Chalford Band continued its run of contest successes with fourth prize at the 29th Pontin's Brass Band Championships on Sunday (Oct 27, 2002). It was the band's best ever result at the Prestatyn Sands Holiday Centre since the championships began in 1973. There was a strong field of 21 and among the bands Chalford beat were this year's second section national champions, Hade Edge, and runners up Brackley and District. Musical director Steve Tubb, players and supporters went wild with delight when the result was announced. A cheque for £400 was accepted on the band's behalf by veteran player Ron Gardiner (second euphonium), who is retiring and was taking part in his last contest 54 years after joining the band. He commented: "I wanted to go out on a high and that was exactly what happened. It was a marvellous result for me and the band, which I am sure is going to go from strength to strength. I will always be with them in spirit." The written remarks by adjudicators Dennis Wilby and Roy Roe were near faultless in their praise of Chalford's performance of Eric Ball's Sunset Rhapsody - both in the playing and Steve's interpretation and preparation. Everybody contributed to the result, of course, but particular mention must be made of soprano player Hannah Godwin, who had good comments from the judges throughout. They were richly deserved. Although the stormy weather was atrocious on the day of the contest the weekend was well enjoyed and there was a wonderful celebratory atmosphere in the Lunar Bars in the evening. WRITTEN REMARKS Dennis Wilby commented: Secure opening - nice level and musical flow. (1) cornet divisi is well played. All goes well - attention to detail impressive. (2) good dynamic, quasi tromba effective. (8) lovely balance and flow - just nice. (4) soprano/horns good link - a tempo moves in style. (5) semis are nicely measured. (6) bell effect comes over in style. (7) links are nicely handled. (8) change of mood fine. (9) cornet/sop secure - careful quavers are not too heavy. (1) impressive playing (11) all goes well. (13) good balance for cornet. (14) effective (15) the right sound, lovely sop touches (17) divisi cornet nicely together (18) tromb trio stylish (19) fine horns link. Not really a ppp opening but near enough (20) lovely chording. Lento drmatic troms, you capture the mood. 21) impressive horn sound - so controlled and shaped. This is fine playing. A tempo good dynamic and control (23) quasi tromba mutes is just nice. The final chord was beautifully done. You certainly found the music - some lovely moments in this performance. Thank you. Roy Roe commented: Strong opening for mp but all moves along very well, playing is positive and general shape is good. Nice flugel/horns, also troms, and a tuneful lead into (3) and some musical moments along here. A little more dim into (4) Agitato moves along well and good detail through (6) again nice trombs, also lovely sounds sop. Bass bead into (8) needs broader quavers (9) nice cornet but generally tempo is chasing and does not always feel controlled musically. (11) super corn sounds, muted cornets into (13) not always together. Good build to (15) and good control into (16). Very good soprano and nicely shaped into (17) but feel cornets a little much in the mixture generally. Good euph into (18). (19) some good effects achieved through here and (20) lovely balance of sounds. Lento, would prefer a little broader but well played none the less. (22) lovely horn-ensemble sounds here. Final section horn a little strong but music is controlled and has time and space. Lovely tuneful close. Thank you. 
| 
