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.
1882
1st Penzance Band Contest and Musical Fete
Penzance
1882
The report in 1884 suggests that it is the third annual contest so it would appear that there may have been contests held in 1882 and 1883 but no reports have been found.
1883
2nd Penzance Band Contest and Musical Fete
Penzance
1883
Adjudicator:
The report in 1884 suggests that it is the third annual contest so it would appear that there may have been contests held in 1882 and 1883 but no reports have been found.
1884
3rd Penzance Band Contest and Musical Fete
Penalverne, Penzance
4th August 1884
Adjudicator: S Mowbray
1884: “Band contest at Penzance. On August 4th an excursion train for Penzance will leave Truro at 9.50 a.m., call at all stations.” (31 July 1884 – The Cornish Telegraph)
“All is going well for the band contest, and a real treat is in store in this department. Special train arrangements have been made, an extra excursion leaving Penzance at 9.55 for all stations. There will undoubtedly be thousands flocking towards Penzance on the popular 4th of August. We would further draw special attention to the fact that the whole of Penalverne grounds will be thrown open to the public on this occasion; also, that the Pipers of the Highland Regiment will give their performance, which will undoubtedly prove a novel and attractive item in the day’s programme. Endeavours are being made to place the town en fete on the occasion.” (1 August 1884 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
Test piece: Princess Ida
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | St Agnes Red Coats | Joseph Roberts | |
| 2 | Truro City | ||
| 3 | Penryn | ||
Test March:
| Placed | Points | |
| 1 | Truro | |
| 2 | St Agnes Red Coats | |
| 3 | Penryn | |
The band contest and numerous other attractions offered by the enterprising Mr. J. F. Mark, of Truro, at Penzance, on Monday, as we anticipated, drew large numbers to that town, and a successful day’s fete was held. The grounds of Penalverne proved a great attraction, and it is estimated that three or four thousand were present. The band contest, of which Mr. Mowbray, bandmaster of the 74th Highlanders was the umpire, opened with a quick step competition, the bands to choose their own pieces. We may mention that seven bands had entered for the competitions, but at the last moment four withdrew, leaving those of Truro, St. Agnes, and Penryn alone to compete. The Truro city band carried off first honours in the competition mentioned, the umpire admitting that there was nothing to choose between the playing of this and the St. Agnes band (in all the glory of a scarlet uniform), but Truro had selected the best march. The Penryn was not in it at all. Mr. Mowbray in making his award praised the Truro cornet, euphonium, and althorn, but noted in the second part the bass was wide and unsteady St. Agnes cornet was good and the bass solo very effective. The contest piece was “Princess Ida.” The first prize was awarded to the St. Agnes band, described by the umpire as well balanced and playing well in tune throughout. Mr. Mowbray remarked adversely on the cornet and on the althorn incorrectly tonguing all his notes. Its euphonium solo was the best of the three, giving the best idea of the song, the cornet cadenza was good and the whole band finished carefully and well. The Truro City band was awarded the second prize, £7. The features of its performance, as reported by the umpire, were the good opening, cornet well played, but very uncertain in the eighth movement; the euphonium took the “armour song” much too quickly; the concluding movement, allegro vivace, with very difficult fingering for cornets was well played, and the piece brought to a bright conclusion. The instruments were well balanced and in time except in difficult passages. The Penryn band, who received the third prize, £4, was not nicely balanced and not so well in time as Truro, The solo work was weak, but the band made a good finish. In addition to the prizes contested for by the bands, prizes were also offered for singing. These were awarded to the bandsmen of the St. Agnes band (red coats), for the best glee; James Scoble, of Penzance, for the best comic song; W. C. Rawlings, of Zelah, for the best sentimental song. 100 yards flat race was opened to all comers, and won by Thomas Phillips, of the Truro city band. At the close of the various competitions, visitors freely indulged in merry making on the beautiful lawns. The pipers of H.M’s Highland Regiment proved a great attraction. …” (8 August 1884 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
“The St. Agnes brass band, under the leadership of Capt. J. Roberts, were successful in the late band contest at Penzance on Bank Holiday. It received the first prize for the contest piece, Princess Ida by (Sullivan); … and to the conductor, Capt. Roberts, was awarded also the silver medal. This band is the red-coated one which gave such satisfaction when engaged at the late county wresting at Truro. (8 August 1884 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)