Univrsity of Warwick (Conductor: Tom Stoneman) -

Band Number 17. 

University of Warwick Brass Band (Tom Stoneman) - Corineus 

Special piece for me as this was my first (and last) areas contest piece when I played Solo Horn for a local band. 

Lovely to see a University Band here today. 

Great start, well balanced in the Tenor Horn Section. The piece then has the cornets join in with this Fanfare. Clashes work well. Great transition and classy Tenor Horn tune kicks us off. Did I spy the Solo Trombone Circular Breathing?! 

Piece builds well and the tune returns in a Fanfare form. Bell like effect works very well. Bravo both sections. Some intonation struggles on the next entrance by the Cornets however this resolved quickly. Lovely crescendo and great Tenor Horn rips as we transition into the second section. Some lovely legato playing on display as the Euph kicks us off in this new tune. Lovely sound produced and some lovely lyrical playing throughout the band. Bravo. 

Another expressive conductor which I do love. 

What a beautiful sound the PC is making during this solo, so controlled and emotive what a fabulous solo. Bravo. Euph seamlessly takes over this and continues this lovely passage is a most beautiful way. The Flugel then takes over and once again this is lovely. What a beautiful tune from the Euphs with PC on a counter melody. Bravo to all.

Not forgetting the accompaniment which is equally fabulous making it so easy for the soloists. 

Again there’s a few moments where the tuning isn’t always spot on however these are limited and do not have too much of an effect. 

Faster section works well, some mistimed moments but sorted very quickly. Tenor Horns shine once again. Bass section can’t be understated helping keep this all flowing, which it does. Cornet ‘Matador’ moment works very well. Percussion section is fabulous, very tight with the band and each other. The MD has got a great future band and controls them beautifully. Great ending to this fast section. 

A bit rocky on re-entry but again this is fixed almost instantly. Accelerando works well. As we get to the final fanfare section, the band really ramps up and unleashes its dynamics with a beautiful final note. 

Bravo to all very much enjoyed this performance.

~ Sam E.