Faye, Jessica and Mike lead the way :-)
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Good opening - ensemble is well directed and everything fits - transition is well handled after 39 (Jay and percussion )What a good opener.
SHE MOVED THROUGH THE FAIR
Needs more time and space to start - good sounds through. More detail with the ensemble, moving together and length of notes - this is hard to ' pull off ' Bravo soloists ( Hannah, David, Faye, Tom and Dom ) extremely good attempt at this atmospheric arrangement, I love it.
KALINKA
Good opening (Tom) - bravo tuba (Jon )- be careful of the intonation when others enter - good ensemble and balance. The tempo lifts well MD (Jay) always in control - good attention to dynamic affects - this is a good close to the programme - well done.
Such an enjoyable performance - there was variety, good soloists and plenty of good direction from the MD. Work on your intonation and ensemble ( always moving together and constant length of note) Well done and thank you.
CONCERT OVERTURE
Good opening - secure ensemble - everybody finding the values of the crotchets = two quavers - accents are well played. A cracking little opener which you play very well.
WHEN THE SAINTS
Again the ensemble is secure - soloists is a star (Isabelle) ( be careful the accomp. doesn't out blow her) really good sounds from around the band with much to commend.
HIGHLAND FAREWELL
Atmospheric opening - soloists again do well (Keiron, Daisy T, Declan, Isabelle) - the ensemble is evenly matched at all times. I like the fact that everybody is thinking quavers - especially on the dotted crotchet - it holds together so well.
A cracking programme with so much detail. I liked the choice of programme and all the soloists played with style and confidence. Thank you band and MD.
Points 176 place 3rd & Gold Award
Youth Band MD Mary
MILLENNIUM FANFARE
Brilliant opening (David L) - impressive opening ( Hannah and all cornets, Rose, Dom )- ensemble is good as is the intonation around the band - good choice to open.
MACK THE KNIFE
Good bouncy feel - this is difficult matching the style around the band. Percussion (Henry, Sam, Andrew) provide good support and add necessary drive - I like the trombone, bravo (Daisy). Cornet is also well matched (Hanna).This settles and is a fine filler - well done.
EVENTIDE
The ensemble moves well together - length of notes are consistent - just perhaps could do with a little more sense of phrasing - Good dynamics contract and grading.
FINICULI FINICULA
The compounded style is good ( people are counting their quavers) - the tempo helps this.Just a little problems with the intonation between cornet and Euph. A good piece well played
LORD OF THE DANCE
A good finisher - all goes well - just the odd tempo which takes to long to settle. Again percussion do well (Henry, Sam & Andrew) and drive it along nicely. Well done everyone this has plenty of commitment and style. Thank you.
Points 181 placing 3rd & Silver Award
Adjudicators - Lieutenant Colonel C J Davis OBE BA(Hons) MMus DMA LRAM RM Commandant RMSM and. Principal Director of Music Royal Marines
1. Worchester Cathedral
2 The Wye
Trombone seems a little unsettled by the rush. Horn does well - as does cornet at J. think about the balance for the accomp. M needs more leggierio cornets ( you are working too hard) Q needs to be more stately/pompous - cornet does well again
3. Gloucester Market
The style needs to be lighter - it becomes heavy and distorted. S well done horns. All moves along nicely V is not secure - a little untidy - many blips and the intonation is also an issue. Compared to the other 2 movements this sounds under rehearsed?
(He then writes P.T.O and adds a foot note)
A tough test - especially the last movement. Much to commend in movements 1 and 2 but I'm sorry to say movement 3 was not good. There were too many basic errors and the mistakes began to cost you - as I have said it sounded like more work could have been spent on this final movement. Intonation also an issue. Thank you band and MD.
A good performance of this demanding piece – soloists did well and the ensemble was always supportive. You have worked extremely hard to produce this level of performance. Thank you.
My view - Great youth band comments on a very strong performance. Very happy with senior band commets too, all true and much to be pleased with. Especially as the senior band hasn't contested for years x :-)
Can't take my eyes off you
Good intro and warm sounds setting up the soloist who has a very pleasant trombone sound (Daisy W) . Nice change to swing between B and C (Henry, David and Sam) Good articulations in the ritmico section. A good start to the concert.
She moves through the fair
Lovely opening (Hanna, Michael and David) creating atmosphere - melody passes well between players - good horn and bari sound after the pause - well done ( Dominic, Charis, Alice, Declan, Jake and Tom) well controlled to the end. Lovely flugel playing especially (Rose)
Streets of London
Atmosphere created by some good piano playing leading to good solid percussion. ( Henry and Sam) Well phrased confident playing by the soloist ( Faye) Good articulation from the band describing the bells. Great rall into H - well controlled ( all of us ! ) Well finished by the soloist ( Faye)
Hymn - Sandon
Good ensemble sound - all moving together. Good piano sound on the second verse - I challenge you to achieve this sound with all the cornets playing !
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Opening four bars played with good control and the cornets enter at A ( all front row) with much enthusiasm. Be careful that you have some dynamics for the forte at E. Well played to the end.
A good enthusiastic performance by both the band and conductor that was very much enjoyed by the audience.
Vectis Youth Brass Band - all children
Roman Wall
Good start, you set the scene well, excellent forte piano ( all of us ! ) Careful not to rush the groups of four quavers. Good ensemble and staccatos at E ( all of us........again !) Good articulation throughout and plenty of air holds tuning to the end in the last chord (all of us :-) )
Eventide
Slightly ragged start ( all of us :-( ) but good piano sound at the opening (:-))Be careful to all phrase together especially at the end of bar 4. Well controlled ending.
I'm gonna be (500 miles)
Burns night last night ! Good solo cornet playing at 5 ( Hanna) A little more cornet 2+3 would be good at B (back row) Good trombones at 17 ( Daisy W & Abbie ) Call and response well balanced at 31 ( front row and troms) performance well played right to the end.
Highland Farewell
Good opening - I can almost smell the whisky. Excellent solo cornet ( Isabelle) be careful military side drum isn't too loud. Good subito piano from the band at 41. Crescendo was well maintained through to a well controlled ending.
Ghostbusters
A little more of the moving line (euph etc.) needed at 6 Excellent singing from the back row cornets. Great ending ! (Alice !)
A very good performance. Well done everyone.
Vectis Training Band
MD's Jay Taylor & Mary Teague
Concert Overture
A very strong and confident start to this. some good staccatos in the cornets. Troms entrance could be a little better. There is certainly plenty of dynamic contrast in this piece. Good start. Well done the young conductor.
Perfect Day
There is a good balance in the band, just watch the intonation, especially in the lower end.Good smooth lyrical style achieved good transitions such as 63. At 72 Euph intonation and a smoother cornet would help. A rich sound in the tutti band sections. Good dotted rhythm achieved at 115. The band does very well with this piece and a convincing performance.
Mr Sandman
Good bell effects at the opening. The tempo slightly drops away. Good staccato from cornets and the percussion cope well with the style of the piece. The tenor horns do well along with the euph's and baritones. Some very good playing and articulation.
Eventide
Confident start to the hymn and the band is generally moving together. phrasing is good. The p was achieved and the intonation does not suffer too much either. Some good control throughout. Don't force the last note.
42nd Street
Good start and the tempo settles at bar 7. Unison D after figure D is unsettled. Generally good style and articulation achieved. tempo tends to drop at times. Tenor horn does well just need more volume now.
A really good effort by the band with good overall sound. Articulation and dynamics are carefully considered and the band works well together. Some real talent in the band. Thank you for making the trip over the Solent and very well done.
Well done to both conductors.
Vectis Brass
Fanfare for an occasion : Good choice for the opener and ensemble is quite compact and tight. Good closing section with only a slight hint of intonation and tuning.
Blayden Races : The soloist shows confidence and displays good technique and tone quality. In the section in F a few anxious intonation moments in the upper register. Nevertheless good technique throughout. bravo soloist. A classic solo for euphonium, nicely presented.
Pastyme with Henry : A little anxious at times but the character of the music comes through with good kit. Could be tighter and more convincing in section D. Again a good arrangement which sits well in the programme. Tuning shows on the final chord.
She moves through the fair : Secure solo lines and the mood of the music is captured well. Anxiety shows at 35 and tuning at 53. Nice closing chord. This was an effective contrast to the programme and suited your "smaller" band well.
Sing sing sing : The swing style is nicely portrayed. Effective horns and trombones noted. A few loose moments at times distract.
A committed performance by an enthusiastic band and MD. Thank you and good luck.
Vectis Training Brass Band
Hymn: A good balance generally and the inner parts are heard. Nice Soprano at the end of the 1st verse. great link into the 2nd verse, very well measured. This is some good sustained playing and phrasing. Well done.
Concert Overture:Good attack and control, very effective. Well directed and maintained control of the balance and nice bass, euph and trom sound. Good attention to detail in articulation and dynamic contrast, great accents.
Mr Sandman: Accents, particularly in the cornets are very effective. I like the volume and balance at A and a very nice sound. A fun piece to play. Troms do well with the gliss. The sound is very mature, balanced and of a high standard for this section. It is obviously a piece the band enjoys playing.
Lament of the Dandelion: A good attempt from the soloist, just watch the dotted rhythm at the start. Some minor slips at 10 with the ensemble. Sop does well at 20. Euph is a little nervous in sound at 25 but manages well. This is not easy and a very good attempt from all the solo lines and a nice finish.
Sway: Good attention to detail and rhythm. Well balanced sound. Like bass trom at 16 and horns link well into B The percussion is well balanced and is effective. The band plays very well together and it is very noticeable that the band is disciplined and does not generally over blow. I love the soft cornet sound at H great sound! Great dynamics contrast. This is extremely well played. Very well done.
This is an excellent programme that is played to a very high standard. Very impressed with the balance and tone quality achieved. I think it will be well worth your while travelling the Solent today. Well done to everyone and thank you very much. Have a safe trip home.
Vectis Youth Brass Band
Hymn: Lovely sound to start. Just watch the intonation through out the band particularly the bass section. However good bass link to V2 but untidy start to V2 in the ensemble. Intonation just tales the edge of the overall performance.
Big Top: Some good clean playing here with good attention to detail. The top solo cornet at C not clear. Nice sop at G just watch dotted rhythm and intonation. A pleasing piece enjoyed by all.
She moved through the fair: Good start from 1st cornet with slight slip from other entries. A nice balance of sound quality around bar 26 but sop not secure on entry. Intonation suffers in some solo lines which is a pity for the overall performance. A lovely piece that works well but intonation needs work again.
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps: This has a real sense of some musical interpretation from the soloist, well done. A light touch from the ensemble would help the balance for the soloist. Another good sound from the whole band and the soloist is commended on her musical performance - well done.
Sing, sing, sing: Good appreciation of the dynamics and balance in the opening bars. Good tempo, style set from the opening section. Horns not always together at C but good troms at D. Cornets could be more harsh for a change in this style of music Good effect at H Percussionist ( on the kit) has done really well in this and all the other pieces, well done young men! A bit tired towards the end but very well done to everyone.
Thank you very much.
Good opening - ensemble is well directed and everything fits - transition is well handled after 39 (Jay and percussion )What a good opener.
SHE MOVED THROUGH THE FAIR
Needs more time and space to start - good sounds through. More detail with the ensemble, moving together and length of notes - this is hard to ' pull off ' Bravo soloists ( Hannah, David, Faye, Tom and Dom ) extremely good attempt at this atmospheric arrangement, I love it.
KALINKA
Good opening (Tom) - bravo tuba (Jon )- be careful of the intonation when others enter - good ensemble and balance. The tempo lifts well MD (Jay) always in control - good attention to dynamic affects - this is a good close to the programme - well done.
Such an enjoyable performance - there was variety, good soloists and plenty of good direction from the MD. Work on your intonation and ensemble ( always moving together and constant length of note) Well done and thank you.
Points 177 place 2nd
Training Ensemble - MD Mary
CONCERT OVERTURE
Good opening - secure ensemble - everybody finding the values of the crotchets = two quavers - accents are well played. A cracking little opener which you play very well.
WHEN THE SAINTS
Again the ensemble is secure - soloists is a star (Isabelle) ( be careful the accomp. doesn't out blow her) really good sounds from around the band with much to commend.
HIGHLAND FAREWELL
Atmospheric opening - soloists again do well (Keiron, Daisy T, Declan, Isabelle) - the ensemble is evenly matched at all times. I like the fact that everybody is thinking quavers - especially on the dotted crotchet - it holds together so well.
A cracking programme with so much detail. I liked the choice of programme and all the soloists played with style and confidence. Thank you band and MD.
Points 176 place 3rd & Gold Award
Youth Band MD Mary
MILLENNIUM FANFARE
Brilliant opening (David L) - impressive opening ( Hannah and all cornets, Rose, Dom )- ensemble is good as is the intonation around the band - good choice to open.
MACK THE KNIFE
Good bouncy feel - this is difficult matching the style around the band. Percussion (Henry, Sam, Andrew) provide good support and add necessary drive - I like the trombone, bravo (Daisy). Cornet is also well matched (Hanna).This settles and is a fine filler - well done.
EVENTIDE
The ensemble moves well together - length of notes are consistent - just perhaps could do with a little more sense of phrasing - Good dynamics contract and grading.
FINICULI FINICULA
The compounded style is good ( people are counting their quavers) - the tempo helps this.Just a little problems with the intonation between cornet and Euph. A good piece well played
LORD OF THE DANCE
A good finisher - all goes well - just the odd tempo which takes to long to settle. Again percussion do well (Henry, Sam & Andrew) and drive it along nicely. Well done everyone this has plenty of commitment and style. Thank you.
Points 181 placing 3rd & Silver Award
SCABA Autumn Contest
Sunday 29th September 2013Adjudicators - Lieutenant Colonel C J Davis OBE BA(Hons) MMus DMA LRAM RM Commandant RMSM and. Principal Director of Music Royal Marines
Place - Youth 1st, Senior 2nd in 3rd section, Best MD me x
SENIOR BAND - A Malvern Suite
1. Worchester Cathedral
Good opening – detail is heard - cornet intonation is not always secure D tempo seems to settle quite considerably - bass drum very prominent at E horns/bari intonation at G The final pause bar needs to wait longer - all a bit of a rush?
2 The Wye
Trombone seems a little unsettled by the rush. Horn does well - as does cornet at J. think about the balance for the accomp. M needs more leggierio cornets ( you are working too hard) Q needs to be more stately/pompous - cornet does well again
3. Gloucester Market
The style needs to be lighter - it becomes heavy and distorted. S well done horns. All moves along nicely V is not secure - a little untidy - many blips and the intonation is also an issue. Compared to the other 2 movements this sounds under rehearsed?
(He then writes P.T.O and adds a foot note)
A tough test - especially the last movement. Much to commend in movements 1 and 2 but I'm sorry to say movement 3 was not good. There were too many basic errors and the mistakes began to cost you - as I have said it sounded like more work could have been spent on this final movement. Intonation also an issue. Thank you band and MD.
YOUTH BAND - A Northumbrian Suite
I - Good opening – make sure the dotted quaver/semiquavers are maintained throughout the ensemble. Like the style at C lightness is found – good ensemble quavers are together. This is good mood setting. The legions are on the march.
II - Needs to be together bari
III - Good sense of style – the click helps. This is a difficult movement – but you handle it well – the mood is maintained throughout. You’re clearly enjoying yourselves.
IV - Be careful side drum – not always in the right place. Bravo solo cornet at V, Tambourine don’t get too excited at X ! Z is secure – horns do well. You keep everything controlled at CC Good listening to close – detail always heard.
A good performance of this demanding piece – soloists did well and the ensemble was always supportive. You have worked extremely hard to produce this level of performance. Thank you.
My view - Great youth band comments on a very strong performance. Very happy with senior band commets too, all true and much to be pleased with. Especially as the senior band hasn't contested for years x :-)
Wessex Youth Festival Sat 26th Jan 2013
Adjudicator : Captain Ian Davis BMus(Hons) MMUs(Dist) AMusTCL Royal Marines.
Place : 1st Youth Band, 4th Training Band and Best Bass section of the day - Vectis Youth
Vectis Training Brass Band
- 6 adult helpers rest all children. We had 1 bass, 2nd trom, 2nd horn,
back row cornet, 4th man down, 2nd euph.
Can't take my eyes off you
Good intro and warm sounds setting up the soloist who has a very pleasant trombone sound (Daisy W) . Nice change to swing between B and C (Henry, David and Sam) Good articulations in the ritmico section. A good start to the concert.
She moves through the fair
Lovely opening (Hanna, Michael and David) creating atmosphere - melody passes well between players - good horn and bari sound after the pause - well done ( Dominic, Charis, Alice, Declan, Jake and Tom) well controlled to the end. Lovely flugel playing especially (Rose)
Streets of London
Atmosphere created by some good piano playing leading to good solid percussion. ( Henry and Sam) Well phrased confident playing by the soloist ( Faye) Good articulation from the band describing the bells. Great rall into H - well controlled ( all of us ! ) Well finished by the soloist ( Faye)
Hymn - Sandon
Good ensemble sound - all moving together. Good piano sound on the second verse - I challenge you to achieve this sound with all the cornets playing !
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Opening four bars played with good control and the cornets enter at A ( all front row) with much enthusiasm. Be careful that you have some dynamics for the forte at E. Well played to the end.
A good enthusiastic performance by both the band and conductor that was very much enjoyed by the audience.
Vectis Youth Brass Band - all children
Roman Wall
Good start, you set the scene well, excellent forte piano ( all of us ! ) Careful not to rush the groups of four quavers. Good ensemble and staccatos at E ( all of us........again !) Good articulation throughout and plenty of air holds tuning to the end in the last chord (all of us :-) )
Eventide
Slightly ragged start ( all of us :-( ) but good piano sound at the opening (:-))Be careful to all phrase together especially at the end of bar 4. Well controlled ending.
I'm gonna be (500 miles)
Burns night last night ! Good solo cornet playing at 5 ( Hanna) A little more cornet 2+3 would be good at B (back row) Good trombones at 17 ( Daisy W & Abbie ) Call and response well balanced at 31 ( front row and troms) performance well played right to the end.
Highland Farewell
Good opening - I can almost smell the whisky. Excellent solo cornet ( Isabelle) be careful military side drum isn't too loud. Good subito piano from the band at 41. Crescendo was well maintained through to a well controlled ending.
Ghostbusters
A little more of the moving line (euph etc.) needed at 6 Excellent singing from the back row cornets. Great ending ! (Alice !)
A very good performance. Well done everyone.
Wessex Youth Festival Sat 28th Jan 2012
Adjudicator : Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace Head of the HM Royal Marines.
Place : 2nd place Training Band with 10 bands competing
Vectis Training Band
MD's Jay Taylor & Mary Teague
Concert Overture
A very strong and confident start to this. some good staccatos in the cornets. Troms entrance could be a little better. There is certainly plenty of dynamic contrast in this piece. Good start. Well done the young conductor.
Perfect Day
There is a good balance in the band, just watch the intonation, especially in the lower end.Good smooth lyrical style achieved good transitions such as 63. At 72 Euph intonation and a smoother cornet would help. A rich sound in the tutti band sections. Good dotted rhythm achieved at 115. The band does very well with this piece and a convincing performance.
Mr Sandman
Good bell effects at the opening. The tempo slightly drops away. Good staccato from cornets and the percussion cope well with the style of the piece. The tenor horns do well along with the euph's and baritones. Some very good playing and articulation.
Eventide
Confident start to the hymn and the band is generally moving together. phrasing is good. The p was achieved and the intonation does not suffer too much either. Some good control throughout. Don't force the last note.
42nd Street
Good start and the tempo settles at bar 7. Unison D after figure D is unsettled. Generally good style and articulation achieved. tempo tends to drop at times. Tenor horn does well just need more volume now.
A really good effort by the band with good overall sound. Articulation and dynamics are carefully considered and the band works well together. Some real talent in the band. Thank you for making the trip over the Solent and very well done.
Well done to both conductors.
SCABA Entertainment Contest Sat 15th May 2011
Adjudicator : David Horsefield
Music 48/60 Entertainment 23/30 Deportment 7/10 Total 79/100
Place 6th out of 8 band competing
Band's Solo Euphonium award 'best soloist' of the day
Vectis Brass
Fanfare for an occasion : Good choice for the opener and ensemble is quite compact and tight. Good closing section with only a slight hint of intonation and tuning.
Blayden Races : The soloist shows confidence and displays good technique and tone quality. In the section in F a few anxious intonation moments in the upper register. Nevertheless good technique throughout. bravo soloist. A classic solo for euphonium, nicely presented.
Pastyme with Henry : A little anxious at times but the character of the music comes through with good kit. Could be tighter and more convincing in section D. Again a good arrangement which sits well in the programme. Tuning shows on the final chord.
She moves through the fair : Secure solo lines and the mood of the music is captured well. Anxiety shows at 35 and tuning at 53. Nice closing chord. This was an effective contrast to the programme and suited your "smaller" band well.
Sing sing sing : The swing style is nicely portrayed. Effective horns and trombones noted. A few loose moments at times distract.
A committed performance by an enthusiastic band and MD. Thank you and good luck.
Wessex Youth Festival Sat 29th Jan 2011
Adjudicator : Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace Head of the HM Royal Marines.
Place : 1st youth, 1st training, Best overall Band with 10 band competing
Vectis Training Brass Band
Hymn: A good balance generally and the inner parts are heard. Nice Soprano at the end of the 1st verse. great link into the 2nd verse, very well measured. This is some good sustained playing and phrasing. Well done.
Concert Overture:Good attack and control, very effective. Well directed and maintained control of the balance and nice bass, euph and trom sound. Good attention to detail in articulation and dynamic contrast, great accents.
Mr Sandman: Accents, particularly in the cornets are very effective. I like the volume and balance at A and a very nice sound. A fun piece to play. Troms do well with the gliss. The sound is very mature, balanced and of a high standard for this section. It is obviously a piece the band enjoys playing.
Lament of the Dandelion: A good attempt from the soloist, just watch the dotted rhythm at the start. Some minor slips at 10 with the ensemble. Sop does well at 20. Euph is a little nervous in sound at 25 but manages well. This is not easy and a very good attempt from all the solo lines and a nice finish.
Sway: Good attention to detail and rhythm. Well balanced sound. Like bass trom at 16 and horns link well into B The percussion is well balanced and is effective. The band plays very well together and it is very noticeable that the band is disciplined and does not generally over blow. I love the soft cornet sound at H great sound! Great dynamics contrast. This is extremely well played. Very well done.
This is an excellent programme that is played to a very high standard. Very impressed with the balance and tone quality achieved. I think it will be well worth your while travelling the Solent today. Well done to everyone and thank you very much. Have a safe trip home.
Vectis Youth Brass Band
Hymn: Lovely sound to start. Just watch the intonation through out the band particularly the bass section. However good bass link to V2 but untidy start to V2 in the ensemble. Intonation just tales the edge of the overall performance.
Big Top: Some good clean playing here with good attention to detail. The top solo cornet at C not clear. Nice sop at G just watch dotted rhythm and intonation. A pleasing piece enjoyed by all.
She moved through the fair: Good start from 1st cornet with slight slip from other entries. A nice balance of sound quality around bar 26 but sop not secure on entry. Intonation suffers in some solo lines which is a pity for the overall performance. A lovely piece that works well but intonation needs work again.
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps: This has a real sense of some musical interpretation from the soloist, well done. A light touch from the ensemble would help the balance for the soloist. Another good sound from the whole band and the soloist is commended on her musical performance - well done.
Sing, sing, sing: Good appreciation of the dynamics and balance in the opening bars. Good tempo, style set from the opening section. Horns not always together at C but good troms at D. Cornets could be more harsh for a change in this style of music Good effect at H Percussionist ( on the kit) has done really well in this and all the other pieces, well done young men! A bit tired towards the end but very well done to everyone.
Thank you very much.
