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Porthcawl 2008

16th Febuary

Having braved the elements of  a very windy Porthcawl it became a very successful day for the band. For many this was this first time they had played under a conductor of  Frank Renton's calibre. And he didn''t disappoint  with an excellent 2nd place to eventual winners Tredegar. A big thanks to Mr Renton and Andrew Jones in preparing the band

10th January 08

Frank Renton at Newbridge

Newbridge have engaged the services of one of the best conductors in the country. With Paul Holland unavailable due to work commitments Frank Renton is taking the band to the first competition of 2008 at Porthcawl on 16th February. Having been promoted to the 1st Section Nationally the band are able to compete at this competition for the first time. This competition is an entertainments contest where the band will play a 20 minute entertainments programme. Following this contest it will be business at usual with Paul back for the Area contest at Swansea.

1st January 08

New Players for 2008

With the 2008 contest season about to begin the band have made a few new signings. Returning from Tredegar to her old band Kate Rowlands comes in to the band on 2nd Euph with Andrew (Taddy) Evans making another move within the band onto the front row. Tony Yelland comes in at the bottom end replacing Andy Russell on BB Bass who leaves us for Tredegar and finally percussion star Brendon Gudgeon comes in to assist Rhiannon, Richard and James on the percussion Section.

6th October 07

Runners up at Burry Port

Saturday 6h October saw the second round of the South Welsh League brass band contest season with the West Wales Brass Band Association contest held at Burry Port.

The BTM Band under the direction of Jason Katsikaris took the honours in the Championship Section but they were pushed hard by the newly crowned Second Section Champion Band of Great Britain, Newbridge (Celynen).

Newbridge Principal Cornet player Andrew Smith took the prize for the best instrumentalist. Adjudication

The same two bands finished exactly in the same position at the Ebbw Vale contest early in the year and the final contest at Treorchy in November will decide the Champion Band of South Wales.

Adjudicator Jim Davies was very impressed with the standard of the bands in the top section and was in no doubt with the first three placings.

1. BTM (J. Katsikaris) - 197pts
2. Newbridge (Celynen) (P. Holland) - 196pts
3. Burry Port (M. Thorne) - 194pts
4. Tylorstown (G. Davies) - 190pts
5. Abergavenny (T. Williams) - 189pts
6. Mid Rhondda (A. Gibbs) - 188pts

Adjudicator: Jim Davies

1st October 07

National Champions 2nd Section 2007

It's been a long time coming but for the first time in the bands' history we can call ourselves "National Champions". September 30th 2007, at the International Conference Centre at Harrogate, will be a day that all associated with Newbridge (Celynen) Band will remember for ever.

 Led by the talented Paul Holland the band playing Darrol Barry's  Toccata, Elegy and Scherzo earned the title National Champions, winning the second section by three clear point from North Wales band Beaumaris. Chairman Colin Price said "this is the proudest moment of my banding life, to see the band win the National title is something I will remember for ever ". Solo Euphonium Nigel Thomas won the prize for the best soloist in the section. Adjudication.

Full results

1. Newbridge (Celynen), Paul Holland, 3, 189
2. Beaumaris B, Gwyn Evans, 8, 186
3. Phoenix West Midlands Brass, David Maplestone, 13, 184
4. Wakefield Metropolitan, Norman Law, 10, 183
5. Kippax, Alan Morrison, 16, 181
6. Wardle and Anderson District Brass, Sean Conway, 2, 180
7. Portishead Brass, Ian Dickinson, 11, 179
8. Wansbeck's Ashington Colliery, Nigel Stedman, 14, 178
9. Blackpool Brass, Andrew Warriner, 6, 177
10. Ocean Brass, Ivan Hutchinson, 15, 176
11. Egham, G. Green, 7, 175
12. Granite City, Tom Paulin, 12, 174
13. St Ronan's Silver, Alex Knox, 9, 173
14. Cawston, Colin Swaep, 1, 172
15. Harborough, Chris Groom, 4, 171
16. Cockerton Prize Silver, G. Nicklin, 5, 170

Soloist: Euphonium, Nigel Thomas, Newbridge.

Extracts from 4BarsRest Website

Wales did have something to celebrate on the weekend as Newbridge (Celynen) and Beaumaris made it a one/two in the Second Section. There may not have been too much for the followers of Welsh rugby to cheer about on the weekend at Harrogate, but the bands of Newbridge (Celynen) and Beaumaris B certainly showed that when it came to the Second Section, they were both able to raise their performances to the levels of the All Blacks.

The Welsh duo dominated the contest to such an extent that even a fine performance from Phoenix West Midlands Brass ended up some seven points behind the winners. It was just reward for the ambitious South Wales band under the direction of Paul Holland and emphasised the progress they continue to make as they seek to become a force on Welsh domestic banding too.

"This is a fantastic result for the band," Paul told 4BR after the announcement of the results amid scenes of celebration on the Harrogate stage.

"We are an ambitious band but we also knew we had to play to the top of our form here to come away with the National title. We’ve worked hard on the piece and made sure we kept control of both dynamics and tempo. Last year we left the door open and paid the penalty, but this year I think we slammed it shut, although Beaumaris played exceptionally well and I think pushed us all the way."

Newbridge also had the added bonus of picking up the Best Instrumentalist prize on offer too, with a battle between principal euphonium Nigel Thomas and solo cornet Andrew Smith just seeing the experienced old campaigner coming out on top.

Adjudicator Philip Harper told the audience that the overall standard of solo playing was excellent although in the end it came down to a choice between the pair from Newbridge for the individual award. "One euphonium player was outstanding," he said from the stage.

"I can’t quite believe it," Nigel told 4BR. "All the years I played with bands on different instruments and now since taking up the euphonium with Newbridge I seem to be winning awards. Perhaps I should have played it all along!"

2007 Lower Section National Finals

In modern day life, time is one of our most precious commodities, so we’re always looking for shortcuts in the things we do.  Take cooking for instance – don’t defrost the chicken properly you got for Sunday dinner and the next thing you have is a nasty dose of food poisoning. Follow the instructions though (on the tin or the package – you will see why we are using the analogy pretty soon) and things should be OK. 

The same goes for the preparation of a test piece with instructions from a composer.  If there are directions in the score such as ‘Driving’, ‘Reflective’ or ‘Poco agitato’ then that’s what the chap intended in the first place – and judges are the type of cooks who like following the instructions – almost to the letter. 



Welsh wonders: Forget the rugby Wales have a winner!

For Colin Hardy and Philip Harper, the secret to finding the winning success in Darrol Barry’s new work, Toccata, Elegy and Scherzo was, as they put it, ‘doing what it says on the tin’, ‘…as per instructions on the score’.  In short, those who took notice of the markings, got rewarded for their efforts, and those who didn’t, missed out.

Darrol Barry’s piece in effect proved to be a tough ask for many of the bands on the day itself.  The suite provided many challenges throughout, from the opening ‘Toccata’, a taxing ‘Elegy’ that exposed soprano, principal cornet, euphonium and flugel, and the closing, playful ‘Scherzo’.  It was the type of work needed to find a National Champion.

For those who took notice got their just rewards whilst in some cases (and forgive the cookery pun), the bands got their just desserts. There were no bad performances, plenty of admirable ones, but plenty that didn’t take enough notice of the directives in the score.

Both Colin and Philip spoke eloquently to the audience, whilst Philip was the one who spoke extensively about the piece, reinforcing the point that if bands ‘did what it said on the tin’ they were subsequently rewarded for their efforts.

Praise was given to the soloists, but overall both men knew what they wanted to hear, had done their preparation (especially Colin) and nobody could have had any complaints about the result.  In the end though, cometh the results, it was the Welsh bands who had most to celebrate, providing the rugby fans amongst them something to seriously lift their spirits after the Principality’s rugby team went out of the World Cup 24 hours earlier.

The victors were Newbridge (Celynen) from South Wales, led by Paul Holland, whilst Beaumaris ‘B’ from North Wales under Gwyn Evans took the runners-up spot. To suggest that the Welsh dragon roared on Sunday evening is a bit of an understatement. It scorched the opposition.

Newbridge (Celynen) were more than worthy winners.  This was one of those days when being drawn early (number three) didn’t make any difference.  The band’s conductor, Paul Holland told 4BR afterwards that the band had worked hard on keeping control of both dynamics and tempo as last year they left the door open and paid the penalty. This year they all but slammed it shut.

Anything was possible of course it is, but Newbridge’s performances left an impression on the adjudicators that meant it would take something exceptionally special to remove it from top spot, and despite a super effort from their north Wales rivals, they were never seriously threatened.

Best Soloist: Nigel Thomas enjoys his bit of glory

Their opening was strong and purposeful and the dynamics were terrific.  In the middle ‘Elegy’ section, the mood was reflective with Ellie Holland taking the opening exposed soprano part in her stride, and this was followed by a fine performance on principal cornet Andrew Smith, and an exquisite solo performance on euphonium from Nigel Thomas that earned him the Best Instrumentalist prize.  Rob Nesbitt on flugel also maintained the standard of the soloists that had gone before him in a movement of rich musical excellence. 

Welsh Dragon: MD Paul Holland gets his hands on the Second Section silverware

The final ‘Scherzo’ section was again full of good solid playing, accurate tempi and some well-drilled percussion that enhanced the performance, and all the band could do was wait another four hours or so to see what the judges really thought. They need not have worried.

24th September 07

4BR Predictions

The worlds most visited brass band website makes Newbridge favourites for Harrogate.

Extract from 4BR,

Wales meanwhile last won this contest in 2001 but they send perhaps two of their strongest ever competitors to do battle this year in the form of Newbridge (Celynen) and Beaumaris B. The standard of these two bands at Swansea was perhaps the best in the entire country at the regionals, so they will be short prices favourites in anyone’s books to at least come in the prizes. Packed full of experience and very ably led they should be in the mix come the results.

4BarsRest Prediction

A hard one to call, but the quality of a few bands should stand out if they play to form. Newbridge must be in with a shout this year, although they haven’t always done themselves justice here and Kippax have been having a wonderful year so far and must surely fancy their chances of a National title. It could well be between them for the top prize. Hard on their heels we think it could be Beaumaris B and Blackpool with Wakefield Metropolitan and Phoenix pushing them close. Our dark horse this year is Ocean Brass.

1. Newbridge (Celynen)
2. Kippax
3. Beaumaris B
4. Blackpool Brass
5. Wakefield Metropolitan
6. Phoenix WM Brass

20th September 07

Open Rehearsal

With only days to go to the National Brass Band Championships at Harrogate, Newbridge will perform the testpiece, Darrol Barry's " Toccata, Elergy & Scherzo" for all to hear at the Newbridge Memo at 7.30pm on Monday 24th September 2007.

New Players at Newbridge

Having had a lack of updates on the website for some time here is the news on the new signings at Newbridge. Jonathon and Lana Tingay have moved from the north pole (Lancashire really) to move into the E Flat Bass and 2nd Horn seats. Both bring a wealth of banding experience to Newbridge. Terry and Rhiannon Williams move from Lewis Merthyr band to come in on 3rd Cornet and Percussion and more recently Rhiannon Hayes joins us on the front row signing just in time for Harrogate from Blaenavon

Ebbw Vale Contest 2007

Competing for the first time ever in the band's history in the Championship section of the South East Wales Brass Band Competition at Ebbw Vale on 12th May 2007 Newbridge (Celynen) Band beat Tredegar band to gain 2nd place behind contest winners BTM band. Best instrumentalist was Newbridge Euphonium player Nigel Thomas. Adjudication.

Comments from 4barsrest

The ever upwardly mobile Newbridge (Celynen) took their most impressive scalp to date after their well constructed performance of Philip Sparke’s ‘Dances and Alleluias’ beat Tredegar’s below par ‘Night to Sing’ into second place. Newbridge euphonium player Nigel Thomas took the Harold Hearn Best Instrumentalist award.
 

Results: Championship Section:

1. BTM (J. Katsikaris) – 194
2. Newbridge (Celynen) (P. Holland) – 192
3. Tredegar (A. Ramsay) – 191
4. Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda (A. Gibbs) – 190
5. Tylorstown Arriva Trains Wales (G. Davies) – 188
6. Abergavenny Borough (T. Williams) - 187

Adjudicator: Chris Wormald
Best Instrumentalist: Nigel Thomas - (euphonium) Newbridge (Celynen)
Best Horn: Bruce Myers – BTM

Possibly the favourites to win the title here this year after the disappointments of 12 months ago when they tried to blow their way to victory and came a cropper. They have been on good form of late and should have enough experience in the ranks to at least get to Harrogate and possibly even as champions. 

This should be a good contest to go and listen to, although the test piece will certainly be a stern examination for all the eight bands here. Whether they can overcome the technical difficulties remains to be seen, but they will surely have fun trying.

Of the bands here, one does stand out as being the form horse – Newbridge Celynen, and they should have enough experience and form about them to come home if not as champions, then as qualifiers at least.

Joining them in Harrogate should be last year's winners Newtown Silver who also have the experience both in the band and at the helm to do well, whilst the final podium position could well go to Menai Bridge. Radyr shoud be able to make an impression by coming well into the top six whilst Ogmore Valley and Harlech should take up the remaining places. Our dark horse is Trefor.

1. Newbridge Celynen
2. Newtown Silver
3. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge
4. Radyr and Morganstown
5. Ogmore Valley
6. Harlech

Having secured a place at the National Finals at Harrogate in September we have been busy strengthening the band ready for the first ever appearance in the Championship Section in the South East Wales Brass Band Association contest at Ebbw Vale. Four new players have joined the ranks. Lisa Warren on back row cornet, Krishan Church and Lana Tingay on horn from Abergavenny and Delph bands, and Julian Kerrell on Bass Trombone from Tredegar Band.

Saturday 19th November brought to an end to the 2005 contest season which turned out to be the finest period of banding in the history of Newbridge (Celynen) Band. The band competing in their first ever season in the 1st section not just took part and held their own in the higher section but took a clean sweep of all the first prizes in all of the contests.

 The first local contest of the year was Ebbw Vale. The band won with Principal Cornet Andrew Smith taking the best instrumentalists' prize.

The second contest was at Burry Port. The band won with Principal Cornet Andrew Smith taking the best instrumentalists' prize.

The last and final contest of the 2005 contest season was the South East Wales Brass Band Association contest at the Parc & Dare Theatre in Treorchy. Playing Gilbert Vinters' Triumphant Rhapsody the band once again took the first prize with Principal Cornet Andrew Smith taking the best instrumentalists' award. Not finished there Musical Director Paul Holland took the Eric James Memorial Trophy for the best Conductor of the year.

A fitting end to a fantastic year was the band being, "Champion Band of Wales 1st Section".

Adjudication

Newbridge win at Ammanford

The second leg of the Welsh League Championship took place at Ammanford on Saturday 7th October with  Newbridge, conducted by Paul Holland, taking first prize in the 1st section. This win is the third consecutive win for the band in the West Wales Brass Band Association Contests.

The band put the disappointment of missing out on the Second Section National title at Harrogate behind them a couple of weeks ago by moving up a class to take the First Section honours here and strengthening their hold on the First Section Championship.

Their performance of ‘Essence of Time’ certainly impressed adjudicator Simone Rebello and saw them beat their nearest rivals Markham and District conducted by Mike Faro into second place (a repeat of the Ebbw Vale contest) and also saw a notable first in the long and varied playing career of Nigel Thomas, the band’s principal euphonium player who at the tender age of 47 took his first ever solo prize in his entire banding life! Third place on the day went to Rogerstone conducted by Gareth Hann. Adjudication
 

1. Newbridge (Celynen) (P. Holland) - 190pts, Essence of Time
2. Markham & District (M. Faro) - 188pts, Tallis Variations
3. Rogerstone (G. Hann) - 187pts, Lorenzo
4. Pontardulais Town (P. Jenkins) - 186pts, Coventry Variations
5. RAF St Athan Voluntary (A. Bourne) - 185pts, Les Preludes
6. Lewis Merthyr (L. Price) - 183pts, Laudate Dominum
Best Instrumentalist: Nigel Thomas (Euphonium) Newbridge (Celynen) Band

Adjudicator: Simone Rebello

New Baritone Section For Newbridge

4 Bars Rest Report

The ambitious Newbridge Celynen Band has signed two new baritone players ahead of their title showdown at Treorchy.

With the last Welsh Championship contest of the year just a few days away, the Newbridge Celynen Band has signed two new players for the South East Wales Brass Band Association Contest at Treorchy.

Mike Pearce comes into the band on 1st baritone, filling the position vacated by Kate Rowlands who has joined Tredegar and Seiji Nakoa filling the 2nd baritone position. Both players are currently students at the Welsh College of Music in Cardiff.

MD Paul Holland told 4BR: "With the wealth of experience in the band it's nice that younger players are coming into the ranks strengthening what looks to be a good future at Newbridge.

Brian Milligan Signs for Newbridge Celynen

Yet another good signing for Newbridge Band. Brian Milligan comes in on the cornet end. Brian, also a player with Risca Salvation Army Band, having played for Thomas Brass (attached to the Kneller Hall School of Music), Runymead Brass and Brass Band Buizingen of Brussels. Welcome to the band Brian.

Newbridge (Celynen)  Band Win Burry Port

Another fantastic day at the office for Paul Holland and Newbridge  Band. Winning their 5th consecutive local contest and 10 wins out of the last 12 contests the band wins the West Wales Festival Contest at The Memorial Hall Burry Port playing Peter Graham's Prisms.. Not only did the band win but Principal Cornet, Andrew Smith, also won his 3rd consecutive best instrumentalist's prize.

1st Newbridge (Celynen) Band
2nd Rogerstone
3rd Tylorstown (Arriva Trains Wales)
4th = Markham & District
4th = RAF St Athan
6th Penclawydd Brass

The Risca Cancer Research Committee are pleased to announce the forthcoming concert

“A Night to Remember”

Stage, Screen and Big Band Sound

Brought to you by the Newbridge (Celynen) Brass Band
&
The Ty-Sign Junior School Choir

Friday 24th November 2006

At Crosskeys College, Main Hall
Commencing 7.30pm

For advanced tickets phone  01633 612138

Cancer affects so many people.
 Please help us to support this worthwhile cause.

CD For Newbridge (Celynen) Band

    For the first time in the history of Newbridge Band steps are afoot to produce a CD in June of this year. After a very successful year in 2004 with the band winning six out of seven of the contests entered and in addition winning countless solo awards we've managed to secure sponsorship for this CD from Granville-West, Chivers and Morgan Solicitors of Newbridge. The CD will be available later on this summer. This will give the older members in the band the chance to acquire their first ever piece of modern technology, a CD player.

Newbridge (Celynen) gain promotion to the top flight in Wales.

For the first time in the bands long history Newbridge (Celynen) Band have achieved what many thought impossible. For the first time ever the band has gained promotion to the Championship Section in Wales. Having been in the first section for the required two years the band has won five out of the six local contests and finishing second in the final contest of 2006.   Under the direction of Paul Holland the band has risen from the 3rd Section top be one of Wales top brass bands. The achievement has also seen the band rise in the 4Bars Rest World Rankings rising to 88th in the world being placed considerably higher that local championship section bands who are two sections above in the National league.

Changes at Newbridge

With the band on the verge of the Championship section locally moves have been put into place to strengthen the band in readiness for the National Finals in September and the higher section next year. Andy Russell has made another move, having previously player on cornet, from B Flat Bass onto Bass Trombone and Taddy moving from Rep to the horn section. Robert Graham-White officially comes in to the band on BB Bass having previously played in the bands winning performance at Swansea. The band would like to thank Dave Walters and Shirley Cox for their commitment to the band over the past three years.

For anyone wanting to play at the National Finals in September we have a vacancy on 2nd Baritone.

Newbridge (Celynen) Band Win Coleford.

The first competition of the 2006 took the band over the border to take part in the Gloucestershire Brass Band Entertainment Contest at Coleford. With the band and MD Paul Holland competing at the contest for the first time, adjudicator Stan Lippeatt said before the adjudication that there was a clear winner and that the band should be competing on the higher section.

Playing a 20 minute entertainment the band started with the impressive "Stadt Wien" followed by "The Way We Were" which saw veteran flugel player Rob Nesbitt show why he's still rated as one of the top players in the business and win him the prize for the best soloist of the day.

A change of mood with "Light Walk" featured principal cornet Andrew Smith who once again produced a superb piece of playing.

Slowing things down with "Mid All The Traffic" the band showed that it could cope with some superb quiet playing.

To end the performance the band once again showed their class with "Danes Polovtsiennes".

Read the Adjudication.

Newbridge Win Ebbw Vale

History was made today with the band winning the First Section Contest at Ebbw Vale. Newly promoted to the 1st section the band produced a stunning performance of Peter Graham's "Prisms" under the baton of Musical Director Paul Holland to not only win the first prize but  to take the best instrumentalist of the section with Principal Cornet Andrew Smith. With Newbridge being the only  band to be promoted to the first section at the end of last year the band knew they had their work cut out in the new section, but with a wealth of experience in the band they were able to beat all the established 1st section bands at the first attempt.

1st Newbridge (Celynen) Band 190 Points
2nd Markham Band 189 Points
3rd RAF St Athan 188 Points

Extract from 4Barsrest Website

The First Section saw victory go to the resurgent Newbridge/Celynen Band conducted by Paul Holland. Their performance of ‘Prisms’ by Peter Graham brought them a one point victory over Markham and District conducted by Nigel Seaman, with RAF St. Athan directed by Alan Bourne in third.

David Read was also impressed by the standard he had heard here as well, commenting on the good ambitious choices made by the bands themselves. He felt it was a choice between the top two prize winners, which he said, ”…presented problems, as both were very good.”

In the end he plumbed for Newbridge/Celynen whom he stated, “… displayed a powerful technique and good sound,” whilst second placed Markham, “… did everything the MD asked in a very musical performance.”

Winning MD, Paul Holland was very pleased when he spoke to 4BR. “This was our first ever contest in the First Section, and we came here today looking to gain a top three place. To win is a great achievement, and shows that the full rehearsals, and our work on building our sound and technique is paying off. We wanted to be competitive in this section, and choosing a test piece that really stretched us, was the right way to go.”

It also gave the band 9th win in the last ten contests they have entered, so they will be looking forward to Harrogate and the Lower Section Finals with sky high confidence, whilst the bands Principal Cornet, Andrew Smith also showed his abilities by winning the best instrumentalist award.

Newbridge (Celynen) Band wins Ebbw Vale Contest for the 3rd Consecutive Year.

For the 3rd year in a row Newbridge wins the South East Wales Brass Band Association Contest at Ebbw Vale by 3 points. Playing Peter Graham's "Essence of Time" the band also picked up the best instrumentalist's prize with Andrew Smith winning his 2nd consecutive solo prize at Ebbw Vale and his 5th consecutive solo prize overall. Adjudication.

1st Newbridge (Celynen) Band 188 pts
2nd Markham 185 pts
3rd Pontadulais Band 183 pts

Ebbw Vale and Weston-s-Mare Contests

With the local contest season about to start next weekend at Ebbw Vale the band is looking forward to it's second season in 1st section having had a very successful 2005. With the Championship section in sight we hope to continue in the form of last year.

Two weeks later the band travels across the bridge to Weston-s-Mare and competes at the highest level entering the Championship section. Not having ventured to these heights before the band is hoping to gain some valuable experience competing against eight other Championship

New Players at Newbridge (Celynen) Band

Fresh from the top 6 result at the National Finals at Harrogate and the win at Burry Port Newbridge Band sign 5 new players.  With over 130 years of banding experience between them, the band welcomes Chris Eveson, Gary Eveson, Tom Eveson, Carol Eveson and Paul Regan into the band. All five players were up until recently members with Parc & Dare Band.

National Finals Results

4 Bars Rest comments on Newbridge performance

Fanfare and Theme:
A nice opening section. Buoyant rhythms and plenty of detail. We like the difference in styles - especially on the euphs. Well done cornets but troms a little unsteady. Well controlled end.

Song:
Lovely measured style and flugel shows his class. Very simple and childlike this - just as written. Nice broad sounds but again there is some unease in places. Lovely ending.

Hymn:
Excellent quartet. We miss baritone once though but does not spoil things from a band playing the dynamics. Lovely warmth and so well controlled this. This has been high quality playing.

Toccata and Finale:
Positive opening but scrappy opening statements. Lots of detail and super control and the style is really captured. Great stringendo and a vibrant feel to final statements. An exciting close ends things so well.

Overall - a very good performance and is really up there at the very top. One to watch results time.

Star player: Flugel - Rob Nesbitt - Rolling back the years...

Results:

1. Jersey Premier Brass, Tim Pritchard, 7, 186
2. Arrow Valley Brass, Andy Culshaw, 4, 184
3. Portishead Town, Rhodri Griffiths, 18, 183
4. Phoenix West Midlands Brass, David Bishop-Rowe, 1, 182
5. Newbridge Celynen, Paul Holland, 12, 181
6. United Co-operative 2000 Brass, Jamie Meredith, 5, 180
7. Eccleston Brass, Ian Bateson, 19, 179
8. Daventry Brass, Paul Northey, 8, 178
9. Trinity Girls, Stuart Barton, 6, 177
10. Grange Moor, Duncan Beckley, 13, 176
11. Shotts St Patrick's, Alan Duguid, 16, 175
12. Shrewton Silver, Michael Dunford, 2, 174
13. St. Sebastian Wokingham, Dave Richards, 11, 173
14. Dearham, Trevor Halliwell, 17, 172
15. Slaithwaite, Barry Hudson, 3, 171
16. Selkirk Silver, Richard Duff, 9, 170
17. Hitchin, Martin Hurrell, 15, 169
18. Newtown Silver, Steve Edwards, 10, 168
19. Hetton Silver, Ken Wheatley, 14, 167

Ghengis Signs For Newbridge

Yes it's true, Andrew Jones, better known to most as Ghengis has signed for the band. After countless years with Tredegar Band Andrew has joined ex Tredegar players, Jeff Fear, Taddy, Oz, Screw, Nez and MD Paul Holland in possibly the most successful prize winning band at present in Wales.

3rd Prize in Harrogate.

After weeks of hard work the band returned from the National Finals at Harrogate with a 3rd prize. There was some excellent playing throughout the piece but this time it didn't quite impress the adjudicators enough. Adjudication

Full results were,

1. St. Dennis, Brian Minear, 4, 185 Region: West of England
2. Bollington, Peter Christian, 7, 184 Region: North West
3. Newbridge (Celynen), Paul Holland, 8, 183 Region: Wales
4. City of Discovery, Bruce Fraser, 14, 182 Region: Scotland
5. Foresters Brass, Pete Collins, 16, 181 Region: Midlands
6. Barrhead Burgh, Chris Bradley, 3, 178 Region: Scotland
7. Grange Moor, Duncan Beckley, 5, 177 Region: Yorkshire
8. Jersey Premier Brass, Tim Pritchard, 9, 176 Region: London and Southern Counties)
9. Blackpool Brass, Andy Warriner, 12, 174 Region: North West
10. Wansbeck's Ashington, Nigel Steadman, 2, 173 Region: North of England
11. Lockwood Brass, John Roberts, 10. 172 Region: North of England
12. Tylorstown Arriva Trains, Gary Davies, 11, 171 Region: Wales
13. Denham Hendon Brass, Philip Sparke, 15, 170 Region: London and Southern Counties
14. Lympstone South West Telecoms, Charles Fleming, 1, 169 Region: West of England
15. Meltham & Meltham Mills, Stuart Fawcett, 6, 168 Region: Yorkshire
16. Hopkins Solicitors Blidworth, Geoff Hawley, 13, 167

Fear at Newbridge

Former bumper up at BAYV and Tredegar returns to the banding scene with Newbridge Celynen.

The ambitious Newbridge Celynen Band has announced yet another major signing ahead of their attempt to win the Welsh Championship in Treorchy later in the year.

Jeff Fear, the former assistant principal cornet at both the BAYV Band and Tredegar has decided to return to banding and will take up his position with the band in time to make his debut at the final Welsh Contest of the year in Treorchy.

 

MD Paul Holland told 4BR, "This is a major signing for the band. Jeff has long been regarded as one of the very best cornet players in Wales and his vast experience will benefit us greatly. It is a huge boost to us that after a period away from banding Jeff has decided to return with Newbridge."

Jeff Fear started his career with the Ynyshir Band before making a name for himself as one of the best section players with periods at Parc and Dare, Tredegar and BAYV Cory, with whom he played with in their double champion year of 2000.

New signing at Newbridge

Another excellent signing has been made at Newbridge. With the band entering the Championship section in Wales for the first time ever in the bands history, Lawrence Savage joins the band on Repiano cornet from The Rogerstone Band to strengthen the cornet section for what promises to be an exciting time for Newbridge

New Signing at Newbridge

After a bit of persuasion the band have managed to sign Alan Davies on the front row. Alan, who signs from Treherbert is a vastly experienced cornet and flugel player who has spent the last thirty something years playing in the top section with Buy as you View Cory, Tredegar and Parc & Dare. Along with his playing experience, Alan now conducts Llywcoed Band and is conducting them at the National Finals at Harrogate.

Newbridge move up in 4BR Rankings

With the run of good form continuing at Newbridge and the Championship section locally just around the corner the band has moved up in the 4BarsRest official world rankings to 88. The band is still only 2nd section Nationally but has moved above two Rhondda bands in higher sections, Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda (1st section) and Treherbert (Championship section) these bands being in 97th and 113th respectively. www.4barsrest.com/rankings/list.asp

RGW For European Youth Brass Band

Robert Graham-White, Bass player with Newbridge (Celynen) has been selected to represent Wales to play with the European Youth Brass Band at this year’s European Brass Band Championships in Birmingham. Robert, a member of the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales has been chosen along with two other members to take part in the Championships in May.

Success at Newbridge

Following the recent success at the weekend with wins at Ebbw Vale and Weston here is a brief summary of the achievement of Newbridge (Celynen) Band over the last 16 months.

February 2004 Winners at the Milton Keynes Entertainment Contest with Angie Thomas winning the best soloists prize.

April 2004 Winners at the Ebbw Vale Contest with Lucinda Gough winning the best instrumentalist prize.

April 2004 Winners at the Weston-s-Mare Contest with the bass section winning the prize for the best basses.

September 2004 Winners at the West Wales Contest at Ammanford with Ellie Holland winning the best instrumentalist prize.

November 2004 Winners at Treorchy with Andrew Smith winning the best instrumentalist prize.

March 2005 Runners up in the Wales Area Contest at Swansea but qualification to the National Finals at Harrogate in November.

April 2005 Winners at Ebbw Vale with Andrew Smith winning the best instrumentalist prize.

April 2005 Winners at Weston-S-Mare.

Band Resumes After Long Summer Break

After having just over a month off for the summer the band resumed last Monday for what is going to be a very busy few weeks. With the band having qualified for the National Finals at Harrogate in September and the West Wales, Burryport Competition a week after, the band will have their work cut out having to rehearse two testpieces. Along with this the band has it's first ever CD released, which is due out in the next few weeks.

The band are still advertising for front row cornet players, so if you fancy playing in the Nationals and enjoy rehearsing with nearly a full band EVERY time, (a poor attended rehearsal has 23 players) then come along to Newbridge Memo on Monday or Friday Nights for a seven thirty start. Band Contacts

Swansea 2007

Newbridge completed their time in the second section with a win at the Welsh Regional Qualifying Contest at Swansea that not only sees the band taking part in the National Finals at Harrogate in September for the fourth time in five years but also secures the band promotion to the 1st  section Nationally for the first time in the band's history. Under the direction of MD Paul Holland the band won the 2nd section contest for the 2nd successive year. Adjudication

Test Piece "Carnival" - Helen Perkins

Adjudicator Lloyd Landry

1. Newbridge (Celynen), P. Holland, 8, 188
2. Beaumaris ‘B’, G. Evans, 3, 187
3. Briton Ferry Silver, Dr. C. Jenkins, 9, 186
4. Rogerstone, C.B. Buckley, 2, 185
5. Royal Buckley, P. Lovatt-Cooper, 1, 183
6. Ynyshir (Stacks of Tiles), G Sheppard, 10, 182
7. Holywell, G. Thomas, 7, 181
8. Tylorstown Arriva Trains, G. Davies, 4, 179
9. Newtown Silver, S. Edwards, 6, 177
10. Lewis Merthyr, L. Price 5, 176

Swansea Contest 2005

Just a little bit disappointed with the result at Swansea with a 2nd prize the band have still Qualified for the National Finals in Harrogate on September 24th and 25th 2005. With an excellent performance of Tam O Shanter's Ride the band were criticised for what seems to be the bands normal big sound. There were some excellent individual performances but perhaps shining just a little above the rest was Solo Trombone Andrew Johnson. The band did exactly what it set out to do this weekend and that was firstly play well and second qualify for the Finals. Both were completed in style. Click for Adjudication

Adjudicator: Alan Morrison
Test Piece: Tam O'Shanter's Ride – Denis Wright

1. Newtown Silver - S Edwards, 1, 188*
2. Newbridge Celynen - P Holland, 2, 187*
3. Radyr & Morganstown - G Hann, 4, 184
4. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge - C Williams, 5, 183
5. Ogmore Valley - I Barnett, 3, 182
6. Trefor - G Jones, 6, 181

Newbridge win Wales Area at Swansea 2nd Section

Newbridge continued with their winning ways with a superb performance of Howard Snells' "Images of the millennium" at the Welsh area contest at Swansea. Adjudicator David Read said that there was one outstanding performance. The band were 4 points clear of Tylorstown (Arriva Trains) Band who came second. Adjudication

Full results;

1. Newbridge Celynen, Paul Holland, 8, 188
2. Tylorstown (Arriva Trains), Garry Davies, 4, 184
3. RAF St. Athan Voluntary, Alan Bourne, 3, 181
4. Newtown Silver, Steve Edwards, 9, 180
5. Lewis Merthyr, Lyndon Price, 1, 179
6. Conway Town, Keith Jones, 2, 178
7. Briton Ferry, Dr. Christian Jenkins, 5, 177
8. Royal Buckley, Paul Lovatt Cooper, 6, 175
9. Ynyshir (Stack of Tiles), D. Evans, 7, 174

Two New Players for Newbridge

While everyone was enjoying their Christmas turkey Newbridge were setting in motion their plans for 2006 by signing another 2 championship section players ready for the 2006 contest season. Shirley Cox comes in from Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda Band to fill the vacant 2nd baritone seat and out of a fairly lengthy retirement (or career break) Andrew (Taddy) Evans comes in on Repiano Cornet having previously played on the front row with Tredegar Band. Welcome to Newbridge (Celynen) Band.

Results: Weston Super Mare

The seemingly unstoppable Newbridge Celynen Band take top honours by the sea in Weston as ther are wins also for Bream, South Molton and Portishead.
The contest winning juggernaut that is the Newbridge Celynen Band stopped off by the seaside on Sunday in Weston to pick up yet another first prize.
The Harrogate bound National Second Section Finalists beat off Championship and First Section contenders with their performance of Peter Graham’s ‘Essence of Time’ to secure a massive 4-point victory. Adjudicator Steve Sykes commented that it was a first for him to give a win by such a large margin. In his written comments he described the winning performance as “…. A super performance… forensic reading from MD. Very enjoyable.”

Real progress

MD Paul Holland told 4BR: “This win shows that we are making real progress this year. I wanted to test the band to the full and having won on the piece at Ebbw Vale a few weeks ago I still felt we could bring more out of the music and give an even better performance. I think we did that and it was nice to get such an appreciative adjudication from Steve Sykes.”

Weston seemed to be an oasis of good weather as well and the good turn out of bands provided excellent entertainment for the healthy audience at the Winter Gardens. Runners up in the top section were Abergavenny, whilst third place went to Kidlington Concert Brass.

Second Section

Meanwhile in the Second Section, Steve Sykes was most impressed by Portishead Town under the direction of Colin Hogg, whose performance of Philip Sparke’s ‘A London Overture’ gave them a 2-point victory over Lympstone South West Telecoms and Tylorstown Arriva Trains.

Third Section

The Third Section saw South Molton Town conducted by Gary Taylor take the top honours with their performance of ‘Northern Landscapes’, which gave them a close victory over Gillingham Imperial in second place and Totnes a point further back in third.

Fourth Section

Finally, the Fourth Section was won in fine style by Huw Cole and his Bream Silver whose performance of Edward Gregson’s ‘Laudate Domium’ gave them victory over the Welsh duo of Upper Rhondda Brass and Crosskeys.


Championship/First Section:
Adjudicator: Steve Sykes

1. Newbridge (Celynen), (Paul Holland) - 193pts
Essence of Time
2. Abergavenny, (Jamie Meredith) - 189pts
Tallis Variations
3. Kidlington Concert Brass, (Barry Wassal) -188pts
Paganini Variations
4. Brosley Brass MK, (Paul Fensom) - 187pts
English Heritage
5. Hyde, (Jonathon Camps) - 186pts
Epic Symphony
6. Brackley and Distict, (Jason Glynn) - 185pts
Paganini Variations
7. Forest of Dean Brass, (Jackie Gwynne) - 183pts
Rhapsody in Brass
8. Rogerstone, (Gareth Hann) - 182pts
Purcell Variations

Best Cornet: Brackley & District.

Second Section:
Adjudicator: Steve Sykes

1. Portishead Town, (Colin Hogg) - 180pts
2. Lympstone South West Telecoms, (Charles Fleming) - 178pts
3. Tylorstown Arriva Trains Wales, (Gary Davies) - 177pts

Best Euphonium: Tylorstown.

Third Section:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt

1. South Molton Town, (Gary Taylor) - 182pts
2. Gillingham Imperial Silver, (Eric Haines) - 181pts
3. Totnes, (Ian Wilkinson) - 180pts
4. Blaenavon, (A. Hathaway) - 179pts
5. Corsham, (J. Winterflood) - 178pts
6. Severn Tunnel, (S. Crawford) - 177pts
7. Pillowell Silver, (Rhodri Griffiths) - 176pts
8. Leicestershire Co-op, (Graham Jacklin) - 175pts
9. Malvern Hills District, (Mike West) - 174pts
10. Bratton Silver, (Mike Winter) - 173 pts


Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt

1. Bream Silver, (Huw Cole) - 181pts
2. Upper Rhondda Brass, (Jin Takaka) - 177pts
3. Crosskeys, (Keri Bowden) - 176pts
4. Wincanton Silver, (Joanne Sykes) - 175pts
5. Sandleheath, (Don Marlow) - 174pts
6. Pontypool Brass, (Christian Sefton) - 173pts
7. Winchcombe Concert Brass, (Bernard Morgan) - 172pts
8. Newport Borough Brass, (Mike Davies) - 171pts

Newbridge win Weston 2007

For the second consecutive year Newbridge entered the Championship/First section and came away with a clear 2 point win with their performance of Philip Sparke's Dances & Alleluias. Principal Cornet Andrew Smith picked up yet another individual prize for the best cornet player in the section. Adjudication.

Championship/First Section:

Adjudicator: Geoffery Whitham

1. Newbridge (Celynen), Paul Holland - 192
2. Hyde, Jonathon Camps - 190
3. Chalford, Steve Tubb - 189
4. Broseley Brass MK, Paul Fensom - 188
5. Treherbert, Craig Roberts - 187
6. Forest of Dean, Jackie Gwynne - 186
7. Lympstone South West Telecoms, Charles Fleming - 185


Best Cornet Player in Section: Andrew Smith, Newbridge (Celynen)

Newbridge win at Weston-s-Mare

Another successful cross border raid was completed today when the band competed at the Weston -s- Mare Brass Band Competition. Fresh from their win yesterday at Ebbw Vale the band played the same testpiece, Peter Graham's "Prisms", and once again took the first prize which is the second win in two years at Weston, with the band playing an even better performance than in Ebbw Vale. Once again there were some outstanding individual performances including the man in the middle, Paul Holland. Adjudication