Sunday March 16th saw both Regent Brass and Regent Community Band travel to the Gordon Craig Leisure Centre in Stevenage to participate in their respective sections of the London and Southern Counties area qualifiers for the Brass Band National Finals.
Competing in the fourth section, Regent Community band, conducted by John Holland had to tackle ‘Three Spanish Impressions for Brass Band’ by Alan Fernie. Drawn to play 11th out of 20 competing bands, RCB made an impression on the adjudicators John Doyle and Mike Kilroy and in live comments by 4BarsRest.
“Unusual seating plan: semicircle of cornets, horns to left, troms and basses to right and baris/euphs behind for this very new band. After an uncertain opening they grew more confident, with a positive fandango showing good attention to detail.” 4BarsRest
The band were placed 4th overall in the end which, given their placing in last years contest, provisionally promotes them to the third section from next year. Sadly, RCB had to say goodbye to MD John Holland after this performance. The band thank John for all his efforts in the run up to this contest and wish him all the best in the future.
Regent Brass competing in the Championship section as defending champions, had the very stiff test of St Magnus by Kenneth Downie to tackle. Under their musical director, Paul Archibald, the band were drawn to play 4th out of 12 competing bands. Described as a “fine safe performance” in live comments by 4BarsRest, the performance didn’t find favour with the two adjudicators Graham Jones and Stephen Roberts being awarded an 11th place in the final results.
“LSC Regent give an interesting reading. Huge liberties with tempi and some bizarre detached quaver playing that didn’t help the lyrical flow. Euph, solo cort and sop deserve much praise. Good effort but tired rapidly to the end.” British Bandsman (twitter)
Disappointing as the result was (well, you can’t win them all!) the journey tackling this very tricky ensemble work for brass band has been very worthwhile. MD Paul Archibald has been very pleased with the progress and efforts put in by all involved and is confident that we can build on the achievements of the last few months and look forward to future successful concerts and contests.
Regent Brass and Regent Community Band would like to congratulate the qualifiers from our and all sections and wish them the very best of luck in the finals. For full results and reviews:-
