Carlton Brass

Carlton Brass proudly represented the Midlands at the Second Section Nation Finals in Cheltenham this weekend. The band were drawn 14th of 16 bands and played a confident, musical rendition of the test piece; the excellent ‘Snaring Of The Sun’ by Stephen Roberts.

Our performance impressed some of the brass band media in the audience:

The brass band website 4barsrest wrote a really nice update as part of their live coverage of the event:

It’s a nice relaxed opening from Carlton Brass that builds with some solid playing and (hopefully) not affected by one of the centres stewards intercoms going off in the hall.

There’s a lot of fine work going on and the cornet is excellent. We really like the approach in the 7/8 section (well done all) and this includes percussion – some really excellent enhancements on display here.

Carlton’s enjoyable rendition closes with energy and vibrancy along with solid playing.

Overall:
Carlton certainly rose to the challenge and certainly delivered an enjoyable performance today. Not enough to win though but it could be a dark horse for a top six place today.

Star Player: Percussion team today enhanced the performance.

The whole band played their collective socks off, driven by our exceptional percussion section. In the end the band were placed an excellent fourth behind the well-deserved winners Ebbw Vale (who were fantastic by all accounts).

Many thanks to all the band members for getting us to this point. Carlton Brass have had a fantastic 2015; NEMBBA and Midlands Regional champions, some excellent concerts throughout the year and now a fantastic result at the National Finals. It is a team effort and everyone involved with the band have been amazing. Special thanks must go to Stephen Lomas and Jack Reeves who gallantly filled a couple of empty spaces for the Nationals, along with Alice and Alex on percussion who did an incredible job at the back (under the expert guidance of the wonderful Woody and Rowena). Thanks must also go to all the band supporters – the parents, wives, husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends that put up with our constant rehearsing and allow us to make music. We couldn’t do it without you!

A massive thanks must also go to Paul ‘Wink’ Watson, our musical director, whose masterful baton has wagged us along to much success this year. We have had one of the most successful years in the band’s history – so well done, and thanks, Wink!