BAND PLAY AT EUROPEANS
3rd Carrickfergus Band (Northern Ireland) chose a quite varied programme.
The opening contest march ‘The Contestor' (T.J.Powell) was taken with
real commitment but a spot of tuning and an unsettled bass solo might
have proved costly points wise. 3rd Carrickfergus Band: Claire Hueston Claire Hueston did herself proud in the cornet solo ‘Let Me Try Again'
(arr. Simon Kerwin) and the euphs and baris made a good impression with
the hymn ‘I'll Walk With God' (arr. Goff Richards). The set work ‘March-Rhythm'
had few scratches especially in the bridging lines but for the greater
part they certainly lived up to the challenge of the Jan Bosveld work.
The ‘Irish Blessing' was a most appropriate choice for the Irish Band
and it is obvious that they are more than comfortable and used to this
work. ‘Swingtime Religion' (Barrie Gott) had the band relax and deliver
quite convincingly but their last choice work ‘Romance from Salute to
Youth' (Gilbert Vinter) did not quite come off when the band took time
to convey the lyrical nature of the music. The band from Northern Ireland
could not be criticised for commitment and gave their all, none less than
their MD, Des Graham whose extrovert presentation and clear direction
were notable and very enjoyable. This was not to be their day but they
were mixing it with some very strong company in Holland. As for final
thoughts it would have been interesting to have heard the winners of this
Section Brass Band Oberösterreich (Austria) take on the likes of Black
Dyke with ‘Extreme Make-Over', the Championship piece, and we have no
doubts they would have been true contenders – we kid you not. It was a
memorable B Section – perhaps the best ever from EBBA's point of view,
and if this continues next year in Belfast then everyone will be in for
a musical feast. John James 
