Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships 2020 Championship Section Preview & Predictions

CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION -SUNDAY, 1ST MARCH 2020

Testpiece: A Tale As Yet Untold by Philip Sparke

Adjudicators: David Hirst and Alan Morrison

DRAW: 11:30

COMMENCE: 13:15

No. Band Conductor

City of Cardiff M1 Christopher Bond
Cory Philip Harper
Ebbw Valley Nigel Seaman
Llwydcoed Chris Turner
Northop Silver John Doyle
Tongwynlais Temperance Carl Saunders
Tredegar Town Ian Porthouse

City of Cardiff M1

City of Cardiff will be hoping to return to the Royal Albert Hall for the first time since 2018 after just missing out last year when they came 4th at the William Aston Hall in Wrexham. The band will be led by the inspirational Christopher Bond, composer of the 4th section test piece ‘Neverland’, who has recently led the band to victory at the South East Wales Brass Band Association Contest and the runner-up spot at the Welsh Open.

Cory

Consistently ranked at the World’s number 1 band for over a decade, and having qualified for the National Finals every year since 1999, Cory will be looking to regain the top spot at the Welsh Championships after coming 3rd last year. A Tale As Yet Untold was commissioned by Cory when they were conducted by Dr Robert Childs, so it will be exciting to hear what fresh ideas Philip Harper will bring to the score.

Ebbw Valley

After narrowly avoiding relegation last year, Ebbw Valley will be hoping to do better than 6th place as they opt for the very experienced Nigel Seaman to conduct them. The band came 2nd at the SEWBBA contest so will be hoping to firmly establish itself within the top flight of Welsh Banding.

Llwydcoed

2019 was a year of mixed results for Llwydcoed as they won the National Eisteddfod of Wales and gained qualification to the Grand Shield, yet didn’t quite get what they had hoped for at the Welsh Regional Championships or Bolsover. They’ll be hoping to get 2020 off to a flying start under the experienced conductor, teacher and player Chris Turner.

Northop Silver

The only North Walian contender in the championship section this year comes in the form of Northop Silver who were the talk of this contest last year when they came 2nd, beating Cory. With the methodical preparation of their conductor John Doyle and a bit of luck there is no reason they can’t do that again this year in Swansea.

Tongwynlais Temperance

After coming 3rd in 2018, Tongwynlais must have been bitterly disappointed to come last in 2019. They have opted for the well-known Salvationist cornet player Carl Saunders to conduct them, so with two well known cornetists in the box, they’ll be hoping he’ll add to their performance to enable them to do better this year.

Tredegar Town

Quite often the bridesmaid of Welsh banding and seldom the bride, Tredegar will be hoping to keep the Welsh Championship title after winning in 2019. Ian Porthouse is well known for his methodical approach and excellent musicianship, which saw the band get a podium spot at the Brass Pass Band of the Year Contest in 2019, so a Welsh Regional double is certainly achievable.

Prediction

Often seen as one of the most clear-cut regions, this year’s contenders could well produce a less than predictable result. However, It is hard to see anyone but Cory taking the title on Philip Sparke’s superb piece.

We go for: