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SCABA ENTERTAINMENT CONTEST - Sunday 18th May 2008
The band once again travelled up the A23 to compete in SCABA's annual Entertainment contest at The Hawth Theatre in Crawley. The band has a reputation for putting on a good show and this year our MD Matthew Hackett chose a varied selection of pieces themed around the Whit Friday marches to highlight the band's musical ability.
The day started with the usual rehearsal at the Handcross Social Club at 12 noon. The band headed off to the Hawth in double quick time for the draw, and were very happy to be drawn 1st to play ! The band plays in the 'A' section at this contest, which combines championship and 1st section bands. We took the stage a lot earlier than normal at 3pm, and gave a really good performance. The overall results for our section are as follows.
Position - Band - Points - (Section, Music + Content + Deportment)
1st - Friary Guildford - 95 - (Champ, 58 + 28 + 9)
2nd - Welwyn Garden City - 90 - (Champ, 56 + 26 + 8)
3rd - Brighton & Hove City Brass - 89 - (1st Section, 56 + 25 + 8)
4th - Chichester City - 86 - (1st Section, 55 + 24 + 7)
5th - Regent Brass- 85 - (Champ, 54 + 23 + 8)
6th - Ocean Brass - 84 - (1st Section, 54 + 23 + 7)
7th - Horsham Borough - 82 - (1st Section, 53 + 21 + 8)
8th - Northfleet - 80 - (1st Section, 51 + 22 + 7)
Highest Unplaced 1st Section Band – Chichester City
Best Soloist – Martin Buss, Brighton & Hove City Brass
Best Performed March – Friary Guildford
Remarks as follows:
Castell Coch - Well presented opening march with some precise playing in the march-on. The bass solo shows a well balanced ensemble with good ‘p’ in the trio, and neat cornet solo. Good tempo throughout. A good opener.
El Cumbanchero - Good samba style and cornet soloist plays with flair and excellent tonguing technique. A masterful performance by soloist and band; great percussion also.
Hine e Hine - A little anxiety in the opening but Flugel soloist displays a great relaxed and flowing style. A great contrast here with tasteful accompts. E – effective style and balanced sounds. Bravo Sop. Only occasional blemish towards the close.
12th Street Rag - Stylish treatment at a nice easy tempo. D – F a little insecurity at times. Well balanced trio throughout.
Armenian Fire Dance - Exciting sounds with attention to detail, and the intensity builds towards the close although I feel the last two pages weren’t really ‘ff’
Sussex by the Sea - A little insecurity in the opening section but the programme closes on a bright note and I like your ‘theme’ for the programme; a most enjoyable experience; thank you.