The weekend of the 17th & 18th March, saw the Band finish it's preparations for, and then compete in the 2007 Northern Area Contest, held in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington. The Saturday night rehearsal finished with just enough time for the Band to enjoy a quiet beer in it's adopted pub, The Minerva.

  This isn't Neil's normal mode of dress, he assures us that the hat was just for St. Patrick's Day. Are we convinced.............................NO!

It's that shirt again!

 Now what do the Irish say, Begorra?

More like Big Horror, Medium Horror and little Horror!

Alison isn't convinced by the three leprechauns.

Meanwhile, at the more mature end of the table.

Sunday morning had the Band leaving their headquarters in Popple Street, at half past ten, travelling via Hessle, and Ferrybridge, on their way up to Darlington. Before, the contest, we had a short rehearsal at the Darlington Cricket Club.  

Alison and Liz put the stands up under the watchful eyes of Pete and Simon.

Jonathon, and his fine contest hair cut.

Jez, whistling whilst he works.

It's the final delicate touches that make the difference - like making sure your valves are in the correct way round.

And slowly it looks like a Band setting up.

.. and after your right hand, hit it with your left, etc, etc. 

 Pete Wilson warming up! It was snowing outside so he needed his big coat.

Oh dear, George Clooney must have changed his number again.

Steve, if you are going to gesture behind Neil........ check for cameras first!!

Can you keep the noise down, I'm trying to study.

Shortly before leaving for the contest, our new EEb Bass player posed for the camera.

Gareth Hughes.

Never mind the music, where's your cornet?

Organised chaos.

 Oh dear, what's happening on the floor. 

Just a drummer trying to put a round drum into a square case. Shaun pretends to do some last minute practice.

 Another new signing at his first contest, Percussionist James Hendry.

And so off to the Dolphin Centre...........................

One of the down sides to contesting is the hanging around. The draw for the order of play took place at three o'clock, drawn number four, we didn't actually take to the stage until quarter to six. Another down side is the strange ruling that you aren't allowed to play in the changing/warm up room. Still, it is the same for all of the competitors.

Not too tight Steve.

Steve & Alice, they were due to return to New Zealand in June, unless the Band qualified for the finals. Do they go home......................... keep reading.

Stewart isn't looking at his hands, he is unconscious. Talk about relaxing before the big event.

Where am I?

For others, that couldn't sleep, well there was the chance to catch up on the gossip. 

Yes, that's right Dan, the sun always shines on the righteous.  

The men of the Band.

 And as the time passed slowly on, Vicki resorted to playing charades.

Try not to look too interested Tony.

Chairman John, talks to the old Chairman (or should that be 'old' Chairman!). 

Does the camera lie?

Dean asked for an up to date picture for his profile, but then asked for a retake after seeing his chin(s).

So here it is, taken seconds after the previous picture Dean has lost several stone. Isn't technology wonderful?

Following the performance, it was time to pack the coach, have a beer and wait for the results ceremony. Adjudicator Alan Morrison spoke to the audience before the results were announced. First there were some instrumental to be awarded:-

The waiting was too much for some people.

Then the all important results.

Shaun with the 2nd place trophy, and just about in the picture James with the Best Percussion Section Trophy.

And a proper posed picture. Two mugs with two cups!!

Each Band receives a copy of the Adjudicator's remarks for their performance. Ours read:-

Prelude - mostly secure to start but basses not evenly in tune. Atmospheric cornets and excellent flugel. Presto. Basses very heavy and some inner band over blowing. Troms get lost in the balance and were not evenly sustained. A big sound to Transition. Good cornets if note quite pp sop. Fragments untidy and some tentative entries. Effective solo horn if not quite secure up top. Troms not sustained & tuned. Warm sounds at 75 but climax didn't quite happen as expected. 85 Duet was not quite flexible but generally linked well if not always accompanied securely. Fanfares were mostly successful if not without blemish. Giocoso started well but horns were not well spaced in rhythm. 142 a good attempt just some looseness. 154 Not quite impact but a good section to 166. Tasteful cornet playing and well accompanied. Euph was a little under pitch but played well. Well accompanied in cornet triplets. A good section. Accel started well but 10/8 moved too much. Generally successfully though. The eagle gets a bit lost in the troms but the ensemble is tight. All well restrained. Untidy close at 232 then accel was inaccurate and loose. Some good sounds and a well organised end. A performance that grew in stature after a tricky start. The solo lines were well handled and the ending was well thought out and delivered. Much to commend. 

And so back to the bar to have the post mortem on the performance, the results, the comments, and plan the trip to London.

Job done!

The phone companies must make a fortune in text messages at the conclusion of a contest.

A few chips and an orange juice, and George is forgotten. 

If that is what smelling it does to your face....... please don't drink it! 

Is Julia taking part in that advert for 'laid back' beer?

What are you smiling at?

The Bass section: Job done.

That's it Emma, pose for the camera.

Yes, pose for the camera. 

Even Steve gave up now!

So Shaun, you fill the cup and I'll empty it.

Take the price sticker off please. 

And the prize for the best hair of the day goes to....

Apparently the art of conversation isn't dead. Mmmm

Your turn next Jim.

Come in number 10, your time is up.

Tony pausing for breath.

MD, Repiano, and Chairman - the EYMS Dragons Den. 

 It's hard enough trying to read the comments in the cold light of day, never mind when you are stood in the half light 'tired and emotional'.

What did he mean 'not secure up top'?

Pictures by Mark Unsworth, Melanie Kennedy, and Stephen Gibson

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