The Band had a fantastic day at the Royal Conservatoire in Birmingham on Saturday. The hard work of Bari Gwilliam and all the band was rewarded with plenty of silverware to take home.
ConsTest is an own-choice competition held in the Birmingham Conservatoire. Seindorf Beaumaris Band chose to play ‘The Saga of Haakon the Good‘ which was very well received.
Seindorf Beaumaris Band came 3rd overall, and also won:
- Highest placed First Section band
- Best Back Row Cornets
- Best Basses
The full results and report can be found on this 4barsrest webpage.
Brassing Around wrote: “It just keeps getting better! Beaumaris perform with a level of class and virtuosity that is so far unmatched today. This piece is not one I’ve heard before, but its now a favourite. A wonderful choice by the MD has allowed the band to perform to the highest of standards. The solo euphonium had a brilliant day, along with the brilliant young principal cornet sat opposite. Following a suitably sombre funeral procession, led brilliantly by the trombones, the band rally with an enormous battle cry to a visceral and virtuosic close. Top playing Beaumaris!”
Bari Gwilliam told Brassing Around how it came together at the first full rehearsal the night before, and again on the stage. He also praised how the contest is structured allowing bands to bring in some friends who were former Beaumaris players.
British Bandsman wrote: “Lovely opening and the music is flowing from the off. The band have a wonderful sound, very well balanced and controlled.” … “Lovely sound from the Euphonium, so rounded. Some lovely moments at the quieter dynamic, everything is heard and it’s such a warm sound. This is a solid performance, very tidy, great detail and strong across all sections of the band and a full on sound to finish. Much enjoyed by the assembled gathering.”
It seems that all the bands thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed, well organised and well structured contest. Rehearsal space and time was generous and the format allowed bands to play music that suited them best. This slightly blurred picture might say it better …
