ablaze by 'Goff Richards
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Adjudicators Remarks

Excellent start, bursting with energy + clarity. Slighty untidy A-B recover well.

DS not totally unanimous, but all in all, this is super playing with excellent balance between sections + percussion.

Some slips, (minor) in coda theme

Very Good final section, thanks

Steve Mead

54th Cornish Brass Championships @ Tremough Campus, Penryn

Adjudicators Remarks

Set piece New World Sketches

1. Confident start with some good effects in places - perhaps not as light as it could be and a few technicalitys not overcome but overall a good musical picture.

Excellent cornet at D and some very tight ensemble playing as it should be in this style.

Back to the bustle and a good scene is painted again.

2. Very expressive euph , ably supported by bass trombone, then a lovely relaxed feel to things at G - this is quality stuff. Horns out of tune bar before H and you only just got away with playing so loud for ‘ f ‘ at H. Very effective train at I and and percussion shines, well done.

You realy created the illusion very well.

3. Rodeo - perc to loud for me to start but some fantastic playing once it gets going - cornets super , euphs wonderfull. You are on autopilot and enjoying yourselfs here - it’s impressive. Just keep the percussion on ice a bit!

Overall , a piece you’ve obviously worked on a lot - you clearly still enjoy playing it, so keep playing it at your concerts ! I’d pay to hear it!

Very well done,
Phillip Harper.

54th Cornish Brass Band Championships Open Entertainment Contest

Adjudicators Remarks

Sing Sing Sing.

Plenty of impact to begin - just up my street! And its pretty authentic too - great percussion ( all three ) what a corker of a timp part - looks like fun! Great Start.

How Deep is the Ocean

This was judged to perfection. The band are realy sympathetic throughout, much appreciated by me ( and Stephen ! ) I hear the soloist very clearly. He does a lovely job. Just watch out on D’s, they’re a little sharp.

Ballet Egyptien Themes

Great fun and well conceptualised. Simple but effective. ( and the at pitch pots and pans were the highlight for me! )

Psalm 91

Lovely warm sounds to begin and you really seem to know the value of being able to play quietly. This is wholly admirable ! Wonderfully authoritive cornet solo, Just the odd tuning glitch takes away from a very effective number.

Dark Side of the Moon.

Good Choice ! Tuning problems at the start , but another elegant cornet solo. Tuning again at P robs the picture. Exciting at R but cornets especially at S is ouch ! A bit scrappy at V but good contrast at Y. Basses don’t play Broad at Z like it says! All a bit overcooked at CC but rall through to end is very well paced.

Overall , started with a bang, some super super stuff, but became out of tune on the penultimate piece. Top marks for choice of programme and enthusiasm !
As Always , a pleasure - thanks !

Phillip Harper

West of England Championships @ Torquay

Adjudicators Remarks

A well presented opening sequence, without being totally rhythmic & precise. D Some complimentary style felt & shown E is ineffective from troms - check notes in solo trom! Tempo prima - similar to opening - not really precise comet balance to close? Sop ?

2. Some melodious sounds presented, keep checking accomp groups. Solo lines cope fine overall. I some confidence shown, prep evident.

Rhythmic grip still to be applied precisely though, eg N band 2nd bar sync 8d' bar same. 0 more colorful within etc P problem in comets 2nd comet? More insight in giocoso too. Back to the style of skimming rhythms, it's the absolute disciplined timing that's missing to capture the Jazz stock phrases, and ensemble grip.

Overall, an appreciated effort from a band of some substance and much potential

Thanks

Nigel Boddice


1. Confidant start, good tempo and organized. Generally good playing, can we have more of the detail in the score? Good into D 1 or 2 individual problems here I'm sure you don't need me to tell you! Please don't let it bother you! Soprano to close? I couldn't here it!

2. Good soloists - and the Db in bass be further out? Nice into I. Not as settled as it could be - it sounds edgy rather than relaxed? K Good duet / Euph listen to trom in bar 178 - tuning? Good Close.

3. F in percussion? Just for me as the cuop of being a touch out of control! We all play but try to be more together in common purpose! Comet 2 missing in meno mosso? 299 Rhythm? I feels slightly more controlled - MD trying! J 1 or 2 things getting away here and presto is a touch messy. I can't here chords at 375?

Some fine playing, more detail, and ensemble work will help collectively.

Thank You.

Alan Fernie

SWBBA 62nd Championships 2008

Adjudicators Remarks

A very good start and balance is sound. I note good dynamic contrasts throughout this section.
" Brilliante " Not clear glock &Tubular Bells.
E effective playing,
4 before F Don't overcook the dynamics. F a bit loud hear.
Stringendo, cornet sound forced.
G cornet notes too detached for style. H music flows well, but some entries unrefined .
17 of H all detail is clear. I well done Sop!
6 of I well done solo cornet!
J Melody is well shaped and lends to a well controlled cresc into K
This is musical apart from bar 5, this is overcooked, nice pause.
L more melody, less on euph/bass. Cornet rhythm 20 of L+ is loose/unclear.
M Music is rhythmic
N control the big sounds. Didn't hear baritone / euph figure bar before O
Not rhythmically clear at P
10 from end triplets not together but a well controlled f is evident.
Very effective ending.

A good performance spoiled by points noted above, slips cost today. This is a good band and well directed but don't think I've heard you at your best, control big sounds at all times and ensure all detail is heard.

Thank you,

Steve Pritchard Jones.

SWBBA Exmouth Brass Band Festival

Date	6th September 2008		Draw No	14
Event	SWBBA Exmouth Brass Band Festival		Bands In Section	15
Adjudicator(s)	Dennis Wilby		Marks
Section	3rd		Result	1st
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards	Winning the 'Best Overall Entertaining Band of the Day' Winning 1st Overall
Piece(s) Played		Sing Sing Sing arr. 'Ray Woodfield' Don't Doubt Him Now arr. 'Craig Woodland' There's Nothing Like a Dame Lord is Gracious by 'Norman Bearcroft' Dark Side of the Moon by 'Paul Lovatt-Cooper'
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Adjudicators Remarks

1. Sing Sing Sing

A confident – good sound. Rhythm is fine. Percussion effective. [J] Fine sound [K] terrific tutti sound. You enjoy playing this style of music, effective opener.

2. Don’t Doubt Him Now (Cornet Solo)

Not together to open, confident soloist, accompany nicely balanced, the music has a nice flow. Soloist phrasing has some lovely touches [C] controlled mp tutti. This is confident playing – balance just nice, the ending was charming, bravo soloist.

3. There is nothing like a Dame

Not your best opening. I loved the dames, very colourful. A nice contrast to no.2. Visual it’s interesting. A great idea and it come off in style.

4. The Lord is Gracious

Controlled opening. [A] A great melody played in true style – nice cornet sound. Lovely link to [C] – here a fine band sound, nice work from Euphs. Counter melody inner sections coming over in style. Lovely final bars.

5. Dark Side of the Moon

Nice to see an original work for band included in your programme. Lovely bass sound – controlled cornet work in support. Flugel/Trombone link nicely – horn/euph likewise. [Q] Tuning?? [R] A fine band sound, balance is spot on. [S] Nice legato playing cornet/euph. Just one small spot not just together. [T] You capture the mood of this atmospheric music. This is a restful sound. [V] A great change of mood, the ending created the desired effect. Technically played with passion and style. A fine choice to end this very enjoyable programme, Great sound to end.

A well balanced programme, played by a fine band.

Dennis Wilby

84th Annual Bugle Contest (Hymn)

Date	21st June 2008		Draw No	3
Event	84th Annual Bugle Contest (Hymn)		Bands In Section	4
Adjudicator(s)	Stan Lippeatt		Marks	Unknown
Section	2nd		Result	Unknown
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Crimond arr. by 'Goff Richards'
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Adjudicators Remarks

This is not the arrangement I have been asked to adjudicate, it should be by Peter Graham.

Your playing of your version of Crimond was effective, gen well in tune, just the odd blip (euph). Good fanfare work with fine perc and lots of drama.

Thank you

Stan Lippeatt

84th Annual Bugle Contest

Date	21st June 2008		Draw No	3
Event	84th Annual Bugle Contest		Bands In Section	4
Adjudicator(s)	Stan Lippeatt		Marks	184pts
Section	2nd		Result	3rd
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Three Saints arr. by 'Goff Richards'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Tuning problems in cornets to start, mp could be softer bar 9.
Cadenza well done cornet, euph & bass could have been more confident.
29 Nice playing with good drama.
38 Had a few tuning problems
48/50 Euph/Cornet could have been a lot more soloistic
66 A lot smoother for me please with softer articulation.
82 Again a lot smoother and broader playing is required
91-> Had quite a fair amounts of untidy and un-tuneful playing.
121 Eb Bass is light.
139 Good effect
144 Smoother and softer in dynamic and style
169 -> Good playing.
180 very untidy
192 Nice playing
203 Untidy semis on euphonium
209 Nice cornet work
217 Again quite a few untidy moments
237 more dynamics required.
239 Some of your best playing thus far.
252 Fine sounds, try not to over do in 257
272 Euph light in balance,
279 Grandioso Good and good build to a fine ending.

A performance with a few problems and also some good points

Thank you

Stan Lippeatt

Truro Open Entertainment Contest

Date	5th April 2008		Draw No	3
Event	Truro Open Entertainment Contest		Bands In Section	4
Adjudicator(s)	Philip Harper		Marks	188pts
Section	Entertainment		Result	2nd
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards	Best Overall Solo Cornet of the Day 'Sharon Hollywood'
Piece(s) Played		Toccata in D Minor arr. by 'Jan Van Kraeydonck' Cornet Solo - Don't Doubt Him Now arr. by 'Craig Woodland' The Mill in the Dale by 'S Cope' The Lord is Gracious arr. by 'Olaf Ritman' An American Trilogy arr. 'Goff Richards' Can Can arr. by 'Goff Richards'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Toccata in D Minor

Dramatic and effective opening and then this piece has real ‘grabbing’ power! Some great dynamics throughout (high and low!) and really good kit playing! Good start.

Don’t Doubt Him

Lovely cornet sound with a very musical sense of phrasing – my gripe would be that the band needs to play quieter generally so that the sound projects through. However, well done Sharon – a class act!

Mill in the Dale

Good item – gently fun! (And good trick with the bread). I did however notice a few glitches in the accompaniment as we went through. All ended happily!

The Lord is Gracious

Some lovely sonorities to begin and just kept under control at [C] too. Some lovely cornet playing here too – well done!

An American Trilogy

Your balance and intonation continues to be impressive though this – just loses it right at the end at ‘ff’ and quality goes off a bit.

Overall – very good program, for the most part very well played!

P.S. Good idea with the Mexican wave and throwing stuff at drummer – I’ll have to remember that!

West of England Regional Championship @ Torquay

Date	9th March 2008		Draw No	9
Event	West of England Regional Championship @ Torquay		Bands In Section	14
Adjudicator(s)	Peter Roberts & Rob Wiffin		Marks	179pts
Section	3rd		Result	4th
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		The Dark Side of the Moon by 'Paul Lovatt-Cooper'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Peter Roberts

Atmospheric opening and an attempt made at structured dynamics leading to rhythmically strong presto section.
[E] Introduction good solo entries, wild tuning 4 before.
[I] Quite good, not all entries heard at [K] [L] well done.
[M] Well done solo cornet and accomps.
[O] Generally well handled, just the odd hole in ensemble.
[P] All soloists do well. [R] Good band sound at higher dynamic.
[S] Still f, unconvincing dim into [T] not as good as opening section.
[W] needs more layered dynamics.
[AA] not all parts heard.
[BB] good sub p.
[CC] Well done with effects and a strong finish.

Overall, a fine performance which would have been enhanced by a more dynamically structures approach.

Thank you .


Rob Wiffin

Why not a pedal Bb Bass Trom?
Not bad a little lumpy
[A] dynamic balance OK – why sop so far back?
[B] sop not quite all G’s, Troms OK but SD is louder, 57 + 58 to much band … not bad
[E] loses way just before [F] percussion to loud + band for solo horn to set through 4 before [I] tuning on back bench shifts.
[I] ό [M] ό Good solo cornet – well done – and nice accomp.
[O] Good detail. Suspended symbol a bar out _ then makes it mp
[P] ok ό Trom ό solo cornet ό (just makes the A)
[Q] to much band [R] ό [S] nice tone – light for f but good shape – euph not quite to top C. Chords before [T] not loud at all
[T] OK
[U] ό [V] good trom chord
[W] ό [X] Sop a little sharp [Y] ό [Z]
[AA] too much band [BB] bravo molto rall to end – Timp starts roll to early (3 before end)
Overall a good performance not without errors but much to commend, well judged tempo’s presto keeping drve but allowing for detail.

Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band National Festival

Date	19th January 2008		Draw No	11
Event	Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band National Festival		Bands In Section	11
Adjudicator(s)	David Horsfield and Roger Webster		Marks	183pts
Section	3rd		Result	2nd
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Symphony for Brass by 'Victor Ewald' Arr by 'Michael Hopkinson'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Roger Webster

1: Solid opening
Try to keep the music flowing
Such a solid, full sound into F
Cornet – so good into G
Introduction @ G mutes – retune
Dynamics good to close

2: Good Start
Perhaps a little to healthy for p
Allegro vivace, some (most) solo lines are very well played. One or two tend to push dynamics (the wrong way!)
Flugel etc very good to end.

3: Once again, some very fine playing.
S – neat, very good euph basses
This performance has many strengths – well balanced + some good detail

David Horsfield

1: Try to keep the melody lines flowing even at 100 (crotchet’s per minute). Dynamics are quite well graded and the general ensemble has a compact and secure feel. Mutes (tuning) G! In H a good atmosphere is created. Percussion enhances well. In the ‘agitato’ an excitement brings to an affective close.

2: lyrical style ok with attention to contrasts. Again good work from percussion. 207 way out muted cornets. Soloists generally show style and composure and bring the movement to a well controlled close (only a little un-tuneful)

3: more definition needed N (horns!!!). Well balanced Q, B nice and the details impresses. Good bass line at S. 101 mishap in horns. Untidy sop U + 5. S.Drum a little loud at times.

A performance of merit, just early tuning detract.

Thank you

61st Annual Championships of the SWBBA @ Torquay

Adjudicators Remarks

ARNEM, Full rich Start,
good dynamics [B] well balanced,
nice glisses, [E] bell effect very fine,
[G] sweet,I like the rubato Allargando-spendid basses etc,
and so well tuned at the end.
UTRECHT, [A] great start,but you slow down- [B] stylish
[C] Troms so well balanced-and blend with Euph(as 4th trom)
3 before [E] great basses,Faultless ending.
ZUTPHEN, A great start,this is all so musical [B] Tiny split,
but so very musical - awkward all those off beat's,
and you played them magnificently,
I enjoyed your music making,
William Relton.

Exmouth Brass Band Festival

Adjudicators Remarks

“Restormel”

Well styled march feel and the detailed playing impresses. An original (and good) march gets the programme off to a great opening.

“My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose”

A very musical performance from the cornet Soloist and also the band. The movement of the music impresses. The soloist displays a great style (only the occasional blemish; but so much to admire). Thank you.

“The Mill in the Dale”

A very well presented number (this brought back memories!). Congratulations to the miller (and also percussionists).

“The Lord is Gracious”

A Spacious feel is achieved here and some rich sounds are enhanced with effective dynamics.

“An American Trilogy”

Atmospheric setting to this melody and you create a dramatic style. A little untuneful before [D]. The character of the music shines through and a great build is well controlled to the close.

“Can Can”

A lively close to a great programme; well balanced, well controlled throughout by M.D

Many thanks and good luck.

83rd Annual Contest @ Bugle (March)

Adjudicators Remarks

A neat opening – Good Sound
Nice dynamics – rhythm secure.
[A] neat – [B] all tightly in its place.
This is confident playing.
Careful before [D]. Euph comes over in style as do troms.
This is lovely playing – ensemble work tight.
A fine performance.
This was a fine piece of march playing.

Thank you!!

83rd Annual Contest @ Bugle (Test Piece)

Adjudicators Remarks

Controlled opening – spacious sounds.
[A] lovely dynamic + balance for bass lead.
[C] cornet/trom fanfare stylish – good sound.
I can hear all the sounds.
[D] again the playing has space + time.
Just the right atmosphere.
[G] measured cornet semis.
[H] careful in ensemble – [J] effective quaver rhythm.
[K] nice [M] cornets lets the 6/8 rhythm flow [N] careful sop.
Lovely level of sound.
[O] fine balance for cornet/cornets.
Nice work from soprano.
[Q] horn lead nearly “Lost”.
[R] a nice change of mood – fine bass line.
[T] all goes well the rhythm is just right.
[Y] semis don’t get in the way of the melodic line.
[Z] measured cornet semis.
[Aa] clarity in ensemble.
[Bb] a really fine sound.
[Cc] lovely dynamic – precise horn playing [Dd] you capture the mood – nice bass semis to follow.
[Ff] this ending was so nicely shaped.
Excellent ending.

From the very first bar you captured the mood of this descriptive music. Excellent rhythm – secure ensemble – confident soloists.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
BRAVO!!

Thank you!!

52nd Annual Band Contest at Truro Methodist Church

Date	31st March 2007		Draw No	4
Event	52nd Annual Band Contest at Truro Methodist Church		Bands In Section	Unknown
Adjudicator(s)	Derek Broadbent		Marks	179pts
Section	Open		Result	5th
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Henry The Fifth by 'Vaughan Williams' edited by 'Roy Douglas' The New Colonial March by 'R.B Hall' My Love is Like a Red, Red, Rose Arr by 'Gordon Langford' The Mill In The Dale by 'S.Cope' The Caliph of Bagdad by 'Boieldieu' Arr 'W.Rimmer'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Henry The Fifth:

A confident opening – good control + dynamics [CC] Works well [DD] Sop rather flat on the D. Semis nicely done - Close is bold + has good conviction.


The New Colonial:

Steady tempo - Compact opening – but I feel the march loses a bit of its swagger. Good dynamic contrasts are heard. Lead to trio – a shade untidy. This soon settles – but one spot of tuning spoil. FF section – good lower lines. Sop obbligato - confidently played. Repeat not as secure as the first time. Sop doesn’t quite come through on this repeat. Close is compact.


My Love is Like a Red Red Rose:

Opens well – just watch the tuning please [A] soloist plays with good sound + style. Accompaniment struggle with their tuning. Well done soloist to [D] – tasteful playing – ensemble – controlled [E]. Don’t let the band overshadow the soloist please [F] - Good solo lines – ensemble to follow Meno Moso fine. <>? Close is well done.


The Mill in the Dale:

A musical opening – then the tuning suffer at [A] – Effective moments [B] Lots of fun. Allegretto – This could all be neater - I don’t hear all the detail. – I enjoyed the vocals and it all worked well. D.S. – better details this time. Close is fair.


Caliph of Bagdad:

Pleasant horn + ensemble to open. Repeat, Sop a shade flat. [A] This could be smoother. Cadenza take a little .. fine. [B] fair. Close a bit lumpy. Alla - why so loud – it’s only p and I love much of the busy detail. [D] is better [E] forceful – but this is stylish now and not so untidy. [G] watch the balance please [H] moves along in good style. [I] exciting and there is a good sense of rhythm to [J] – well contrasted – and all goes well to [L] – [M] (+3) not quite in tune – but you settle again (+1) winds up well [O]needs a bit of clarity. Presto to close is effective and again have good contrast to the end.

A few spots of imbalance + tuning spoiled in too many places – but a varied programme which had good contrasts.

Well done soloist and thank you

Torquay Area Contest

Date	10th March 2007		Draw No	2
Event	Torquay Area Contest		Bands In Section	15
Adjudicator(s)	Barry Thompson and David Hurst		Marks	178pts
Section	3rd		Result	6th
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Prelude and Jubilate by Darrol Barry
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Adjudicators Remarks

Adjudicator: Barry Thompson

Prelude: A little un-tuneful to open – fine flugel – chord entries could be much smoother – quavers flow nicely from [A] – unison fine – ensemble well balanced @ [B] bass line fair at [C] Good Solo horn – flugel & sop also-

Jubilate: Fair to open – and flows to [H] fine horns @ [H] – good dynamics noted – cantabile nicely done – just a little un-tuneful pause before [O] – Confident cornet [Q] nicely done – fine bass before [R] – artistic cornets & trom – god ensemble before [T] – fine bass – good percussion. All is nice and clean from [AA] – a little overdone from 263 –

Much to admire on this performance.


Adjudicator: David Hurst

Secure to open – well done horn/sop. Bar 2/3 could be smoother – same at [A]
[B] The music flows and good attempt of dynamics. Good basses before [C] watch tuning at bar 6.
[D] begins with conviction – watch balance at [E]
[J] Cantabile works quite well.
[O] Good cornets but take care with the way you phrase the melody. [U] Well done percussion – fairly secure to [T]
[X] Some good sounds here and good work to the end.

Thank you

Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival (Skegness)

Date	20th January 2007		Draw No	12
Event	Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival (Skegness)		Bands In Section	14
Adjudicator(s)	Nigel Boddice & Colin Hardy		Marks	184pts
Section	3rd		Result	1st
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Edwin of Northumbria (Keith Wardle)
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Adjudicators Remarks

Adjudicator: Colin Hardy

1. Secure start with most in place [A] this has a nice rhythm flow to it apart from the odd loose bar is OK. [D] Good balance [E] reasonably secure [G] flows to close.

2. Secure again + lots of detail [H] + also [J] + 4 odd slip but picks up [K] the balance is generally OK. Just odd bars of intonation [M] + solo cornet /Euph this was very tasteful – thanks so musical all way to close.

3. Just a shade steady for me & some of the music is lost but still lots of detail and good dynamic contrasts. [T] Lots of detail here 222 very musical this well done. 227 very detailed. [V] To close well in control

This was a very musical performance


Adjudicator: Nigel Boddice

1. Some confidence shown from cornets but unsettled ensemble noted.
Good control shown positively at [A] denoting preparation dynamic appreciated yet still with energy. A little lacklustre in slower section at [E] as energy level drops but closes very well indeed.

2. Musical detail accomplished with much musical taste and direction, Bravo, Odd technical dip noted. [K] Maestoso played with taste once again consisting of musicianship shown throughout and appreciated develop cornets further odd lose the odd split note.

3. Just a touch slow but never the less the control is at timer [V] impressive with direction largely faithful to the scene. Tasteful pace to notes atmosphere felt and realised.

Overall a fine performance generally appreciated.
Very fine direction and understanding of the scene.

Bravo & Thanks

The 60th Annual Championships of the SWBBA @ Riviera Centre Torquay

Date	4th November 2006		Draw No	8
Event	The 60th Annual Championships of the SWBBA @ Riviera Centre Torquay		Bands In Section	8
Adjudicator(s)	Stan Lippeatt		Marks	186pts
Section	2nd		Result	3rd
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Kaleidoscope Composed by 'Philip Sparke'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Good solid start with good contrasting dynamics.
Theme: Tuning problems in cornets. Good Sol & lead lines. Nice playing gen to [30]
V1: Clean crisp playing [48] Very untidy bar we are also forcing the upper dynamic.
V2: Good dynamics with Horn/Cornet playing well, a few blips in duet.
V3: Good tempo then we get a shade faster?! Dim to [76] could be more; in fact yes the softer dynamics could be softer.
V4: [201] Euph obbligato could be more secure. [212] had tuning problems. Please try not to force the upper dynamics.
V5: Tempo is fast and clarity is now a problem [270] was a very untidy bar. [275] Softer please & dolce. [303] Good balance but again I feel [319] upper dynamics are forced. This was a problem through to the end.

Thank you

Exmouth Entertainment Competition

Date	9th September 2006		Draw No	10
Event	Exmouth Entertainment Competition		Bands In Section	Unknown
Adjudicator(s)	John Berryman		Marks
Section	2nd		Result	3rd
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		War of the Celts/Lord of the Dance: 'Arr Frank Bernaerts' Vitae Lux: 'Arr Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen' The Waltonian: 'Arr By Thomas Wyss' Kell's water: 'Peter Graham' Blades of Toledo: 'T.L.Sharpe' Toccata in D minor: 'Arr Jan Van Kraeydonck' Proper Job
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Adjudicators Remarks

War of the Celts:

A good opening but a touch polite for f and making an immediate impact however overall we hear a good balanced sound. At the change of key in bar 5 it is once again a touch light for f especially through the semiquavers. Quite often the semis get lost.


Vitae Lux:

A lovely lyrical sound is produces and phrases are well shapes. Lovely overall band sound around [D] and a sonorous bass sound at [F] well controlled final chord.


Waltonian:

Played with great spirit and style. Well played and controlled at the trio. Of course not all the semis heard at [C] but a good. All tight and all in the right style.


Kell's water:

A beautiful relaxed style from flugel where band is suitably restrained. Euph also plays with some style. Intonation before [G] not quite there and just a touch tentative from [H] to the end.


Blades of Tolado:

Troms are nicely balances and band once again accompanies well, Band controls the dynamics well at [5] and a lovely unison from troms although intonation does wonder at times later. Good style throughout.


Toccata:

Good unisons generally but don’t allow the pause to tail off slightly. Good tempo at the tempo at the rock section. I don’t quite hear the semis from the cornets around [80] but a great finish.


Proper Job:

Played by “proper Cornish bands men/woman” and no one but a Cornish band could finish its program with it. Played with real spirit


Well done.

Truro Open Entertainment Contest

Date	22nd April 2006		Draw No	4
Event	Truro Open Entertainment Contest		Bands In Section	Unknown
Adjudicator(s)	John Maines		Marks	183pts
Section	Open		Result	2nd
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Gaelforce By 'Peter Graham' I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen By 'Alan Fernie' Ballycastle Bay By 'Bob Barratt & Edrich Siebert' The Irish Blesing By 'Joyce Eilers Bacak arr. Stephen Bradnum' The War Of The Cults 'Arranged By Frank Bernaerts' and Lord Of The Dance 'Arranged By Frank Bernaerts' Soldier Song (Irish National Anthem) 'Arranged By Derek Johnston'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Gaelforce:

Colourful entrance! A good band sound is heard and intonation is good. Flugel has a nice sound and accomps are well handled. Nice muted effects just the odd clip well done flugel. Likewise Euph at [M] Moves to an exciting end.


I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen:

A little nervy to begin but the soloist has a nice sound and the band accomps are sympathetic to his cause. You could perhaps make more of the obligato section (listen to the expression from euph) Well done trom.


Ballycastle Bay:

Band not together to begin. Band enjoy themselves with this one. Good attention to dynamic contrast. Very enjoyable


The Irish Blessing:

Quartet is well balanced although phrase endings are a little abrupt. Good entry from band but again phrase endings needs to be shaped more. Quartet end well. Nicely played


The War of the Celts:

Good start and all goes well with a good band sound and a good rhythmic pulse. Good tempo change allowing everything to be heard. Lose the melody line somewhat in the Lord of the Dance especially at [138]. This is well played but the melody is buried at the end.


Overall a good show, varied and entertaining.

Thank you

81st Annual Contest @ Bugle (Hymn)

Adjudicators Remarks

Stylish opening, quality tone ,well balanced.
Verse 2 not a clean start.
Sustain the melody please to the end of bar 8.
The problem with a solo instrument is that with the best will in the world, the player cannot sustain as well as those parts which are doubled.
Verse 3, again stylish and the tone of the Band shown off to its best.
Intelligent use of percussion.

W Relton.

81st Annual Contest @ Bugle (Set Piece)

Adjudicators Remarks

Great Speed
[B] just a slight falling off in ensemble bars downwards.
[D] the bass drum is persistent (and Heavy) snare drum is equally important. Beside the Way, Fine opening and a great poco piu mosso, but why the retard?
[A] I like this speed
[E] takes a moment to get into it’s stride, then all plain sailing, and such a great run at the end.
Waverley, smooth start and so well in tune – dynamics are scrupulously observed.
[B] fine solo playing I even forgive the solo cornets plagent omission in bar 24 – a beautiful ending and what a pause! Most Musical.
Charter Exciting, 45 a slight blob
[F] Lean more <> 140 chording is a problem for intonation (nit – picking)

A very fine ending. It was all so musical. A Joy to listen to.

Thank you

W Relton

50th Annual Band Contest @ Truro

Date	9th April 2005		Draw No	1
Event	50th Annual Band Contest @ Truro		Bands In Section	Unknown
Adjudicator(s)			Marks	178pts
Section	2nd		Result	1st
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards	Best Player of the section, Steve Andrews
Piece(s) Played		Tam O'Shanter's Ride by 'Denis Wright'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Rather untidy at the start – cornets really balanced.
Secure solists to Animoato - this sounds rushed.
Solo cornet rather # in pitch at [3].
Con moto is =96 not 70!
Good bass detail in the link to 88.
At tempo this sounds rushed in rhythm and is too loud solo cornet (it is only mf at the start!)
Well done Bass Trom & Bass Bb.
At the Andante the dynamics and balance is not always accurate.
The chord should always be heard (albeit in the distance).
Secure link to the allergro where the rhythm is rather erratic (good sop!)
Cannot hear crotchets in bass sequence.
Good cornets at 9 but too loud.
It is f for all parts at 10
Secure link to ‘reel’ which moves nicely then becomes uncontrolled.
Rough bass link but quite stylish Euph and cornets (too loud again …)
Untidy ensemble at times from 14 to 15 but mf | f | ff steps well controlled.
Lacks energy at Agitato.
Ensemble untidy in this section.
Needs more pace at fin moto.
Fair bass link to 17, this is quite well done.
Good solo playing generally from lento – but details of find … not really …

A good attempt at this difficult music but much detail overlooked in dynamics … contents. Also balance of parts need more rehearsal.

58th Annaul Championships at Torquay

Date	6th November 2004		Draw No	3
Event	58th Annaul Championships at Torquay		Bands In Section	Unknown
Adjudicator(s)			Marks	176pts
Section	3rd		Result	1st
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards	Best Horn Section
Piece(s) Played		Simon Called Peter 'Gilbert Vinter'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Really a bright tempo (d=108)? But this is pastime pleasing – well rehearsed!
Nice horn solo, just lacks some fluency.
Balance in [E]3/4.
Super solo in [F] – Well done.
Trom solo excellent just the right style.
Super sop solo in [J]. Trom intonation at [J]?? Andante Con moto?
You really make as effect to play ‘pp’ in [L].
Dynamics before [N] could be more effective.
Good rhythm before [O] sp horn.
Do give note full value before [Q] i.e. (notation).
Intonation is fine bass.

A convincing performance – well rehearsed and directed. Just the occasional flaw mares an overall excellent performance.

The National Finals @ Harrogate

Date	12th September 2004		Draw No	1
Event	The National Finals @ Harrogate		Bands In Section	19
Adjudicator(s)	John Maines & Derek Broadbent		Marks	173pts
Section	3rd		Result	14th
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		Diamond Heritage by 'Darrol Barry'
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Adjudicators Remarks

John Maines

Nice opening Troms join well but a little loud for p.
All goes well to [B] Rhythms could be tighter and cornets slip doesn’t help.
Bar 34 troms tuning cornets good to "Lumbering".
This is well played but could be more dynamic.
[D] Tuning slightly out and balance suffers [F] Rhythms could be tighter.
Flugel does well but more expression would be nice likewise cornets [G] Well done Euph but not quite scherzo! [I] percussion is loose and troms rush.
Good dim into [J] but tuning in basses and then troms isn’t good.
Sop does well to [L] where again tuning and balance (note lengths) are at fault.
Horn/Flugel not balanced at [211] and a little loud.
[M] Cornet just manages to keep in tune. Flugel keeps going.
[N] is nicely done [256] tuning Euph/cornet not good.
Balance suffers in the lead to [O] Melody line is presented well.
Sub F a little overdone.
Builds to a strong end but not without tuning and balance problems.

Thanks


Derek Broadbent

Opening tastefully done – don’t snatch at quavers please – A good build to [A] is made [B] watch the tuning please.
Corn duo-fair.
Tune some what over shadowed.
[C] Fine corn done in good taste S.D rall a bit lumpy – and not really ppLumbering lacks clarity in the bass lines – and some suspect tuning spoils [E] Builds well [F] Lacks a bit of Majesty and the parts don’t always move as one.
Cantabile – F !! This also needs to sing a little more. String builds well.
[G] Tidy Euph – quite effective – fair detail to [I] I do hear all the parts – close not quite in tune.
[J] Tuning in the lower lines.
Some balance problems – spoil the cornet lines to + after the stringendo is a bit untidy.
Sop in good form in the build to L
[L] I’d like broader quavers in the inner line please slower.
Flugel + horn not in tune or balanced [M] Cornets and Euph to good effect – flugel not to comfortable SLOWER.
Chords not in tune or together.
[N] Carefully played, all nicely linked – cresc well graded – A spot of euphonium intonation (rep, flugle + euph) spoils.
A good build to [O] is made and the majestic has a good majestic feel to it.
F cresc needs a little more impact – and the close suffers from some poor intonation – Too many spots of poor balance + tuning for comfort in the performance.
Thank you very much.

Nation Brass Band Championships Of Great Britain @ Torquay Riviera Centre

Date	21st September 2002		Draw No	7
Event	Nation Brass Band Championships Of Great Britain @ Torquay Riviera Centre		Bands In Section	21
Adjudicator(s)	Melvin White and Dennis Wilby		Marks	177pts
Section	4th		Result	3rd
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards
Piece(s) Played		A Cambrian Suite by 'Michael Ball'
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Adjudicators Remarks

Melvin White

1. Careful opening – soloist displays nice style (flugel? intonation) Dynamics noted (was ff … up too big?) One or two minor probs but nice shape and dynamics show well.

2. Nice Euph (cornets a shade too loud?) Flugel more warmth please but quite safe. Some really nice shapes here – a degree of tenderness & simplicity. Really nice solo cornet & lovely changeover – only poco … A tempo – nice touches – semi quavers not quite together to [9] Rit nice touches. > could be more to 10. But nice touches. Good movement.

3. Good start – (horn un-tuneful low d!) A degree of stability although your desire to have fun cause some problems with quavers. Nice allegro, good band sound. Mp dim could be more noticeable.

Overall a very good performance


Dennis Wilby

A measured opening – entries come over nicely.
[1] Stylish soloist
[2] Nicely done
[3] Good sound – measured semis all goes well
[4] Sop confident, baritones not, just “nice”
[5] Nice semis. Ensemble work is fine – controlled, fine ending.
A controlled opening – lovely euph – flugel from trio has shape
[7] This is fine playing
[8] Cornet has a lovely shape – bravo!! This is well shaped – a tempo is well done
[10] Balanced cornets – confident sop – Flugel – the ending was nicely shaped
2/4 a well managed opening – you place the semis nicely. I can hear all the entries – percussion some nice touches
[14] Controlled
[15] Confident troms
[19] This is a fine sound
[22] Lovely sound. Meno mosso controlled – the music has space
[23] Fine sound – nicely done <> 2/4 you can cope with this increase in tempo
[26] Impressive

Good soloists in this band – good sounds – I liked it - a lot!!

Thanks

47th Annual Band Contest @ Hall For Cornwall, Truro

Date	2nd March 2002		Draw No	5
Event	47th Annual Band Contest @ Hall For Cornwall, Truro		Bands In Section	Unknown
Adjudicator(s)	Malcolm Brownbill, Esq		Marks	180pts
Section	4th		Result	1st
Director	Derek Johnston		Special Awards	Best Percussion Section (Alex Richards, Michael and Paul Hollywood) Best Player In Section (James Burns)
Piece(s) Played		Images For Brass by 'Stephen Bulla'
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Adjudicators Remarks

1 - Super atmosphere to open and fine build to [16]. Super percussion follows, lovely euph sound & everybody impresses

2 - immediately engaging … from …
[83] fine bass line and all links smoothly overcome
[142] just a little cleaner please. Nice close.

3 - Mutes so well in tune [169] slightly disturbance against chimes
[177] quite haunting feel just what is required
[188] Crystal cornet sound & melody always kept clear
[205] lovely build & again beautiful close.

4 - Exciting [219] perhaps bass could be clearer
[238] balance excellent
[253] has energy & drive. Loose chord [272] then real conviction to close.

A very fine musical performance from a really fine band. So enjoyable.

Thank you Mr Conductor

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