CHALFORD Band had good cause to celebrate at a local pub on Saturday night (April 6) after being placed fourth out of 16 in the 2002 south west regional championships (second section) at the Colston Hall, Bristol - the same result as last year. Adjudicator Michael Fowles awarded Chalford 187 points for what he called "a very enjoyable performance" of the test piece, Symphony for Brass by Victor Ewald. The respected Internet online band magazine, 4BarsRest, had predicted a second place for Chalford based on recent results. The band was drawn last and because of nerves there were some slips that had not been heard in the bandroom. Musical director Steve Tubb came off stage disappointed that the band had not given their best performance which could have earned a place in the national finals. But on the coach journey home he thanked the band for a good performance. "Fourth place is still a good achievement," he said. It was the second 4th in a row but unfortunately Chalford had an undeserved 15th place in 2000 so we will probably have to wait another year for a chance of promotion back to first section. The first six places annnounced at the Colston Hall were: 1 Torbay Brass (191 points), 2 Bendix Kingswood (189), 3 Gillingham Imperial Silver (188), 4 CHALFORD (187), 5 Lanner and District (186), 6 Lympstone South West Telecoms (185). The adjudicator's written remarks were as follows: "1 Not quite together to start and Bb could be smoother. Thereafter is good. (A) I don't quite get the semiquavers. (C) accompaniment pp please. A pity about the blips as there is much good work here. Effective accel to (E). Don't always get the lead line through - more care with balance of long note to detail please. Unlucky cornet. (G) Again generally well handled. (H) Semis are better this time. I appreciate the f not being overdone - thank you. Watch tuning in octaves please (eg euph/Btbn). (J) Good tempo. I could take more dim to close. II A bit lumpy to start which is a shame. Somehow it doesn't quite flow as well as it might. 5/8 a little untidy to start but dynamics are a feature. Just be careful not to let it rush. Tempo Primo - not quite balanced between melody and obligato. Effective close. III Take care that the two quavers don't rush please. Most technical aspects well dealt with. I appreciate your attention to dynamic details. Keep semis together before (S). Take care with phrase ends please. Control the semis before (V) please. (V) Good transition and effective accel to a good close. A very enjoyable performance. Michael Fowles. " | 
