Contesting
Not all bands enter competitions and there are some which shun the contest stage, preferring to concentrate their efforts in providing music for local events. For most players, though, contesting has always been an important part of brass banding, the reason that they spend so many hours trying to perfect their art. It provides them with the opportunity to test their musical skills against others and, of course, to bring home that silverware.
This section includes brass band contests which have taken place in Cornwall. I doubt that all are here, and there are certainly some results missing, but, over time, it is hoped that it will become a comprehensive record of all Cornish Contests.
1863
Cornwall Society of Oddfellows Contest
Tehidy, Redruth
Tuesday 7th July 1863
Adjudicator: William Winterbottom
The first brass band contest to be held in Cornwall (RCG 10th July 1863)
Test piece: Denmark Quadrilles / Own choice
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | Truro 11th DCR (Nabucodonosor) | G T White | |
| 2 | St Just 20th DCR (Ernani) | H C Smith | |
| 3 | St Day Amateur Band (Tancredi) | T Cara | |
| 4 | Falmouth 3rd DCR (Gloria from Mozart’s 12th Mass) | H C Shaw | |
| Chacewater Amateur Band (Lucia di Lammermoor) | S Moyle | ||
| Forest Gate Illogan Band (Cavatine Evening Bells) | H U Bosanko | ||
| Helston 7th DCR (Cavatina Vivi Tu from Anna Bolena) | J Cope | ||
| Morvah Amateur (A Lament for Wellington) | M R Williams | ||
| Penzance 1st DCR (Le Caliph de Bagdad) | F May | ||
| Redruth 17th DCR (Maritana) | W Sims | ||
1863: “… First prize, £10, awarded to the Truro Band; second prize, £5. to the band from St Just, third prize, £3, awarded to the Falmouth Band; fourth prize, £2, the band from St Day. [third and fourth place probably incorrect in this report] The lovers of music, as may be imagined, were greatly gratified with the displays skill …” (8 July 1863 – Western Daily Mercury)
1863: “… which was as follows First Prize, £10 –Truro Band. Second Prize, Just Band. Third Prize, £3 – St Day Band, Fourth Prize, £2 – Falmouth Band. The several announcements were received with loud cheers. The whole affair was success, and we should think that the fond…” (9 July 1863 – Western Daily Mercury)
A grand demonstration of Cornwall Odd Fellows took place at Redruth on Tuesday. The weather was delightful, and the number of visitors immense. Of course there was an “attractive procession” and “magnificent decorations,” but the leading feature in the day’s proceedings was a brass band contest (open to the county) in Tehidy Park, the seat of J. F. Basset, Esq. There were ten competitors, all of whom strove hard for mastership. The first prize, of £10, was awarded to the band of the 11th | (Truro) D.C. rifle volunteers ; the second, of £5, to that of the 20th (St. Just) D.C. rifle volunteers ; the third, of £3, to that of the St. Day amateur band ; and the fourth, of £2, to that of the 3rd (Falmouth) D.C. rifle volunteers. Mr Winterbottom, the talented and esteemed bandmaster of the Royal Marines, officiated as judge, and his awards appeared to meet with general approval. We cannot but think, however, that it would be more satisfactory to all parties if, on future similar occasions, three judges were to be appointed instead of one, as in most, if not all, other counties. Not the … plea for nurturing a spirit of jealousy could then be reasonably urged. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Friday 10 July 1863)
Cornwall County Demonstration of Odd Fellows. The Band Contest. On Tuesday, the Sixth Grand Annual County Demonstration of the Odd-Fellows of Cornwall, Manchester Unity, was held at Tehidy, the residence of John Francis Basset Esq. The estate is an exceedingly beautiful one, being well-wooded, and the views from the rising grounds near the house, taking in the whole of the Carn Brea hill, the monument to the late Lord de Dunstanville, and the fine country adjacent, afforded much pleasure to those present capable of enjoying beautiful scenery. The Odd Fellows began to wend their way to Redruth from different parts of the county early in the morning, in order to join their brethren of the Loyal Cornubian Lodge, No. 1,720 for whose especial benefit the reunion was to take place. The West Cornwall Company ran special trains from Penzance and Truro, and the day being fine many thousands of visitors were brought to the grounds. Indeed thousands of the public made it a gala day. The members of the Lodge at Camborne assembled in their Lodge Room about eight o’clock in the morning, and having initiated a new member proceeded with their band playing a lively air, and walked from Camborne to Redruth. All the brethren were duly clothed with their sashes and aprons, and carried their handsome regalia, so that they presented a very imposing appearance. At the time of their starting the weather was rather doubtful in its character. It rained somewhat densely though not heavily, and most of the brethren marched, nothing daunted, under umbrellas. Fortunately, however, it soon cleared off, and beyond a little threatening, the weather remained fine for the remainder of the day. On the brethren arriving at Redruth they assembled at the New Hall at 9.30 and there formed into procession, and proceeded to the Chapel-of-Ease, where a short and excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. George Lemon Church, chaplain of the Florance Nightengale Lodge at Chacewater. … The musical portion of the service was rendered by Mr J. S. Mitchell, who presided at the organ. The great event of the day was the Band Contest, the first that has been held in Cornwall, which took place in the afternoon at Tehidy. At the conclusion of Divine service the procession was again formed, and marched through Fore-street to the station. The crowd at the Redruth Station was immense, and it sadly tried the abilities of Mr Charlton, the superintendent of the line, to get all away in anything like reasonable time. But except a little delay, which with such a crowd might be expected, everything went on well, and the parties were taken from Redruth, by a siding to Lovely College, abutting on the Tehidy Estate, where the procession was re-formed and marched through the grounds up to the Band Stand, which was erected on rising ground, some distance in front of the noble mansion of the proprietor. On the brethren arriving here votes of thanks were passed to Mr Basset for kindly allowing the use of his grounds; to the Rev. G. L. Church, for his excellent sermon; and some other business was transacted. It was agreed that the next County demonstration should be held at Camborne, and that the Rev. H. Tucker, of Devoran, should be appointed chaplain for the year ensuing. It was suggested by P.P.G.M. Rowe that the Plymouth district be invited to join next year. The grounds were occupied with booths, tents, marquees, &c., in which every variety of refreshment could be obtained, and the arrangements in this respect were very satisfactory. There were no games provided beyond an “Aunt Sally” or two, and a game of cricket, which seemed to be an amateur business. There was a stand erected for the bands, in whose contest the great amount of public interest seemed to be concentrated. It was decorated with evergreens, and the pillars were surmounted with a number of handsome flags, which had been kindly lent for the occasion by Brother Lean, P.G., of Falmouth. At two o’clock preparations were made for the commencement of the Band Contest, under the direction of Mr Winterbottom, the conductor of the Royal Marine Band, for four prizes, namely, £10, £5, £3, and £2. Ten bands entered for the contest, Mr Winterbottom acting as the judge. Previously to the bands playing, the Committee met to consider two objections that were urged against members of two of the bands, but decided against the objections, and the whole of the parties were allowed to proceed. The Contest Piece, as already stated, was the Denmark Quadrilles, dedicated to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and first performed on the occasion of his marriage. The following is the programme of entries: 1st D.C. Rifle Volunteers (Penzance). Leader, P. May. Overture, “Caliph of Bagdad.” 3rd D.C. Rifle Volunteers (Falmouth). Leader, H. C. Shaw. “Gloria in Excelsis,” Twelfth Mass, Mozart. 7th D.C. Volunteers (Helston). Leader, J. Cope. Cavatina, “Viva jui,” Opera, “Anna Boleua” 20th D.C. Rifle Volunteers (St. Just). Leader, H. C. Smith. Selection, “Ernani,” Verdi. 11th D.C. Rifle Volunteers (Truro). Leader, G. T. White. Selection from “Nabuco.” 17th D.C. Rifle Volunteers (Redruth). Leader, W. Sims. Selection from “Maritana.” Chacewater Amateur. Leader, J. Moyle. Selection from “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Donizetti. St. Day Amateur. Leader, T. Cara. Overture to “Tancredi,” Rossini. Forest Gate, Illogan, Amateur. Leader, U. Bosanks, ” Evening Bells,” Cavatina. Morvah Amateur. Leader, R. Williams. “A Lament for Wellington.” All bands to unite and play the contest piece and National Anthem. The bands drew lots for position, and came up to the stand for play in the following order: I — Falmouth, 2 — Redruth, 3— Truro, 4— Penzance, 5— St. Day, 6— St. Just, 7— Morvah, 8— Helston, 9 – Chacewater, 10— Forest Gate, lllogan. The music was listened to with great interest, and the public, who surrounded the Stand appeared to be very anxious for the success of their friends — for all the bandsmen present had friends on the ground. The playing was very respectable indeed, and, considering the few opportunities that the bands have of meeting together, much of the play did them great credit. At length Mr Winterbottom gave his decision, which is as follows: First Prize, £10— Truro Band (11th DCRV), Second Prize, £5— St. Just Band (20th D.C.R.V) Third Prize, £3— St. Day Band (Amateur). Fourth Prize, £2— Falmouth Band (3rd DCRV) The several announcements were received with loud cheers. The whole affair was a success. The grounds were well kept by Mr Supt. Miller, of the Camborne district who had the assistance of twenty of the county constabulary. To meet the wishes of many of the inhabitants of Truro, the band of the 11th will perform, on Friday evening, at eight o’clock, at the top of Lemon-street, the contest pieces by which they won the prize at Tehidy.(Royal Cornwall Gazette – Friday 10 July 1863)
The Band Contest at Tehidy, near Redruth. The following are the awards of prizes at this meeting, specifying the special merit attaching to each band: 1st prize, £l0, 11th D.C.R. Volunteers (Truro), for combination and good style in both pieces. Second prize, £5, 20th D.C.R. Volunteers (St. Just), for very careful playing. Third prize, £3, St Day, for careful playing. Fourth prize, £2, 3rd D.C.I. Volunteers (Falmouth), for being in tune and neatness of playing. All the other hands were commended by the adjudicator. (17 July 1863 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1863
Falmouth Society of Oddfellows Contest
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
Tuesday 4th August 1863
Adjudicator: Edward Turner, Warminster
“Falmouth Oddfellows fete: We understand that at this fete, which is to be held on Tuesday the 4th of August next at Pendennis Castle, the Band Contest will be free for all bands in the county, and not excepting those that won the prizes at Tehidy Park …” (17 July 1863 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
Test piece: Wedding March (Mendelssohn) / Own choice
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | Camborne DCR | E Dunn | |
| 2 | St Just 20th DCR | T Cara | |
| 3 | Chacewater Band | J Moyle | |
| Falmouth DCR | |||
| Falmouth Oddfellows Band | |||
| St Day Amateur Band | |||
” Falmouth Oddfellows’ Fete. This fete took place at Pendennis on Tuesday. The rain during the whole of the day fell in torrents; hundreds of persons, however, arrived at the town iv almost every kind of vehicle; others, who were not so favoured as to be under cover, were quite deluged with water. The procession was announced to start at 10 o’clock, but owing to the incessant rain this could not take place. About one, however, the weather cleared, and the usual procession having formed in the Market-house in the Moor, proceeded to Pendennis Castle. The bands entered for the contest, arrived between 9 and 10 o’clock, each playing as far as Jenkin’s King’s Arms Hotel, and afterwards joined in the procession. The grounds at Pendennis are well fitted for the purposes of a great fete, and the committee had made every arrangement to render the day an agreeable one; the weather, however, must have been a great draw back to the funds, although the grounds were visited in the afternoon by some thousands of spectators. Two omnibuses were constantly running from the town to the castle with passengers, at a charge of 4d. each; the spirited proprietors appeared to be doing a good business. A spacious gallery was erected for the accommodation of visitors, and the usual sports on such occasions were carried out; a foot race for a silver watch by young men of 16 years of age and upwards took place; there were several competitors, and the fortunate winner was the son of Capt. Mansell. The band contest was under the direction of Edward Turner, Esq., of Warminster, and the contest piece was Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.” This caused great attraction; there were three prizes offered, … tested for the prizes, viz., three rifle corps bands — Falmouth, Camborne, and St. Just — Chacewater and St. Day Amateur Bands, and the Falmouth Oddfellows’ Band. The first prize was awarded to the Camborne Rifle Corps band, the second to the St. Just band, and the third to the Chacewater band. In the evening a display of fireworks took place on the Moor, which concluded the day’s proceedings. (7 August 1863 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1864
7th Society of Oddfellows Annual Demonstration and Contest
Pendarves, Camborne
Tuesday 28th June 1864
Adjudicator: Mr Fly, cornet player of Stonehouse
Test piece: Faust (Gounod) / Own choice
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | St Day Amateur Band (Tancredi) | J Cara | |
| 2 | Camborne DCR (L’italiana in Algeri) | E Dunn | |
| 3 | St Just 20th DCR (Il Travatore) | C H Smith | |
| 4 | Townsend Amateur Band (La Muette de Portica) | J Battens | |
| 5 | Hayle Artillery Band | S Stevens | |
| W | Redruth DCR | ||
“There were seven bands entered for competition, but only six appeared on the ground, the 17th D.C.R. (Redruth) band having broken up in consequence of some disagreement amongst the members. The contest piece was a grand selection from Gounod’s Faust,” and the following is the programme of music, The music was performed under the direction of Mr J. Fly, of Stonehouse, and, at its conclusion, the prizes were awarded as follows First prize, St. Day Amateur Band, for general good playing well in tune, marks well attended, and steady time kept Second prize, Camborne Rifle Band, for choice and good playing of the contest piece, and a difficult piece of their own. Third prize, St Just Rifle Band, for good performance of the contest piece, but not such good time in their own selection. Fourth prize, Townshend Amateur Band, for good playing, but very weak.” (30 June 1864 – Western Daily Mercury)
1864
Oddfellows Fete and Contest
Helston
9th August 1864
Adjudicator:
Test piece:
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | Penryn Fife and Drum | ||
| 2 | Porkellis Fife and Drum | ||
“Prizes were offered for drum and fife bands, but the bands were not so numerous as the prizes, only two competing. Penryn Band won the first prize of £2, and Porkellis received a second prize of £2. Money prizes were also given for running and various rustic sports, and the proceedings passed off very successfully.” (12 August 1864 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1876
Falmouth Society of Oddfellows Contest
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
12th August 1876
Adjudicator:
Test piece:
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | Charlestown DCR | ||
| 2 | Truro DCR | Samuel Traise | |
| 3 | St Austell DCR | William Jago | |
“Oddfellows’ Fete. An Oddfellows’ fete on a large scale took place at Falmouth on Tuesday. The brethren assembled at the Town Hall, and proceeded to the church, … after which the procession reformed, and marched to Pendennis Castle. In the band contest the first prize of was won by Charlestown; the second £6, by Truro; and the third £3, by St Austell.”
(19 August 1876 – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser)
1877
Truro Society of Oddfellows Fete and Contest
Bishop of Truro’s Grounds, Truro
Monday 20th August 1877
Adjudicator: H Froenert
Test piece: Daughter of the Regiment / Own choice
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | Truro 12th DCR | ||
| 2 | St Austell DCR | William Jago | |
| 3 | Seworgan | ||
| 4 | Truro Independent | ||
| Charlestown Artillery | |||
| Hayle Artillery | |||
| Marazion Artillery | |||
| St Day Amateur Band | |||
“The Truro Oddfellows seem to be very unfortunate. The weather on Monday last was anything but favourable for their fete; and, if I remember rightly, the same was the case on a similar occasion two years ago. But it held fine while the procession was proceeding through the streets, and one was enabled to get a good glimpse of it. There can be no doubt that it was a “grand” one; but there were one or two “little” things which particularly struck me, and I may be pardoned if I mention them. Nothing looks so well to me on an occasion like this as a high hat and the members dressed as uniformly as possible. Most of our citizens (for we are townsmen no longer) had high hats; but they were joined by some rural members of their lodge who wore what are commonly termed “billycocks.” Now I do not in any way wish to put down “billycock” hats, or to stigmatise; them as unfashionable (and I prefer them for comfort), only it appears to me that, at that particular time, a high hat would have been better. Another thing was the shabbiness of one of the bands, which wore a blue serge uniform with yellow facings. This must have looked very imposing at one time, but the “best of its days” are evidently gone; and, as the band were fortunate enough to get a prize, it is to be hoped we shall see them in new suits soon. Talking about the prizes brings me to the fact that there has been a great deal of talk to the effect that they were not awarded fairly; but I happen to know differently. The judge of the contest, Mr. Froehuert, of Plymouth, is known far and wide for his fair dealing and the committee were most energetic in their efforts to prevent any imposture. The umpire had a tent apportioned to him in which no one was allowed admittance save himself. Notwithstanding all the vigilance of the committee, however, one gentleman (who, if report speak truly, was an officer in the corps to which one of the competing bands belonged) managed to elude them; and entered the tent without being invited to do so. He was quickly discovered and requested to retire and a policeman was set to watch over the entrance to prevent any more intruders. Before quitting, I cannot help saying that the result of the contest must be very gratifying to Mr. Traise, who has had such uphill work; and has brought his band to a wonderful state of efficiency considering the time he has had the men under his management. I am very pleased to find that the brass band of the little secluded village of Seworgan, near Helston, has won the third prize at the Oddfellows’ fete at Truro. Well done, country boys!” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Friday 24 August 1877)
“Oddfellows’ Fete at Truro The “Temple of Peace” lodge of Oddfellows, Truro, held a grand fete on Monday last, in Kenwyn vicarage grounds, the present residence of the Bishop of Truro, and kindly placed by him at their disposal. The various committees and officers who had the management of the proceedings were indefatigable in their efforts to make the whole affair a success; and there can be no doubt that, had the weather been fine, it would have been so in a high degree. But unfortunately this was denied them. The morning broke dull; and there were occasional misty showers, almost up to the time when the brethren formed a procession at their lodge room. During the time they were parading the streets the weather continued fine. On arriving at the grounds they were met by the Bishop, who received them very cordially; and, after addressing them on the good to be derived from their society, and the meaning of their various emblems, expressed his intention of shortly becoming an honorary member. The Rev. R. Vautier also addressed the assemblage. The principal attraction of the day was a band contest, for which eight bands entered, namely, Truro Volunteers, Truro Independent, St. Austell Volunteers, Charlestown Volunteers, Marazion Volunteers, Hayle Volunteers, St. Day, and Seworgan (Constantine). A Horticultural Exhibition was also held. Arrangements had been made for dancing and other amusements, but , owing to the very unpropitious weather they could not be carried out. Just after the band contest commenced heavy showers began to fall and continued with scarcely any intermission up to the time of closing the grounds. Despite this discouraging circumstance there was a large number of visitors. Dear Sir, — I take the pleasure of enclosing my report of the contest, and beg to assure you that I have given my earnest considerations to the performances of the different bands, and have endeavoured, to the best of my ability, to arrive at a fair decision. Before going into details I wish to point out that a slight mistake happening to any individual performer, such as the breaking of a note in a solo, does, in my opinion, not detract from the performance of a band, which has been in all other details good; nor, on the other hand, do I consider a band entitled to any comment, which has nothing else to boast of but a leading cornet. At a contest, bands must be judged as bodies of music. Having been for many years in the habit of acting as judge at the grand band contests in the North of England, l am bound to say that the brass bands in Yorkshire at present are much superior to those I have heard in Cornwall. Such bands as … are of such excellence that they would command a prize in any part of Europe. Most of the performers I heard at the contest last Monday … ought to adopt a system of scale-practise, with crescendo and decrescendo, so as to learn to produce a good tone, and enable them to play legato and with some taste. Many of the performers are even quite unaware that a flat or sharp in the beginning of a bar holds good through the whole of that bar, unless contradicted. Many striking mistakes happened in such very elementary matters. …” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Friday 24 August 1877)
1886
9th Falmouth Oddfellows Fete and Contest
Pendennis Castle
Monday 2nd August 1886
Adjudicator: G H Hallett. bandmaster of Falmouth Rifle Volunteers, and the late bandmaster of H.M.S. Royal Adelaide
Test piece:
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | Devoran | ||
| 2 | Porthleven | ||
| 3 | Penryn | ||
| 4 | Ponsanooth | ||
“Oddfellows’ Fete at Falmouth. Pendennis Castle was on Bank Holiday, by the kind permission of the Colonel commanding the Western, Division and Captain T. V. Phillips, R. A., the scene of a demonstration and fete of the Loyal Falmouth Lodge of Oddfellows, …. The weather was beautifully fine, and an immense concourse of people assembled from all parts of the county. A procession was formed in the Market house, and proceeded to the grounds, … On arrival of the procession at the castle, the Mayor (Bro. R. Carter, P.G.) made a short congratulatory speech. The first event was a band contest, for which there were four entries, namely: Devoran, Porthleven, Ponsanooth, and Penryn, the first prize being £7, second £5, third £3. The judge was Mr. G. H. Hallett, late bandmaster of H.M.S. Royal Adelaide. …” (7 August 1886 – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser)
Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)