Carlton Brass took part in the Midlands Regional contest in Bedworth yesterday, performing in the Second Section for the first time since the band’s relegation from the First Section in 2014. 12 bands took to the stage to perform the impressive ‘Variations on Maccabeus’ by Kevin Norbury – a piece that was both difficult to play and full of style – and Carlton Brass pulled off our first Area contest victory in 14 years.
Drawn number 11 our performance caught the attention of both the brass band press and (more importantly) the adjudicators. Some of the comments on twitter were very encouraging:
#regs2015 Mid 2: The battle is well and truly joined now with terrific display from @CarltonBrass. Will Raunds Temperance raise the bar?
— British Bandsman (@BB1887) March 8, 2015
#regs2015 Mid 2: Carlton up the ante to sneak ahead in the race to Cheltenham with that well managed account http://t.co/2TXXJIZ2P8
— 4barsrest.com (@4barsrest) March 8, 2015
4barsrest also wrote some nice things on their website as part of their live coverage at the event:
11. Carlton Brass (Paul Watson)
Right from the start there was an air of control, and confidence about this performance – very well directed by the MD. Not without its intonation and minor errors throughout, but the delivery was admirable with solid solo lines backed by balanced ensemble.
Each of the variations had character topped by fine lead lines (esp sop). The fugato and run for home were played with a touch of nobility too. May have sneaked ahead in the race for Cheltenham here.
The band are delighted to have won our first area contest win in fourteen years and very excited to be invited to the National Finals in Cheltenham in September. 2015 is turning out to be a very good year!