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.

 

 

 

1927

1^st West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

Treveor, Alverton, Penzance

4^th June 1927

Organised by Penzance Independent Band

(Possibly the West Cornwall Band Festival at Penzance referred to in the 1978 Penwith (West Cornwall) Band Festival programme)

Adjudicator: Joe Eaton

Chairman: Councillor O Eddy

 

“Penzance Independent Silver Band will hold its First Annual Band Contest at Treveor, Alverton, Penzance, on Saturday, June 4th, commencing at 3 p.m.” (1 June 1927 – Cornishman)

 

First section test piece: Operatic Beauties

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Camborne Town	A W Parker
2	Bugle Silver	W Adamson
3	Stenalees Silver	M Minear
4	Hayle Town	John Tanner

 

First section test march: The Exile

Placed		Points
1	Bugle Silver
2	Camborne Town
3	Stenalees Silver
4	Hayle Town

Soprano: (Camborne)

Bass trombone: (Camborne)

Euphonium: (Camborne)

 

Best soloist of the day: Fred J Roberts, cornet (Camborne)

Best Trombone: (Bugle)

Flugel: (Hayle)

 

Third section test piece: Casino Tanze (Joseph Gungl)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Newlyn East	A W Parker
2	St Ives Town	Edwin J Williams
3	Hayle Silver	John Tanner
4	St Just Boys	J Marke

“Probably the first band contest held in Penzance was decided at Treveor, on Saturday, Mr. J. Eaton, of Brotherton, Yorkshire, being the judge. The event was organised the Penzance Independent Band of which Mr. W. Firth is chairman, Mr. D. H. Firth, hon. treasurer, and Messrs. J. H. ??? hon. secs. and its sponsors intend to make the contest an annual one. It is entitled the West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival, and its commendable object is to promote the musical development of westcountry amateur bands. Mr. J. Hawke, K.C., M.P. is the President. A good deal of local interest was taken in the festival, and the town was decorated for the occasion. There were eight entries –four in the third section, and a similar number the open. The Independent Band did not. of course, itself compete, and the eight bands, with their conductors, were: St. Ives Town (Mr. E. J. Williams); St Newlyn East (Mr. A. W. Parker); Hayle Silver (Mr. J. Tanner); St. Just Boys’ (Mr. J. Marks), in the third; and Camborne Town (Mr. A. W. Parker); Bugle Silver (Mr. W. Adamson): Stenalees Silver (Mr. M. Minear); and Hayle Silver (Mr. J. Tanner), in the open. In the section, the test piece was “Operatic Beauties,” with a first prize of ??? cash, a challenge trophy, and a class tenor trombone by Besson and Co. of London; a second prize of £12 cash; and a third of £6 cash. Special awards were for the best solo cornet, flugel horn, tenor trombone, bass trombone and euphonium. For the test march. “The Exile,” prizes of and 10s. were offered. The test piece the third section was “Casino Tanze,” a concert valse, for which there was a first prize of £l0 and challenge trophy; the second prize was £7 cash; the third, cash; and the fourth, voucher for instrument repairs to the value of £2. There were special awards for the best soprano, solo cornet and euphonium; in the third section, too, challenge trophy was offered for the best west Cornwall band. In addition, there were prizes for the best solo cornet and tenor trombone of the day. … Third section – Hymn and test piece – 1, Newlyn East 2, St. Ives Town; 3, (test piece) Hayle Silver; 4 (test piece) St. Just Boys. Euphonium medal – St. Ives Town; contralto and soprano medals Newlyn East. The judge, who said it was difficult decide between third and fourth, commented that young bandsmen were apt to be nervous when they got to the stand, and to take too much notice the adjudicator being the tent, instead of throwing themselves into the music. Open section. March – l, Bugle Silver; 2, Camborne Town. Selection – l. Camborne Town: 2, Bugle Silver; 3, Stenalees Silver; 4, Hayle. Soprano cornet, bass trombone, and euphonium – Camborne. Best soloist for the day—Mr. F. J. Roberts (Camborne Town); solo tenor trombone medal—Bugle. Flugel medal—Hayle The judge remarked that he was delighted with the playing, which had been a surprise to him; it had been better than had expected, and “Camborne and Bugle,” he added, “were like our northern bands,” (Mr. Eaton is a Yorkshireman).” (8 June 1927 – Cornishman)

“Congratulations to Camborne Town Band. The Chairman referred the fine achievement of the Town Band last Saturday in winning premier honours at the Penzance bandsmen’s festival. Their performance was not only a credit to their conductor and themselves, but to the whole town. He was sure the Council would join with him in congratulating the Band upon their excellent performance. It was decided to send a letter of congratulation to Mr. Parker (the bandmaster).”  (16 June 1927 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

1928

2^nd West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

(Penzance Band)

St Clare Football Ground, Penzance

26^th May 1928

Adjudicator: Dennis Wright

Mr. Geo W. Cave, until quite recently Bandmaster of the Penzance Independent Band, has taken charge of the Marazion Brass and Reed Band. He is also training the St. Just Boys’ Silver Band for the forthcoming band contest at Penzance on Saturday next, but the St. Just Band will be conducted by their own Bandmaster, Mr Jas. H Marks, as Mr. Cave is engaged to adjudicate at a contest which is being held at Tilbury, near London, on the same day.” (30 May 1928 – Cornishman)

 

First section test piece: Semiramide (Gioachino Rossini)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Camborne Town	A W Parker
2	St Dennis Silver	Charles H Baker
3	Hayle	John Tanner
	Newquay Town	Wm H Juleff
	St Austell Town	E F Woodhead

 

First section test hymn: Sandon

Placed		Points
1	Camborne Town
2	St Dennis Silver
3	Newquay Town
	Hayle Town
	St Austell Town

 

Third section test piece: Sea Songs

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Newlyn East
2	St Ives Town	Edwin J Williams
3	Carharrack Temperance	Tom Hubbard
4	St Erth	Charles H Baker
	St Just Boys Silver	J H Marks
	St Pinnock Temperance	Marsh Kessell

 

Third section march: London Pride

Placed		Points
1	St Newlyn East
2	St Ives Town
3	St Pinnock Temperance
4	St Erth

 

Junior section test march: Starlit Dell

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Issey	J F Wills	£6
2	St Pinnock Temperance	Marsh Kessell	£4
3	Porthleven Temperance	C Orchard	£3
4	St Just Old Town	Edwin J Williams
	Breage and District	H L Young
	Carharrack Temperance	Tom Hubbard
	Gweek	William Floyd
	St Erth	Charles H Baker

Specials:

Cornet: Fred J Roberts, Camborne

Horn: Edgar Floyd, Camborne

Trombone: J Thomas, Camborne

Euphonium: S Roberts, Camborne

(Newquay Express 31^st May 1928)

 

Penzance Contest was held in St John’s Hall and Camborne competed there in 1928. Having taken first prize, the players looked around for 14-year-old Edgar Floyd who was needed on stage to receive the best solo horn of the day award. They eventually found him outside, playing football. The adjudicator was, “Amazed to find someone so young playing with such superb quality”.

 

“Band Contest at Penzance Sad Weather but Good Entries. There were sixteen entries for the band contest held at Penzance, on Saturday, which compared very favourably with the seven entries of last year.  But the weather, during the greater part of the day, was everything that it need not have been – damp, draughty, and depressing. Private residents and tradespeople had responded sturdily to the Mayor’s appeal for a display of bunting, but the flags flapped and hung with clammy wetness that belied the cheerfulness of their bright colouring. And all the other six days of the week had been fine! In 1927, the contest was held in a field in Alverton; this year, it was held in the St. Clare football ground, in front of the grandstand; open-air benches were arranged on the three remaining sides of the square round the bandstand. There were three sections, their entries being: Open section —St. Austell, Camborne, St. Dennis, Hayle, and Newquay. Third section —Carharrack, St. Erth, St. Ives, St. Just Silver, St. Newlyn East, and St. Pinnock. Junior section —Breage, Carharrack, St. Erth, Gweek, St. Issey, Porthleven, St. Pinnock, and St. Just Old Town. In the open section, the first prize was £20 cash, and the Penzance Town Cup; the second, £14 cash, and the Ladies’ Shield; the third, £8 cash. For the hymn tune, the first prize was £1, and the second, 10s., and there were special prizes for the best cornet, euphonium, tenor trombone, and flugel. The third section, the first prize was £12 cash, and the Hawke’s Challenge Shield; second, £9 cash, and the Hawke’s Challenge Cup; third, £6 cash; fourth, voucher for music to the value of 10s. For the march, there were prizes of £1 and 10s. There were special prizes for the best cornet, tenor, euphonium, and tenor trombone. The junior section first prize was £6, and Lennard’s Challenge Cup; second. £4 and Foote’s Challenge Cup; third, £3: fourth, voucher for music to the value of 10s. from Messrs. Smith and Co. In this section, there was a special prize for the resident bandmaster of the winning band. An extra special was offered for the best trombone of the day. Mr. Dennis Wright, Mus. Bac., was the adjudicator. The Mayor of Penzance (Ald. Howel Mabbott) was president of the committee, and Mr. A. W. Firth, chairman, As the bands arrived in the town, and marched Market Jew Street, they played inspiriting marches. Some, who arrived by train instead of motor-coach broke out into tune before they left the station, and played remarkably well, too, Large crowds, the rain having eased somewhat at that period, watched their arrival. There was a large attendance at the field when the contest started, for the clearance in the weather was maintained somewhat. The crowd showed a good deal of interest in the playing, as Cornish crowds usually do. In the open section, the test piece was “Semiramide” and the hymn tune was “Sandon,” and the first and last verse “Lead, Kindly Light.” The selection for the third section was “Sea Songs,” and their test march. “London Pride.” The junior section’s test march was “Starlit Dell.” The Mayor was present with the Mayoress (Mrs. Howell Mabbott) who was to present the prizes. The leaders the various bands were Mr. A. W. Parker (Camborne Town), Mr J. Tanner (Hayle Silver), Mr. Julef (Newquay Town), Mr. E. F. Woodhead (St. Austell), Mr. C. H. Baker (St. Dennis) Mr. T Hubbard Carharrack Temperance) Mr. C. H. Baker (St. Erth); Mr. E. J Williams (St. Ives Town), Mr. J. Marks, St. Just Silver), Mr. M. Kessel (St. Pinnock Temperance), Mr. H. I Young (Breage District), Mr. T. Hubbard (Carharrack Temperance), Mr. W. Floyd (Gweek), Mr. C. Orchard (Porthleven Temperance), Mr. J. F. Wills (St. Issey’ Mr. E. J. Williams (St. Just Old Town) Awards. The results were: Open section: hymn tune.—l, Camborne Town; 2, St. Dennis; 3, Newquay Town. Selection: 1, Camborne Town 2, St. Dennis; 3, Hayle Silver. Special .—Best cornet—Mr. F. J. Roberts (Can borne); trombone —Mr. J. Thomas (Can borne); euphonium Mr. S. Robert (Camborne); flugel—Mr. M. (Newquay). Third section march 1. Newlyn East 2, St. Ives Town; 3, St. Pinnock Temperance; 4. St. Erth. Selection: Newlyn East.; 2, St. Ives Town; 3, Carharrack Temperance; 4, St. Erth. Specials: cornet —Mr. N. Hall (Newlyn East); trombone —Mr. A. Halls (Newlyn East); euphonium—Mr. Tanner (St. Ives).  Junior section 1, St. Issey; 2, St. Pinnock; 3, Porthleven Temperance: 4, St Just Old Town. Miscellaneous specials. —Best euphonium for the day—Mr. S. Roberts (Camborne). Best cornet Mr F. J. Roberts, cornet (Camborne). Special prize of £1 for best dressed band St Issey. Special prize for the resident bandmaster of the winning band in the junior section; Mr. C. Trevethan. Just before the distribution of prizes, the Mayor told the that there was no town in Cornwall where they would be more welcome than in Penzance; nor was there any place in Cornwall where they would have been more appreciated. The whole town had been placed under a debt of gratitude to the local band committee for the splendid arrangements that had been made and the committee seemed have arranged the weather, too, for it had been bad in the morning, and had cleared up in the afternoon, and, if the committee had not been a deserving lot of men, it would have remained bad, The attendance had not been as large might have been wished, but though it was quite excellent, under the circumstances; he hoped the whole undertaking would not result in a loss. Mr. Abbott referred enthusiastically to the intense interest with which the audience had listened for five hours that, he said, was very marked evident of the excellence of the programme had been provided. …  A Musical County. “One of the most musical counties in England was one way in which Mr. Mabbott described Cornwall. “The beneficial influence of such music as we have heard here to-day,” he went on, “is bound to have its effect in the days that are to come.” He considered it a very good idea to include a section for junior bands, and thought that, in the not far distant future, the senior bands would have to look to their laurels if they did not want to lose their cups to the junior ones. Bands, said the Mayor, created influence for good in the districts from which they came. Mr. Mabbott paid a tribute to the music of the cornets that day. “We have been lost in admiration of them,” he said. The adjudicator (Mr. Dennis Wright) pointed to two weaknesses in the junior section’s rendering of the march; they had played out of tune – shockingly badly, at times – and they lacked the swing; that a march ought to have. “If you are going to march, you don’t want to crawl,” were the words Mr. Wright drummed at his hearers, “and you can’t march well unless you have something spirited to help you.” Bands should try to feel the swing in a march. He said, speaking in regard to the open section’s playing of the hymn tune, that the tendency was to drag out the last line, which should not be; the tone of one or two of the bands was extraordinarily good. the third section, there had been a lot of out-on-tune playing; bandsmen must try and listen to what they were playing; he would rather hear a downright wrong note, than a right note out of tune. The third section’s rendering of their selection, “Sea Songs,” did not show any entering into the spirit of the sea: to rectify that, players should get to know the words of the song they played.” (30 May 1928 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

1929

3^rd West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

St Clare Football Ground, Penzance

(Penzance Band)

18^th May 1929

Adjudicator: Dennis Wright

 

First section test piece: Labour and Love (Percy Fletcher)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Dennis Silver	Charles H Baker
2	St Austell Town	E F Woodhead
3	Camborne Town	A W Parker
4	Falmouth Town	T J Chainey
	Hayle Town	John Tanner
	Stenalees Silver	Charles H Baker
	Redruth Town	R W Floyd

 

Test March: Own choice

Placed		Points
1	St Austell Town
2	St Dennis Silver
	Camborne Town
	Falmouth Town
	Hayle Town
	Stenalees Silver
	Redruth Town

 

Third section test piece:

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Newlyn East	A W Parker
2	Falmouth Town	Thomas Chainey
3	Redruth	R W Floyd
4	Marazion	George Cave

 

Third section hymn: Accrington

Placed		Points
1	St Newlyn East
2	Redruth

 

Junior section test piece: Petite Fantasia

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Just Old Town	Edwin J Williams
2	St Erth	S Pye
3	St Keverne	J Martin
4	Pendeen	James Williams
	Breage and District	H L Young
	St Dennis	Charles H Baker

 

Soprano: Cyril Brewer, St Austell

Cornet: A Bray, St Dennis

Horn: L Hocking, Camborne

Trombone: J Tremaine, St Austell

Euphonium: Gordon Bennetts, St Dennis

Basses: Hedley Martyn, C Harrison, A Cowling, J Tabb (St Dennis)

 

“The third annual West Cornwall bandsmen’s festival, arranged by the Penzance Independent Band, was held at Penzance, on Saturday, and bands began to arrive in the town early. The tradesmen of the town had responded well to the appeal by the Mayor, and the streets were suitably decorated with flags, which were strung from the upper storeys of buildings across the line route. There were three sections: open, third, and junior and there were seven entries in the first, and six in the third and junior. … Mr. Dennis Wright of Durham, was the adjudicator, and the test piece for the open section was “Labour and Love.” … The awards were as follows: junior Section. test piece, petite fantasia, “St Just (Edwin J. Williams) 2, St. Erth Silver (Mr. S Pye); 3, St. Keverne (Mr. J. Martin); 4 Pendeen (Mr. James Williams). The other entries were: St. Dennis (Mr. C. H Baker); and Breage and District (Mr. Young). Commenting on the result, the adjudicator said he thought that on the whole the playing was a slight improvement on last year but the chief fault was a lack balance. “It is not always the band that makes the most noise that wins,” said Mr Wright. … Third Section. “Accrington”; Hymn tune 1. Newlyn East … 2. Falmouth       3. Redruth (Mr. R W. Floyd); 4, Marazion (Mr G Cave). Other entries … and St. Ives, but St. Ives did not compete. …  “Labour and Love’; march individual choice. Results: March— 1, St. Austell; 2, St. Dennis. Selection— 1, St. Dennis (Mr. C. Baker); St. Austell (Mr. E. F. Woodall), 3, Camborne (Mr. A. W. Baker) 4. Falmouth (Mr. S. Chainey).  … Other competitors were Hayle (Mr Tanner), and Stenalees (Mr. C. Baker) Commenting the result, the … said he was rather surprised to find in at least one instance, the conductor tried singing to the band. It does not do. I nearly knocked off marks for bad tone,” remarked Mr. Wright. …” (23 May 1929 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

 

1930

4^th West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

St Clare Football Ground, Penzance

(Penzance Band)

7^th June 1930

Adjudicator: George Mercer

 

First section test piece: Recollections of Auber (Daniel Auber)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Camborne Town	A W Parker
2	Falmouth Town	Thomas Chainey
3	Truro City	George Cave
4	Redruth Town	R W Floyd
5	St Austell

 

Test Hymn Tune:

Placed		Points
1	Camborne Town Band (Holly)
2	Redruth Town Band
	Falmouth Town
	Truro City
	St Austell

 

Third section test piece: The Water Carrier (Luigi Cherubini)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Falmouth Town	Thomas Chainey
2	St Newlyn East	A W Parker
3	Truro City	George Cave
4	Redruth Town	R W Floyd
	Carharrack Temperance
	Delabole Silver	W B Williams

 

Third section march:

Placed		Points
1	St Newlyn East
2	Truro City
	Falmouth Town
	Redruth Town
	Carharrack Temperance
	Delabole Silver

 

Junior section test piece: The Spirit of Youth (J A Greenwood)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Camborne Town Junior	Jack Eustace
2	Gweek	Gordon Floyd
3	Marazion Town	Edwin J Williams
4	Delabole Silver	W B Williams
	Pendeen
	Porthleven
	St Just Old Town
	St Erth Silver
	St Keverne

“Band Festival at Penzance. Mr Horton Bolitho presented the prizes to the successful bands. Results: Open section, selection —1, Camborne Town Band (“Penzance Town Cup,” and £20 cash); 2, Falmouth Town (Ladies’ Shield and £15); 3, Truro City (Capt. Head’s Cup and …” (12 June 1930 – Cornishman)

“Penzance was invaded on Saturday by multi-uniformed bandsmen, all eager to carry off the prizes at the Penzance Band Contest, which was held at the Sports Field, St. Clare, in the afternoon.” (12 June 1930 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

 

1931

5^th West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

(Penzance Band)

23^rd May 1931

Adjudicator: Mr Laycock of Kent

 

First section test piece: The Mastersingers

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Camborne Town Band	A W Parker
2	St Dennis	Charles H Baker
3	Truro	George Cave
	Falmouth Town

 

First section test March: Mephistopheles

Placed		Points
1	Camborne Town Band
2	St Dennis
	Falmouth Town
	Truro

(Cornish Post 30^th May 1931)

 

Second section test piece: La Favorita

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Newlyn East
2	Falmouth Town
3	Truro	George Cave
4	Carharrack & St Day
5	Redruth
	Porthleven

 

Second section test hymn: Sennon

Placed		Points
1	St Newlyn East
2	Truro
3	Falmouth Town
	Carharrack & St Day
	Porthleven
	Redruth

 

 

Third section test piece: In Old Vienna

		Conductor	Points
1	Newquay Town
2	Camborne Juniors	Jack Eustace
3	St Erth Silver
4	Gweek
	Marazion
	Redruth

 

The fifth annual Bandsman’s Festival, under the auspices Penzance independent Band, was held at the Sports Field St. Clare, Penzance, Saturday afternoon. The weather throughout the morning was somewhat dull, but there were gleams of sunshine, and the temperature was fairly warm, so that hopes were entertained that rain would keep off. This was actually the case till after the start, but rain afterwards fell, and quite spoiled the event. The bands played up through the streets en route to the ground, headed by St. Dennis, and were watched by crowds. …” (28 May 1931 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

 

1932

6^th West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

St Clare Football Ground, Penzance

(Penzance Band)

11^th June 1932

Adjudicator: Harold Hind

 

First section test piece: Verdi’s Works

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Dennis	Charles H Baker
2	Truro	G W Cave	80
3	St Austell	E F Woodhead	79
4	Falmouth Town	Thomas Chainey

 

First section march: Enchantress

Placed		Points
1	St Dennis
2	Truro
	Falmouth
	St Austell

 

Second section test piece: Yeomen of the Guard

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Falmouth Town	Thomas Chainey
2	St Erth	Mr Trudgeon
3	Newquay Town	William Moyle
4	Truro	G W Cave

 

Second section march: Boadicea

Placed		Points
1	St Erth
	Falmouth
	Newquay Town
	Truro

 

Third section test piece: A Village Pastorale

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Gweek	A W Parker
2	St Issey	Charles H Baker
3	Truro	T Hubbard
4	St Just Old Town	Edwin J Williams
W	Bodmin
	Camborne Junior
	Marazion
	Paul
	St Erth
	St Just
	St Stythians

 

Third section march: Own choice

Placed		Points
1	St Issey
2	Camborne Juniors
W	Bodmin
	Gweek
	Marazion
	Paul
	St Erth
	St Just
	St Just Old Town
	St Stythians
	Truro

“Bandsmen from over Cornwall gathered at Penzance on Saturday, for the sixth annual contest which was held the St. Clare Ground in the afternoon. Altogether there were 14 different hands, and as some bands entered in two sections, the entries totalled 18. This is the sixth bandsmen’s festival to be held at Penzance, and the event is looked forward to eagerly every year. But last year was disastrous, as torrents of rain fell, and instead of hundreds of people being present, the attendance was very small. This resulted in a loss of about … also, and this year’s contest was anticipated with some trepidation, for if rain fell again and there was another heavy financial loss, it might mean the discontinuance of the festival, which would be a matter for deep regret. The early hours of the morning were very dull, but fortunately the weather brightened up considerably towards noon.  Cornish folk – and the inhabitants of Penzance in particular – are very fond of music, and perhaps the most popular musical combination in the county is the brass band. Towns may have their symphony orchestras and operatic societies in addition, but to the little villages of Cornwall, their own brass bands are a great pleasure. Any Cornish village of any respectable size boasts of its brass band, composed of farm labourers and working men, who practice in some barn or other during the evenings. There was an excellent variety of programme at the contest and, although the pieces chosen were stiff tests, the music could be listened to with a great deal of pleasure. The test piece in the first section “Verdi’s Works” is a great treat. This great Italian operatic composer, who died only about … years ago, had a fine dramatic gift, and his melodies are showy and this selection of his works include excerpts from his great operas, “II Trovatore,” “La Traviata,” and “Rigoletto.” The march played in this I section was “Enchantress.” Music of a delightfully light character was provided in the second section, the test piece being selection from Sullivan’s “Yeomen of the Guard.” Gilbert and Sullivan light operas are world famous, and Sullivan’s catchy, lilting tunes are on everyone’s lips. This test piece is made even more interesting view of fact that in February, the opera was produced by Penzance Amateur Operatic Society. The “Yeomen the Guard” ranks among Sullivan’s best. The bands in this section also had to play a march entitled, , “Boadicea.” It was with this march that Penzance Silver Band won first prize at Camborne few weeks ago. In the third section the test piece was a charming number called “A Village Pastoral.” and the bands had to play a march of their own choice. In the first section there were four bands competing: St. Dennis, St. Austell, Falmouth, and Truro, while in the second section there were also four entries Falmouth, Truro, St. Erth, and Newquay. The largest number of entries was to be found in the third section, in which no fewer than ten bands competed. They were Camborne Juniors, Marazion, St. Stythians, Paul, St. Just Town, St. Erth, St. Issey, St. Just Old Town. Bodmin Town were to have played the third section, but they did not put in an appearance. Small wonder there was a large number of entries for many were the envious eyes cast on the excellent prizes put up for competition. They included handsome silver cups and shields, and their total value was £300. There was a new adjudicator for this year’s festival Mr. Harold C. Hind, L’R.A.M, A.R.C.M. (Bandmastership), L. Mus. T.C.L. (London). The President of the festival was the Mayor of Penzance (Aid. Richard Hall), the chairman (Mr. W. J. Jordan) treas., Mr. A. Jewell; and general secretary, Mr. W. T. Edwards. It was arranged that the bands should march from the railway station, Market-Jew-street, Causewayhead, and up St. Clare-street, to the contest field. The streets were gaily decorated with flags and bunting, hung from shop-to-shop. Crowds assembled in the streets j to witness the many bands marching through the streets. At the conclusion of the contest, Mr. W J. Jordan (chairman) expressed the thanks of the committee to the donors the prizes. This year they had the best collection of prizes ever given at Penzance band contest, for they had three four extra cups and prizes. They also wished to thank the ladies’ committee for providing tea and the general public for supporting them. The Mayor (Ald. Richard Hall) who introduced Mrs. Horton Bolitho, referred to the fact, that Penzance Town Council had decided to increase their contribution to the band, and said he hoped other towns would do likewise in respect of their bands. The adjudicator (Mr. Harold C. Hind) said he had been struck by the excellent organisation of the contest. In going around the country had often seen contests fizzle out through being badly organised, but the Penzance contest had gone very smoothly. Commenting on the playing, Mr. Hind said that when bands could play hymn tunes of their own choice, “bandmasters could score and re-score them as they wished, but thought it rather unwise to give the E flat, soprano cornet the high parts, instead of letting him play unison. He would like a little fuller tone in the hymn tunes, but without blatancy. The winning band gave a magnificent example of full tone without overblowing. In this district he thought the cornets had a slightly harder tone  than those in the North, Midlands and London. The toning of the bands was very good. At Redruth Inst year he had rather slated the toning, but this year had very little to complain about! The balance was not quite so satisfactory. The attack was fairly good, except for the hymn tunes in the third section. Expression on the whole was very good. He could not understand why, when a thing was not marked “solo,” one cornet should take it into his head to play it. As result there was wrong balance, particularly in the march. In the third section, with the exception of one outstanding band, the playing was pretty close, and he had great difficulty in separating two of the bands.  Mr. Hind said, “In the first, section, the performance of the winning band was one which I consider worthwhile coming from London to hear. It was a marvellous performance. I had no hesitation in awarding them all the prizes for soloists, in addition to their own first prize. Usually a cornet  or trombone wins the cup for the best soloist the day, but to-day he was remarkably struck by the playing of the solo horn in this band, and I award him the prize. …” (16 June 1932 – Cornishman)

“Congratulations are due to Mr. S. Carne and the members of Paul Band, for their excellent performance at the Penzance Band Contest on Saturday.” (16 June 1932 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

 

1933

7^th West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

St Clare Football Ground, Penzance

(Penzance Band)

1^st July 1933

Adjudicator: Clifton Jones

“The seventh annual band contest will be held at St. Clare ground on Saturday next, the 1^st July, when the leading bands of Cornwall will compete.” (29 June 1933 – Cornishman)

 

First section test piece: Gounod’s

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Dennis	C H Baker
2	Camborne Town	A W Parker
3	Falmouth	T G Moore
4	Truro

 

First section test march: B B & CF

Placed		Points
1	St Dennis
2	Falmouth
3	Camborne Town
4	Truro

 

Second section test piece: I Capuletti

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Falmouth	T G Moore
2	Redruth	C H Baker
3	Truro	G Cave
	Newquay

 

Second section hymn: Aberystwyth

Placed		Points
1	Truro
2	Falmouth
	Newquay
	Redruth

 

Third section test piece: The Golden Spur

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Stythians	T Hubbard
2	Marazion – subsequently disqualified
3	St Issey	F Knight
4	Gweek	T J Chainey
	Madron British Legion
	Paul
W	Redruth

 

Third section hymn: Lavinia

Placed		Points
1 ??	St Stythians
2	Marazion – subsequently disqualified
	Gweek
	Madron British Legion
	Paul
W	Redruth
	St Issey

 

“Cornishmen have an inherent love for brass bands, and in the past band contents have been extremely popular. But of recent years the attendances at the contests have been falling off, largely due to the financial depression in the districts where the contests were held. Much as it is to be regretted, most of the Cornish contests will not be held this year, with the exception of one or two. In view of this fact, and also that in the last few years rain has poured down on their attempts, causing a heavy financial loss, Penzance Silver Band’s effort to keep the contest alive is all the more commendable. Penzance band is a very worthy one, and renders great service to the town, under its capable conductor (Mr. J. Probert), and it must have encouraged them to see the fine weather to-day. This year there were 12 bands competing, including the well-known St. Dennis and Camborne Bands. Excellent prizes were provided to the value of £320. The adjudicator was Mr. Clifton Jones, bandmaster of the famous Irwell Springs Band, Lancashire. The bands were divided into three sections. The junior bands (the third section) had to play a test piece “The Golden Spur,” and also a delightful hymn tune, “Lavinia.” The bands competing in this section were Marazion, St. Stythians, Paul, Redruth, Madron British Legion, St. Issey, and Gweek. Next there was a harder section—the second section. The bands competing here played selection, “I Capuletti,” and also the well-known hymn tune “Aberystwyth.” There were four bands in this section, Truro City, Falmouth Town, Redruth, and Newquay. Then came the top section of all—the first section, in which St. Dennis, Camborne Town, Falmouth, and Truro competed. Their test-piece was “Gounod’s” which was a fine selection of the music of Gounod, and included excerpts from the opera “Faust.” In addition there was a really stirring and difficult march, named “B.B. and C.F.” As 1 o’clock approached crowds of people gathered in the streets. The bands met near the station, and marched to the ground via Market-Jew-Street, Causewayhead, and St. Clare-street. All along the route crowds of people thronged to see them pass by. The streets presented a gay appearance with the bunting between the houses and shops. The officials were: President, the Mayor (Coun. J. W. Meek), chairman (Mr. J. T. Nicholas); treasurer, Mr. A. Jewell; and general secretary (Mr. P. Batten). Redruth, who had entered for the second and third sections, did not play in the third section, as there was a protest, which was upheld. They played in the second section. Another protest was against Marazion, who were also disqualified. Marazion, who, it understood, had protested against Redruth, played in the third section, and the judge awarded them second prize for the test piece, and second for the hymn tune. It was then alleged that the solo cornet player for Marazion had not been a registered playing member of the band for a month prior to the contest. The committee upheld the protest, and did not award the cup to Marazion.  The adjudicator (Mr. Clifton Jones, conductor of Irwell Springs Band, Lancashire) said this was the first time he had been to Penzance, and he hoped to make good impression. He had done his best, and his decisions were his own honest opinions. He had no favourites. Commenting on the playing of the hymn tune in the third section, Mr. Jones said he was very disappointed. It had not been played as he would have liked to have heard it played. Mr. Jones said he really enjoyed the way which the second section bands played “Aberystwyth,” their hymn tune. It was much better than the playing of “Lavinia” in the third section. In the playing of the selection there was some very good playing the second section, and he was rather surprised.  “In the march in the first section there were two really good performances,” said the adjudicator. “The band which played first (St. Dennis) was never beaten. In the selection I wish to compliment the band that won first prize .(St. Dennis). Save an excellent performance, and without any doubt, I award them first prize, and all the special prizes. Referring to the Falmouth soprano (Mr. R. Hosking), Mr. Jones said, “He was a treat. He has won the special for the best player of the day.” (6 July 1933 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

1934

West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

 

It seems that no contest was held in this year.

 

 

 

 

1935

8^th West Cornwall Bandsmen’s Festival

St Clare Football Ground, Penzance

(Penzance Band)

29^th June 1935

Adjudicator: George H Mercer

 

Second section test piece: Gems of Old England

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Newquay Town	William Moyle
2	Indian Queens	Ford Knight
3	Redruth	A G Richards
	St Austell
W	St Stithians
	Truro

 

Second section march: Orion

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Newquay Town	William Moyle
2	Indian Queens	Ford Knight
3	Redruth	A G Richards
	St Austell
W	St Stithians
	Truro

 

Second section marching contest: Rough Rider

Placed		Points
1	Newquay Town
2	Redruth
3	Indian Queens
	St Austell
W	St Stithians
	Truro

 

Third section test piece: Inspiration of Youth

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Gweek	T J Chainey
2	St Stithians	T Hubbard
3	St Issey	Charles H Baker
	Lelant
	Okehampton	G W Cave

 

Third section hymn: Weston Park

Placed		Points
1	Gweek
2	St Stithians
3	St Issey
	Lelant
	Okehampton

 

Third section marching contest: New Dominion

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Gweek
2	St Stithians
3	Okehampton	Charles H Baker
	Lelant
	St Issey

Deportment class: l. St. Stithians, 2. Okehampton, 3, Gweek.

 

“Brilliant weather favoured the eighth annual bandsmen’s festival, arranged by Penzance Silver Band at the St. Clare Sports Ground Saturday afternoon. No finer site could have been chosen for such an event. The view from the grounds is charming with its outlook on Mount’s Bay and St. Michaels Mount. The grass was like a lawn, and made the pleasure of the spectators all the more enjoyable but the attendance was rather disappointing. Prizes to the value of over £200 awarded. The musical adjudicator was Mr. Geo. H. Mercer. Coun. Leslie Pascoe judged the marching deportment, There were two sections. The programme opened, with the third section, the competing bands being Lelant, St. Issey, St. Stithians, Okehampton and Gweek. The test selection was “Inspiration of Youth,” and hymn tune “Weston Park’. In the second section the entrants were Redruth Town, St. Stithians, Newquay Town, Indian Queens, Truro City and St. Austell Town. The test selection was “Gems of Old England” and the test march “Orion.” St. Stithians, however, did not play in the second section but only in the third section. In the marching contests the same bands entered the respective sections. The test march in the third section was “New Dominion,” and the second section, “Rough Rider.” The President Festival is the Mayor of Penzance (Ald. Charles Tregenza, … Adjudicator’s Remarks: Mr. Mercer said no-one could have had a better reception and could have been treated more graciously than he had. He had never had better treatment than when he was in Cornwall; in some counties they looked upon the judge as a sort of necessary evil. (Laughter). He could not congratulate the bandsmen for their punctually. It was not fair for him to be in the tent about 1.30 p.m. and the bands not to start until 3.15 p.m. – nearly an hour late. Mr. Mercer first dealt with the third section. When playing a hymn tune they must remember it was not a solo. They did not have one soprano singing in a choir. That had been a fault that afternoon, but there had been no performance for … without some redeeming feature. He had no hesitation in placing Gweek first in the hymn tune. The playing of the test piece, “Inspiration Youth,” was far from being an inspiration. It was lacking in brightness and the bands should have taken it a little bit faster.” Gweek were the most inspired and it was rather a runaway victory for them as they also carried off all specials in the section. (Applause). Referring to the second section, Mr. Mercer said Newquay stood alone in the playing of the march, “Orion.” The playing of the selection produced a very close competition. Newquay made a good start, then came a lapse, but theirs was the most consistent performance and they got more of the spirit of the music than the other bands. They made a brilliant finish that none of the other bands attained. Indian Queens had a little bit of bad luck in that one of their players made a slip but that was not … making a slip and he had not penalised them too much. Redruth were a very little behind and no doubt in a week’s time the position could be easily reversed. Mr. Mercer said he did not think some of the third section bands took it quite seriously enough in the marching contest. When they started he had to laugh for it was a “go-as-you-please contest” instead of a marching competition. Some bands came on later and took it more seriously. It was a nice win for Gweek.  …” (4 July 1935 – Cornishman)

 

 

 

Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)