There was plenty of keen competition on show at the North Wales Brass Band Association Rally held on the weekend at Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin.

Sounds great

The Open Section saw Northop reclaim the title honours for the first time since 2012 with a fine performance of John Golland's 'Sounds' under guest conductor John Doyle.

They also took home the 'Best March' accolade for their rousing rendition of 'The President', whilst to complete the clean sweep of prizes, Aled Williams and Keith Jones took the 'Best Soloist' and 'Best Flugel' accolades.

Just behind came solid performances from the rapidly improving Deiniolen with their colourful take on 'The Mermaid of Zennor', whilst there was a warm welcome for third placed Ifton Colliery playing 'Renaissance'. The band was making their first 'official' appearance as a Welsh registered band at the contest.

Area boost

With the Welsh Regional contest only a few months away in Swansea, the result gave Northop a time boost of confidence as they look to claim one of the two extra qualification places that will be up for grabs at the Brangwyn Hall next March.

Guest conductor John Doyle told 4BR: "I really enjoyed working with Northop for this contest, and you tell there is a desire to be in the hunt for prizes at Swansea next year. There is a focus about what they want to do.

There is also so much untapped playing talent in North Wales banding, but the investment in youth by the likes of Northop and others means the future looks bright."

Northop double

There was also plenty of other fine music making for judges Paul Wilson and John Glyn Jones to enjoy in the other sections, with Porthaethwy Menai Bridge led by Chris Williams securing the Section 4 honours for the first time since 2003, whilst Northop Training made it a 'double' by emulating their senior counterparts with victory in Section 5 led by a busy Aled Williams.

Youth excellence

There was also plenty of super playing on show in the youth sections, where the outstanding work undertaken by local bands was showcased to fine effect.

Llangollen conducted by Trevor Williams claimed the Youth Section 6b honours, whilst there was a real showcase of talent from both Beaumaris Youth and Denbigshire Music Co-operative Youth in the Youth Section 6a event — underlying their positions as two of the leading youth set ups in the country.

Beaumaris eventually claimed the title for the tenth consecutive time under Gwyn Evans, whilst Denbigshire showed further evidence of the progress they are making under the baton of John Powell.

Results:

Open Section:

1. Northop Silver (John Doyle)
2. Deiniolen (Lois Eifion)
3. Ifton Colliery (Scott R Lloyd)
4. Royal Buckley Town — (Karl Stott)

Best Soloist: Aled Williams (euphonium) — Northop Silver
Best March: Northop Silver
Best Flugel: Keith Jones (Northop Silver)

Section 4:

1. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge (Chris Williams)
2. Buckley Brass (Steve Pugh-Jones)
3. Holywell (Aled Williams)
4. Dyffryn Nantlle (Gwenellian Jones)

Best Soloist: Jude Kimber (cornet) — Porthaethwy Menai Bridge
Best March: Porthaethwy Menai Bridge

Section 5:

1. Northop Training (Aled Williams)
2. Dyffryn Nantlle Training (Charlotte Green)
3. Menai Bridge Beginners (Hannah Retallick)
4. Llandudno Training (Sue Hughes)

Best Hymn: Dyffryn Nantlle Training
Best Soloist: Kit percussion (Dyffryn Nantlle)

Youth Section 6a:

1. Beaumaris Youth (Gwyn Evans)
2. Denbighshire Music Co-operative Youth (John Powell)

Best Hymn: Beaumaris Youth
Best Soloist: Josh Glover (cornet) — Denbighshire Music Co-operative Youth

Youth Section 6b:

1. Llangollen (Trevor Williams)
2. Beaumaris Intermediate (Bethan Evans)
3. Llandudno Intermediate (Sue Hughes)

Best Soloist: Taya Castley (cornet) — Llangollen
Best Percussionist (from Section 6a & 6b): Mia & Ifan from Beaumaris Intermediate
Best Hymn: Beaumaris Intermediate

There was an excellent day of keenly fought competition at the Leicestershire Brass Band Association Open Contest held at Loughborough Endowed Schools.

Results:

Championship Section:

1. Wantage (Paul Holland) — 195
2. Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard) — 193
3. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray) — 192
4. Elland Silver (Daniel Brooks) — 191
5. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid) — 189
6. Blidworth Welfare (Simon Oates) — 188
7. East of England Co-op (Nigel Cooper) — 186
8. Brunel Brass (Paul Collis-Smith) — 184

Best Instrumentalist: (euphonium) — Blidworth Welfare
Best Trombones: Ratby Co-operative

First Section:

Adjudicator: Chris Wormald

1. Kidlington Concert (Duncan Wilson) — 193
2. Enderby (Simon Gresswell) — 192
3. Langley (Cliff Parker) — 191
4. Foresters Brass (John Davis) — 190
5. Oddfellows (Rob Boulter) — 189
6. City of Cambridge (Peter Bassano) — 188
7. Bedford Town (Steve Phillips) — 187
8. Hathern (David Newman) — 186
9. Ibstock Brick Brass (Simon Willis) — 185
10. The Wigston Band (Rob Boulter) — 184
11. Kibworth (Karl Busch) — 183
12. Rushden Town (Adele Hudson) — 182
13. Leicestershire Co-op (Graham Jacklin) — 181
14. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Colum O`Shea) — 180
15. Harborough (Brad Turnbull) — 179

Best Instrumentalist: (euphonium) — Langley

Second Section:

1. Crofton Silver (Dean Jones) — 188
2. Flixton (Ian Brownbill) — 187
3. Hucknall & Linby M.C. (Paul Whyley) — 186
4. Milton Keynes Brass (Jonathon Mott) — 184
5. Bakewell Silver (Jim Henson) — 183
6. City of Coventry (Stephen Cooper) — 182
7. Littleport Brass (Nicholas Garman) — 181

Best Instrumentalist: (euphonium) — Crofton Silver

Third Section:

1. Rolls Royce (Derby) (Graham Cardwell) — 188
2. Simon Langton Brass (David Cutting) — 187
3. Matlock (Geoff Hawley) — 185
4. Towcester Studio (Paul Fensom) — 184
5. Cubbington Silver (Mark Phillips) — 183
6. Rockingham (Adam Whittle) — 182
7. Dinnington Colliery (Lindon Bolt) — 181
8. Amington (Alan Gifford) — 180
9. Melton (Graham Sutton) — 179
10. Hemel Hempstead (David Edmonds) — 178

Best Instrumentalist: (cornet) — Rolls Royce (Derby)

Fourth Section:

1. University of Warwick (Simon Hogg) — 180
2. Moulton 77 (Colin Jones) — 179
3. Syston (Chris Banks) — 178
4. Kirkby Colliery Welfare (Neville Buxton) — 177
5. Ratby Co-op Mid (Geoff Wood) — 176
6. Corby Silver (Cathy Fountain) — 175
7. Newark Town (Rupert Trippett) — 174
8. Croft Silver (Ian Needham) — 173
9. Wantage Academy (Nikki Jones) — 172
10. Whitwell Brass (Ryan Stacey) — 171
11. City of Wolverhampton (George Draycott) — 170

Best Instrumentalist: (flugel) — Syston

Unregistered Section:

1. Enderby Concert (Steward Osgood) — 179
2. Coleshill Youth (Stephen Fagg) — 178
3. Ratby Beginners/Juniors (Becky Moss) — 177

Best Instrumentalist: (flugel) — Coleshill Youth

Listen to the Band: 9th January

The Brass in Concert Championships is one of the most prestigious brass band competitions in the band world, featuring 12 bands all with a different 23 minute programmes full of variety, excitement and the very best playing.

Frank Renton has music from the coveted Best New Arrangement/composition performed by the Paris Brass Band, Award winning cornet star Kirsty Abbotts and Tredegar as winners of the new Audience Entertainment Trophy.

Sunday Bandstand: 19th November

More great music to send out to the banding world from Chris Helme in the heartland of Yorkshire...

For further information please see www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk and follow the Sunday Bandstand links for this play list and previous shows dating back to 2014.

The show is now played on nine licensed UK community radio stations and five overseas via a Mixcloud link (USA, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, France).

The website also has a review section and a brass band nostalgia section.

Your CD

Has your band produced a CD this year? If so we would be very pleased to play tracks from it if you have.

Or have you a burning nostalgia question about the world of brass bands, if you have then please contact me via e-mail:

Click this link:

https:/­/­www.mixcloud.com/­ChrisHelme/­sunday-bandstand-19-november-2017/

Rhythm and Blues (Philip Sparke)
Opening for weekly show Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles — 2010

The Golden Pen (Wilfred Heaton)
International Staff Band of the Salvation Army
BM: Dr. Stephen Cobb — 2002

Ex Terra Lucem (Jonathan Bates)
Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles — 2017

Danny Boy (Traditional arr: Rich Ridenour)
Soloist: Patrick Sheridan
With pianist Rich Ridenour (USA) — 1997

Ad Optimum (Peter Graham)
Brass Band De Waldsang
MD: Rieks van der Velde — 2005

The Summer Knows (Michel Legrand arr: Darrol Barry)
Soloist: Derek Southcott with the Stocksbridge Brass Band
MD: Christopher Houlding — 1993

Around the World March (Alexander Owen)
Besses o'th' Barn Band
MD: Roy Newsome — 1980

Oklahoma (Rogers & Hammerstein arr: Ken Norman)
The Illinois Band (USA)
MD: Peter Lipari — 2003

Barndance & Cowboys Hymn (Philip Sparke)
GUS Band
MD: John Berryman — 1986

The Firebird — Infernal Dance & Final Hymn (Stravinsky arr: Ray Farr)
Foden's Richardson Band
MD: Russell Gray — 2005

Les Girls from the Music Hall Suite (Joseph Horowitz arr: J.G.Walker)
James Shepherd Versatile Brass
MD: Roy Curran — 1991

Capriccio Italian Op45 (Tchaikovsky arr: John Howarth)
Buy as you View Cory Band
MD: Dr. Robert Childs — 2004

You Are the Sunshine of My Life (arr: Goff Richards)
Flowers Band
MD: Philip Harper — 2009

Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair (Stephen Foster arr: Elgar Howarth)
Soloist Trevor Bremner with the Wellington Brass (New Zealand)
MD: David Bremner — 2013

Trumpet Blues and Cantabile (James and Mathias arr: Bill Geldard)
Soloists: Harold Sim, Martin Britt, Clive Miller, Alan Roberts & Phil James with the Redbridge Band
MD: John Clark — 1994

Georgia on My Mind (Hoagy Carmichael arr: Luis)
Bones Apart Trombone Ensemble: Carol Jarvis, Becky Smith, Becca Harper & Lorna McDonald 2002

Nabucco Overture (Giuseppe Verdi arr: Howard Lorriman)
The Italian Brass Band (Italy)
MD: Filippo Cangiamila — 2017

Song of the Seashore (Traditional arr: Alan Catherall)
Soloist: Gordon Higginbottom
With pianist John Golland — 1991

Loretta's Theme from Gianni Schicchi (arr: Alan Fernie)
Soprano Vocalist: Iona Jones with the Buy as You View Cory Band
MD: Dr. Robert Childs — 2005

Love's End (Huug Steketee)
Soloist: Peter Masseurs with the Hepworth ( Cookson Holmes) Band
MD: Mark Bentham — 2006

Lowry Sketchbook —Peel Park (Philip Wilby)
Brighouse & Rastrick Band
MD: David Hirst — 1997

The Ambassadors (Peter Graham)
International Staff Band of the Salvation Army
BM: Dr. Stephen Cobb — 2009

Kindly Leave the Stage (Terry Kenny)
South West Trains Woodfall's Band
MD: Jonathan Camps — 2003

Rhythm and Blues (Philip Sparke)
Closing for weekly show Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles — 2010

Enjoy the show....

With the Sterling Virtuoso euphonium becoming more and more popular with high profile players, now is the ideal opportunity to join a stable of world class performers like Lars Otto Torsvik, principal euphonium of the all-conquering Eikanger Bjorsvik and Brass in Concert 'Best Soloist' Gary Curtin, in choosing to play on one.

Proud

MD Paul Riggett told 4BR: "We are proud of all our Sterling Artists and would like to publicly acknowledge their ongoing successes.

Not only Lars Otto and Gary, but Glyn Williams, who has been a part of our team for over a decade and who was awarded the 'Best Euphonium' prize at Brass in Concert for an incredible sixth time.

That is a remarkable testament to his as a player — and for him playing on a Sterling instrument."

Second hand instruments

As a result of so many players making the switch to Sterling, there are now a number of part-exchanged second hand euphoniums on offer at unbeatable prices.

Besson Prestige: £2,995.00
York Eminence: £2,495.00
Besson 967 Sovereign: £1,995.00
Antoine Courtois 167: £1,495.00
Besson New Standard: £1,295.00

Free trial

To arrange a free trial or for more information on other second hand offers and the full range of Sterling Virtuoso Instruments, please contact Glyn Williams on 07976 628956 or by e-mailing

The 2017 Swiss National Championships will herald the launch of the latest CD from the highly respected Yamaha cornet star Patrick Vergeres.

Tradition

The principal cornet of Brass Band 13 Etoiles and Concordia of Vetroz has gained a worldwide reputation for his innovative musical projects, following the release of his first CD album, 'The Three Cornets' in 2007, and to mark his 40th birthday he has come up with his third, eagerly anticipated release, entitled, 'Tradition'.

The title was not chosen at random, as Patrick grew up in a family where music has been a tradition for generations, whilst the music featured also refers to the great solos for the instrument composed by the likes of Herbert Clarke, William Rimmer, Jean Baptiste Arban, Damare — all arranged for piano accompaniment specially for the release by his great friend, Bertrand Moren.

The project has been supported by Marc Reift Editions, whilst the recording itself was undertaken in Montreux.

Tribute

Patrick told 4BR: "There are lots of cornet solos nowadays available, especially by young composers. However my idea was to give a tribute to these great solos which will stay forever.

Since becoming a father of two wonderful children, my days are now more fulfilled than ever, so this is a way I can show my love of music to them."

Band Supplies has a fantastic on-line Black Friday deal offer with 20% off all accessories.

And to make it even tastier with no rushing around on the busiest shopping day of the year — our Black Friday offer doesn't end until 10th December.

Just go on-line

All you have to do is go on-line, put your feet up and save plenty of pounds by browsing through the amazing offers — all in plenty of time to get them wrapped for Christmas....

That's the best Black Friday not even Santa Claus on overtime could beat...

Go to: http:/­/­www.bandsupplies.co.uk/

The ever inventive A4 Brass Quartet is launching a brand new composer initiative.

The Manchester based brass chamber music ensemble is currently enlisted on the Royal Northern College of Music's 'International Artist's Diploma' scheme, and as part of what promises to be a very busy 2018 schedule, including a concert tour across Europe, they have launched a new composition competition.

Award winners

Now in their fifth year together, A4 originated whilst first year undergraduate students at the RNCM, and went on to win both the Philip Jones Brass Chamber award and the Christopher Rowland Ensemble of the Year. More recently they have won a prestigious Tunnell Trust Ensemble award in Scotland.

The group has just made their debut appearance at London's internationally renowned Wigmore Hall, in which they premiered a new work by Bramwell Tovey.

New composers

A4 member Jonathan Bates told 4BR: "The aim is to help try and find the next generation of brass chamber music writers — and reinvigorate a form of brass composition that has been somewhat neglected in recent years."

The entry requirements for age are quite open, although there is an under 24 award aimed at encouraging current students to enter.

Jonathan added: "The works need to be between 4-8 minutes in duration and there is an overall prize fund of £600 to be awarded. We want as many young composers to try their hand at writing — and to make our decision as difficult as possible."

Format

The works must be submitted in either PDF or Sibelius 7 format, alongside an audio file. The group's instrumentation consists of a Bb Cornet (doubling Flugelhorn), Eb Tenor Horn, Bb Baritone (treble clef) and Bb Euphonium (treble clef).

Contact and closing date

The closing date for entries is 23rd February 2018. For more details contact

Award winners will be notified and announced in early March, 2018.

4BR will be heading to Montreux this weekend for the 2017 Swiss National Championships.

A record 67 bands will compete for the various at the 2m2c Music & Convention Centre, with eleven bands battling for the Excellence honours, currently held by defending champion and 2017 British Open winner, Valaisia Brass Band.

They will be looking to become the first band to secure hat-trick of wins at the event since 1992, as well as securing their place as the Swiss representatives at the 2018 European Championship in Utrecht.

Twin disciplines

The twin discipline contest will see the eleven bands play the set-work, John Pickard's 'Eden' on Saturday evening, followed by the own-choice selections the following day.

This year they include two renditions of the British Open test-piece, 'Fraternity' as well as 'Destination Moon', 'Electra', 'Hypercube', 'Journey of the Lone Wolf', 'The Turing Test', a brace of 'Old Licks Bluesed Up' and premieres of 'Concerto' by Roland Szentpali and 'Inferno' by Todd Smith.

Blitz

21 bands will compete in the First Division category on the set-work, 'Blitz' by Derek Bourgeois, whilst 11 contenders in the Second Division will perform a new work, 'Mastermind 2.0' by Cedric Fuhrer.

18 competitors in the Third Division will tackle Philip Harper's 'Kingdom of Dragons' with six bands playing 'Terra Nova' by David Chaulk in the Fourth Division.

Excellence Division:

Test Piece: Eden (John Pickard) & Own Choice Selections:

Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor)
Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)
Brass Band Fribourg A (Maurice Donnet-Monay)
Brass Band Treize Etoiles (Dr. James Gourlay)
Constellation Brass Band A (Yvan Lagger)
Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien (Blaise Heritier)
Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia (Vincent Baroni)
Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh)
Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Andreas Koller)
Oberaargauer Brass Band (Christoph Luchsinger)
Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc)

First Division:

Test Piece: Blitz (Derek Bourgeois)

AEW Brass Band Fricktal (Tristan Uth)
BML Talents (Patrick Ottiger)
Brass Band Cazis (Enrico Calzaferri)
Brass Band Eglisau (Andreas Buri)
Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller)
Brass Band Fribourg B (Maurice Donnet-Monay)
Brass Band Impertial Lenzburg A-Band (Rafael Camartin)
Brass Band Kirchmusik Fluhli (Armin Renggli)
Brass Band MG Reiden (Roland Froscher)
Brass Band Rickenbach (Enrico Calzaferri)
Brass Band Rosalp (David Bonvin)
Brass Band Schotz (Urs Bucher)
Brass Band Sursilvana (Roman Caprez)
Brass Band Treize Etoiles B (Cedric Vergere)
Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia (Michael Bach)
Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Francois Roh)
Feldmusik Knutwil (Gian Stecher)
Jurassic Brass (Maurice Periat)
Oberwalliser Brass Band A (David Lochmatter)
Regional Brass Band Bern (Jon Kowszun)
Universal Brass Band Wil (Gian Stecher)

Second Division:

Test Piece: Mastermind 2.0 (Cedric Fuhrer)

Brass Band 43 (Olivier Neuhaus)
Brass Band Abinchvova (Gian Walker)
Brass Band Berger Oberland Junior (Jan Muller)
Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt (Roger Muller)
Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach (Lukas Scherrer)
Brass Band Junior Valaisan (Aurelien Darbellay)
Brass Band Lotschental (Aldo Werlen)
Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B (Florian Lab)
Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B (Sebastien Pasche)
Liberty Brass Band Junior (Christoph Luchsinger)
Musikgesellschaft Konkordia Aedermannsdorf (Bernhard Wuthrich)

Third Division:

Test Piece: Kingdom of Dragons (Philip Harper)

Brass Band Frutigen (Pascal Andres)
Brass Band Gurbetal (Urs Stahli)
Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B (Stefan Aegerter)
Brass Band Junior Vaudois (Simon Sulmoni)
Brass Band l'Avenir Lignieres (Cyril Perrenoud)
Brass Band Munsingen (Christoph Hertig)
Brass Band Solothurn (Martin Butikofer)
Brass Band Zurich (Werner Kubli)
Burgermusik Untereggen (Stfan Roth)
Constellation Brass Band B (Ivan Denis)
Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt (Peter Stadelmann)
Jugend Brass Band Schwarzbubenland (Martin Schaad)
Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (Jan Muller)
Musikgesellschaft Jenaz (Tristan Uth)
Musikgesellschaft Oberwil b. Buren (Hansueli Mollet)
Musikverein Brass Band Henggart (Christian Bachmann)
Musikverein Rothrist (Cyrill Schaub)
Thunerseebrass (Christoph Hertig)

Fourth Division:

Test Piece: Terra Nova (David Chaulk)

Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band (Mario J. Schubiger)
Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band (Luca Frischknecht)
Jugend Brass Band RML (Ivan Estermann)
Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee (Manuel Imhof)
mgrr Junior Band (Matthias Kieffer)
Musikgesellschaft Brunisried (Manfred Schaller)

4BR will also be heading to the wonderful city of Perth this weekend to bring you live coverage of the Scottish Open Championship.

15 bands take to the stage to perform their Peter Graham selections in the hope of lifting the title.

The defending champion is Whitburn, whilst there is added international flavour to the event with former champion and recent Brass in Concert Championship runner-up Fountain City making a welcome return.

Scottish Open:

Saturday 25th Movember
Perth Concert Hall
Own Choice test piece composed by Peter Graham
Commence 1.30pm
Adjudicators: Steven Mead and Alan Morrison

Bon Accord Silver (Stephen Malcolm)
Bo'ness & Carriden (Kevin Price)
Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay)
Damellington (Richard Evans)
EYMS (Stig Maersk)
Fishburn (David Hirst)
Fountain City Brass (Dr Joseph Parisi)
Kirkintilloch (Ray Munday)
Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan)
Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury)
Rainford Band (Gareth Brindle)
Tullis Russell Mills (John Wallace CBE)
Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tennant)
Whitburn Band (Prof Nicholas Childs)
Yorkshire Imperial DUT (Russell Gray)

The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals will be holding a special Open Day at RAF Cosford near Wolverhampton on Wednesday 29th November.

Stars

The day will include masterclasses, workshops and full band rehearsals, led by Ian Porthouse, Katrina Marzella, Richard Marshall, Nick Hudson, Simon Gresswell and Helen Varley, and is open to all brass band musicians between the ages of 15 and 36, and who are Grade 5 standard or above.

The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals will also be joined by The Band of the Prince of Wales's Division and The Band of the King's Division for an outstanding day of music making (9.00am — 4.30pm)

Superb opportunity

Major Stewart Halliday, the Regional Director of Music, told 4BR: "This Open Day is a superb opportunity for civilian brass musicians to go behind the scenes of Army brass banding.

Not one, but all three Army Brass Bands will be rehearsing and performing throughout the day and they will be joined by some of the world's best brass band performers."

Works to be looked at will include, 'Paganini Variations', 'Lohengrin', 'Procession to the Minster' and 'Torchbearer'.

Interested

If you are interested in experiencing this fantastic opportunity then you should go to the Facebook page: @TheBandoftheRoyalCorpsofSignals

https:/­/­www.facebook.com/­TheBandoftheRoyalCorpsofSignals/­?ref=br_rs

You can also e-mail at
Alternatively, call on 01902377763.

Results
2017 Scottish Open

Saturday 25th November
Test Piece: Own choice selection from composer Peter Graham
Adjudicators: Steven Mead and Alan Morrison

1. Whitburn (Prof Nicholas Childs) — 195
2. Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay) — 194
3. Fountain City (Dr Joseph Parisi) — 192
4. Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury) — 191
5. Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tenant) — 190
6. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan) — 189
7. Rainford (Gareth Brindle) — 188
8. Bon-Accord Silver (Stephen Malcolm) — 187
9. Dalmellington (Richard Evans) — 186
10. Kirkintilloch (Ray Munday) — 185
11. Fishburn (David Hirst) — 184
12. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Russell Gray) — 183
13. EYMS (Stig Maersk) — 182
14. Tullis Russell Mills (John Wallace CBE) — 180
15. Bo'ness & Carriden (Kevin Price) — 179

4BR Soloist Award: Scott Forrest (soprano) — Whitburn

Results:

Excellence Division:

Test Piece: Eden (John Pickard)
Adjudicators:
Set Work: David Childs, Ian Porthouse, Franz Matysiak
Own Choice: Garry Cutt, Michael Fowles, Rieks Van der Velde
Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc): 1/2 = 3
2. Brass Band Treize Etoiles (Dr. James Gourlay): 2/3 = 5
3. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh): 5/1 = 6
4. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach): 3/4 = 7
5. Oberaargauer Brass Band (Christoph Luchsinger): 4/6 = 10
6. Brass Band Fribourg A (Maurice Donnet-Monay): 8/5 = 13
7. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia (Vincent Baroni): 6/8 = 14
8. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor): 7/7 = 14
9. Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Stefan Roth): 9/10 = 19
10. Constellation Brass Band A (Yvan Lagger): 11/9 = 20
11. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien (Blaise Heritier): 10/11 = 21

Special Prize: Best Trombone (Set Work): Valaisia Brass Band
Special Prize (Own Choice): Bass trombone (Treize Etoiles)

First Division:

Test Piece: Blitz (Derek Bourgeois)
Adjudicators: Jean Claude Kolly, Ueli Kipfer, Frederic Theodoloz

1. Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia (Michael Bach) 98
2. Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller) 96
3. Brass Band Eglisau (Andreas Buri) 95
4. Brass Band MG Reiden (Roland Froscher) 94
5. Brass Band Treize Etoiles B (Cedric Vergere) 93
6. Brass Band Kirchmusik Fluhli (Armin Renggli) 92
7= Brass Band Cazis (Enrico Calzaferri) 91
7= Brass Band Fribourg B (Maurice Donnet-Monay) 91
9= Regional Brass Band Bern (Jon Kowszun) 90
9= Universal Brass Band Wil (Gian Stecher) 90
11. Brass Band Rickenbach (Enrico Calzaferri) 89
12. Brass Band Sursilvana (Roman Caprez) 88
13. BML Talents (Patrick Ottiger) 87
14. AEW Brass Band Fricktal (Tristan Uth) 86
15. Brass Band Rosalp (David Bonvin) 85
16= Feldmusik Knutwil (Gian Stecher) 84
16= Brass Band Impertial Lenzburg A-Band (Rafael Camartin) 84
18. Brass Band Schotz (Urs Bucher) 83
19= Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Francois Roh) 82
19= Jurassic Brass (Maurice Periat) 82
21. Oberwalliser Brass Band A (David Lochmatter) 81

Second Division:

Test Piece: Mastermind 2.0 (Cedric Fuher)
Adjudicators: Garry Cutt, Mike Fowles, Rieks Van der Velde

1. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior (Jan Muller) 95
2. Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach (Lukas Scherrer) 92
3. Brass Band Junior Valaisan (Aurelien Darbellay) 91
4. Brass Band Abinchvova (Gian Walker) 89
5. Liberty Brass Band Junior (Christoph Luchsinger) 88
6. Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt (Roger Muller) 87
7. Brass Band 43 (Olivier Neuhaus) 86
8. Musikgesellschaft Konkordia Aedermannsdorf (Bernhard Wuthrich) 85
9. Brass Band Lotschental (Aldo Werlen) 84
10. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B (Florian Lab) 83
11. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B (Sebastien Pasche) 82

Special Prize: Tubas (Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior)

Third Division:

Test Piece: Kingdom of Dragons (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: David Childs, Ian Porthouse, Franz Matysiak

1. Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt (Peter Stadelmann) 97
2. Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (Jan Muller) 95
3. Musikgesellschaft Jenaz (Tristan Uth) 93
4. Burgermusik Untereggen (Stfan Roth) 92
5. Brass Band Frutigen (Pascal Andres) 91
6. Brass Band Munsingen (Christoph Hertig) 90
7. Thunerseebrass (Christoph Hertig) 89
8. Musikverein Brass Band Henggart (Christian Bachmann) 88
9. Constellation Brass Band B (Ivan Denis) 87
10. Musikverein Rothrist (Cyrill Schaub) 86
11. Brass Band Solothurn (Martin Butikofer) 85
12. Brass Band l'Avenir Lignieres (Cyril Perrenoud) 84
13. Brass Band Gurbetal (Urs Stahli) 83
14. Brass Band Junior Vaudois (Simon Sulmoni) 82
15. Brass Band Zurich (Werner Kubli) 81
16. Jugend Brass Band Schwarzbubenland (Martin Schaad) 80
17. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B (Stefan Aegerter) 78
18. Musikgesellschaft Oberwil b. Buren (Hansueli Mollet) 77

Special Prize: Euphonium (Musik Frohsinn Oberburg)

Fourth Division:

Test Piece: Terra Nova (David Chaulk)
Adjudicators: David Childs, Ian Porthouse, Franz Matysiak

1. Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band (Luca Frischknecht) — 94
2. Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee (Manuel Imhof) — 93
3. mgrr Junior Band (Matthias Kieffer) — 92
4. Musikgesellschaft Brunisned (Manfred Schaller) — 90
5. Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band (Mario Schubiger) — 89
6. Jugend Brass Band RML (Ivan Estermann) — 88

Special Prize: Euphonium (Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee)

Result:

Championship Section:

Test Piece: Metamorphosis (Jan de Haan)
Adjudicators: Nigel Boddice, Mareika Gray, Torgny Hanson
Set Work + Own Choice = Total

1. Brass Band Wilebroek: (97 + 95) = 96*
2. Noordlimburgse Brassband: (96 + 96) = 96
3. Festival Brassband: (93 + 97) = 95
4. Brass Band Buizingen: (92 + 94) = 93
5. Brass Band Heist: (89 + 92) = 90.5
6. Kortrijk Brass Band: (88 + 89) = 88.5
7. Brass Band Leieland: (86 + 90) = 88.0
8. Brass Band Zele: (87 + 88) = 87.5

*Set Work takes precedent

Percussion Prize: Brass Band Willebroek

Own Choice selections:

Noordlimburgse Brassband: Fraternity (Deleruyelle)
Brass Band Heist: Where Angels Fly (Houben)
Brass Band Buizingen: Apocalypse (Bourgeois)
Festival Brassband: Perihelion (Sparke)
Kortrijk Brass Band: Handel in the Band (Downie)
Brassband Zele: Earthrise (Clarke)
Brass Band Willebroek: Destination Moon (Raphael)
Brass Band Leieland: Metropolis 1927 (Graham)

The various 2017 League titles were decided on an exciting day of competition Merthyr Tydfil as the domestic season in Wales came to an end.

The Championship Section honours on the day went to Tongwynlais Temperance (above) as they gave a well crafted account of the set-work, Gilbert Vinter's 'Variations on a Ninth' under Ian Holmes to secure a clear two-point margin of success over rivals Llwydcoed, with Ebbw Valley in third.

Although victory and a clean sweep of the individual awards was celebrated by Tongwynlais, the year's Welsh League honours were secured for the third year running by Llwydcoed, who retained the magnificent Miners Gala Trophy ahead of runner-up Ebbw Valley.

Honest appraisals

Adjudicators Paul Holland and Tom Davoren gave very honest appraisals about the standard of performances they had heard throughout the day.

Welsh banding may be enjoying a sustained period of contesting success, but the remarks about the need to master the basics of warm ensemble sound, balance and texture, before trying to emphasise the ear-catching flourishes of dynamics and tempos were very well made.

Those issues were certainly heard and remarked upon by Paul Holland in the Championship Section battle (the lack of lyrical playing and low level dynamics were also noted), although the overall ensemble quality and mature experience of Tongwynlais's soloists in the famous cadenza section of Vinter's classic work certainly contributed to their victory.

Solid foundation

Band spokesperson Iestyn Davis later told 4BR: "We were keen to support the final contest of the Welsh League season and to come away with a win and some soloist silverware was an added bonus. This gives the band another solid foundation stone on which to build on for what promises to be an exciting Welsh Area contest in March."

He added; "The hard work and dedication of the Association's volunteers made for another fine event and it was encouraging to see the support given to it form bands at all levels and from both sides of the River Severn."

Section winners

Earlier, regular visitors AW Parker (Drybrook) from the Forest of Dean secured a clear-cut victory in the First Section, as led by Joshua Ruck they gave an appropriately colourful rendition of the demanding set-work 'Spectrum'.

Lewis Merthyr was second — a result that saw them secure the Welsh League title ahead of Briton Ferry, who also came runner-up for the year.

Working out

There was plenty of working out to be done by SEWBBA officials in the Second Section to decide the ultimate destination of the Welsh League trophy.

Newport Borough rounded off their fine year by securing the Western Mail Trophy on the day, with their neatly delivered performance of the set-work, 'Purcell Variations'. Another form band in Abertillery Town was second, with Crwbin in third.

However, despite coming fifth, it meant that Mid Rhondda shared the homing rights of the T.J. Powell Welsh League trophy with Newport, with Crwbin as runner-up.

Little easier

Things were a little easier to add up in the joint Third & Fourth Sections, as Usk took the day's honours ahead of Severn Tunnel and Upper Rhondda, thanks to an excellent performance of 'Dimensions' under MD Jeff Jones, aided by his prize winning son Jamie on euphonium. However it was Upper Rhondda who claimed the Welsh League title ahead of Usk.

In the Fourth Section, one of Welsh banding's most famous names enjoyed victory, as Gwaun Cae Gurwen's well delivered 'Anglian Dances' finished ahead of Oakdale Silver, although it was Oakdale that ultimately took the Welsh League title ahead of their west Wales rivals.

Encouraging signs

Meanwhile, the encouraging signs of grass roots development were further shown with the performances of the four bands in the Youth Section — led by Melingriffith Youth ahead of Rhondda Fach Youth, Melingriffith Beginners and BTM Learners.

The work undertaken by conductors Carol Flannery Davies, Angela Westcott, Becky Cale and Lloyd Barnaby is really showing signs of blossoming, with the hope that more bands will follow their inspirational lead.

It was also wonderful to see so many proud parents and family on hand to offer their support to the youngsters on a day when individual prizes were picked up by Noah Davies, Katie Hill, Ned Falloon and the Melingriffith Youth percussion team.

The Eric James Memorial Award to the Welsh Conductor of the Year was presented to Chris Turner of Llwydcoed.

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Holland
Set Work: Variations on a Ninth (Gilbert Vinter)

1. Tongwynlais Temperance (Ian Holmes) — 190
2. Llwydcoed (Chris Turner) — 188
3. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter) — 187
4. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Nigel Seaman) — 186
5. Tylorstown (Gary Davies) — 185
6. Markham & District (Matt Rowe) — 184

Best Instrumentalist: Matt Rowe (euphonium) — Tongwynlais Temperance
Best Bass Section: Tongwynlais Temperance
Best Trombone: Nils Everett Richards (Tongwynlais Temperance)

First Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Holland
Set Work: Spectrum (Gilbert Vinter)

1. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck) — 185
2. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) — 182
3. Briton Ferry (Jeff Pearce) — 181

Best Instrumentalist: Mandy Hamer (euphonium) — AW Parker (Drybrook)

Second Section:

Adjudicator: Tom Davoren
Set Work: Purcell Variations (Kenneth Downie)

1. Newport Borough (Robin Hackett) — 184
2. Abertillery Town (Joshua Ruck) — 182
3. Crwbin (Craig Roberts) — 180
4. Bream Silver (Phil Turner) — 179
5. Mid Rhondda (Thomas Coaches) (Alan Gibbs) — 176
6. Penclawdd Brass (Tony Small) — 175
7. RAF St Athan Voluntary (Alan Bourne) — 174

Best Instrumentalist: Claire Bourne (corent) — RAF St Athan
Most Accomplished Trombone Section: Penclawdd Brass

Third Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Holland
Own Choice

1. Usk (Jeff Jones) — 182
2. Severn Tunnel (Daniel Hall) — 180
3. Upper Rhondda (Jayne Thomas) — 179
4. Ynyshir (Gary Davies) — 178

Best Instrumentalist: Jamie Jones (euphonium) — Usk
Best Horn Section: Usk
Youngest Player in Sections Three & Four: Noah Davies (aged 7) — Ynyshir

Fourth Section:

Adjudicator: Paul Holland
Own Choice

1. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (Jeff Hutcherson) — 177
2. Oakdale Silver (Kerry Bowden) — 176

Youth Section:

Adjudicator: Tom Davoren
Entertainment set

Gold Award: Melingriffith Youth (Carol Flannery Davies)
Gold Award: Rhondda Fach Youth (Angela Westacott)
Silver Award: Melingriffith Beginners (Becky Cale)
Silver Award: BTM Learners (Lloyd Barnaby)

Best Instrumentalist: Noah Davies (kit percussion)
Best Cornet: Katie Hill (cornet) — Rhondda Fach Youth
Best Percussion: Melingriffith Youth
Youngest Bass Player: Ned Falloon (aged 10) — BTM Learners
Youngest Player: Gwenllian Williams (aged 6) — Melingriffith Beginners

2017 Welsh League Champions:

Championship Section:
Champion: Llywdcoed
Runner-Up: Ebbw Valley

First Section:
Champion: Lewis Merthyr
Runner-Up: Briton Ferry

Second Section:
Joint Champion: Mid Rhondda (Thomas Coaches) & Newport Borough
Runner-Up: Crwbin

Third Section:
Champion: Upper Rhondda
Runner-Up: Usk

Fourth Section:
Champion: Oakdale
Runner-Up: Gwaun Cae Gurwen

Conductor of the Year: Chris Turner (Llwydcoed)

It has been announced that new applications are being sought for a Master programme in Composition for Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Brass Band at the Berne University of the Arts (HKB) in Switzerland.

Significant

In what is being seen as one of most significant European-wide academic boosts to the brass banding medium, its highly respected Composition and Theory Department will offer the programme course alongside it other renowned Master curriculums, including Contemporary Composition, Composition and Arrangement in Jazz and Theatre Musical.

The Master in Composition for Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Brass Band is being seen as recognising the vibrant development of wind and brass band music making over the last decade or more. Studies will begin in the autumn of 2018.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The main subject will be taught by acclaimed composer Oliver Waespi, whose works for symphonic winds and brass band have received worldwide recognition and critical acclaim.

His body of work also includes numerous works for symphony orchestra and chamber ensemble, enabling him to embed the new programme in a wider aesthetic context."

4 semesters

The new Master programme will be taught over 4 semesters and requires a total of 120 ECTS-Credits (90 ECTS-Credits if passed as a second Master).

The principal subject will be completed by elective courses in arts practice, theory and research, optional seminars and courses within the rich Minor programme as well as the final Master's thesis.

Crucial importance

The spokesperson added: "Students in the new Master programme will benefit from a vast array of courses covering much of contemporary and traditional composition techniques and aesthetics. Moreover, the link to the conducting studies for wind orchestra is of crucial importance.

Thanks to its trans-disciplinary course offer, Berne University of the Arts encourages composers to benefit from the inspiring environment of the departments of Literature, Fine Arts, Theatre, Opera and others."

Premieres

In an example of the critically acclaimed programming the University recently hosted a masterclasses in composition with Oliver Waespi and conducting with Philippe Bach, with conducting students leading premieres of new works by composition students with the Symphonic Band of the Swiss Army.

The main subject will be taught in German, French or English, according to the preferences of the students.

Application deadline

Application deadline: 15th March 2018
Begin of programme: September 2018

To find out more initial information:

Contact:

Xavier Daye
Head of Composition and Theory
E-mail:
Phone: +41 31 848 39 84

The contesting season in Northern Ireland ended on a high on the weekend when there was plenty of great entertainment on show at Whitla Hall at Queens University in Belfast.

Music adjudicator Leigh Baker and entertainment judges, Paula McHugh and Meagan Lyons were presented with a wide variety of programme sets, with 1st Old Boys under Stephen Cairns leading the way in the Championship Section.

Great weekend

It proved to be a great weekend for the organisation, as earlier in the day 1st Old Boys Youth Band, led by Jacklin Bingham took the Youth Section title.

Their programme included the classic march 'Slaidburn', the horn solo 'An Untold Story' played by Daniel Sharpe and 'The Journal of Phileas Fogg' — complete with Phileas and his helpers playing out the story of 'Around the World in 80 Days' to great effect (above).

With excellent performances also on show from section winners Warrenpoint Silver, Wellington Silver and Lourdes Brass the audience were left to enjoy a keen battle between a quartet of well-matched bands in the Championship event to round off a highly enjoyable, well organised event.

Pure imagination

1st Old Boys Band eventually came out on top thanks to a programme that opened with Stephen Pondsford's 'Let There Be Light', the trombone solo 'Pure Imagination' played by Nathan Moore, the march 'The Contestor' and the sensitive 'Guardian of my Soul'.

'Best Soloist' award winner Alan Haworth played his own humour arrangement of 'Delilah' before they closed with the Sammy Nestico arrangement of 'Malguena'.
The twin victories rounded off a remarkable year for the 1st Old Boys organisation with both the senior and youth bands having won every contest in the Northern Ireland contesting season.

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicator: Leigh Baker
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. 1st Old Boys: 10/10 = 20
2. Laganvale Metal Technology: 9/9 = 18
3. Third Carrickfergus Silver: 8/7 = 15
4. Downshire Brass: 7/8 = 15

Most Entertaining Band: 1st Old Boys Silver
Best March: Third Carrickfergus Silver (Cross of Honour)
Best Soloist: Alan Howarth (euphonium) — 1st Old Boys

Second Section:

Adjudicator: Leigh Baker
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Lourdes Brass: 10/10 = 20
2. CWA Brass: 9/9 = 18
3. Comber Silver: 8/8 = 16

Most Entertaining Band: Lourdes Brass
Best March: Lourdes Brass (Voice of the Guns)
Best Soloist: Mark Newman (Lourdes Brass)

Third Section:

Adjudicator: Leigh Baker
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Wellington Silver: 10/10 = 20
2. Dungannon Silver: 9/9 = 18

Most Entertaining Band: Wellington Silver
Best March: Dungannon Silver (Europa Mars)
Best Soloist: Lauren Stewart (Wellington)

Fourth Section:

Adjudicator: Leigh Baker
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Warrenpoint Silver: 10/10 = 20

Most Entertaining Band: Warrenpoint Silver
Best March: Warrenpoint Silver (Aces High)
Best Soloist: Maurice McCabe (Warrenpoint Silver)

Youth Band:

Adjudicator: Leigh Baker
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. 1st Old Boys Youth Band: 10/10 = 20
2. Downshire Youth: 9/9 = 18

Most Entertaining Band: 1st Old Boys Youth Band
Best March: 1st Old Boys Youth Band (Slaidburn)
Best Soloist: Daniel Sharpe (1st Old Boys Youth Band)

Spennymoor Town Band has announced the appointment of Fiona Casewell as their new Musical Director.

Originally from Rutland, Fiona played euphonium for the Virtuosi GUS Band before relocating to the North East in 2011.

A qualified music teacher, she works for Durham Music and is also a visiting tutor at Durham University. Fiona currently plays solo baritone in the North East's leading band, Reg Vardy and is a featured soloist with them.

Excited

Fiona told 4BR: "I'm excited at being at the helm of a band with such potential. My aim is to take them to the next level while also making sure everyone has fun and enjoys the experience!"

Exciting

Hugh Stephenson, Vice President of Spennymoor Town Band added: "Fiona joins us at the start of an exciting new journey as we prepare for upcoming concerts and contests.

We would like to say a big thank you to Neil Davies for his time as conductor and I'm pleased that Neil will be supporting Fiona as he remains a playing member."

Derwent Brass is offering a fantastic opportunity for people to support the Brass for Africa Charity — thanks to the generosity of the legendary cornet player Phillip McCann.

To support the charity's work in Uganda, Phillip has donated a unique prototype Boosey & Hawkes Sovereign cornet, developed and built for him whilst he was principal cornet of Black Dyke Mills Band.

928 prototype

Phillip's input helped to produce the legendary 928 Sovereign 'round stamp' model, and the instrument, still in its 'raw' state, is the physical blueprint from which all others were subsequently produced.

Speaking to 4BR he said that he was delighted that the instrument can be used to support such a wonderful cause — and that he hoped it will still be played on.

"I was delighted to be able to donate the instrument to be auctioned, as the Charity does such wonderful work in Africa in helping youngsters through making music.

The hours of expertise at the famous Edgeware Road factory that ultimately led to the famous 928 was incredible, and you can still tell that when you play the instrument. It may not look it because of its prototype state, but it still sounds amazing."

Ultimate provenance

Phillip presented the cornet to Brass for Africa Brass Ambassador Chris Fower at the 2017 RNCM Brass Band Festival and it is now being auctioned by Derwent Brass for the charity. The cornet bears no serial number or logo but will come with a letter of provenance from Phillip.

In response Chris Fower added: "This is truly an exceptional piece of brass band history and the kind of item that is so rarely available to purchase, often moving directly into a private collection."

The proceeds of the auction sale will be donated by Derwent Brass to Brass for Africa's current fundraising campaign with the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK's biggest online match funding campaign.

Vital funds

Chris added: "We're hoping to raise vital funds for one of our most important projects, The Children of Kampiringisa. The money donated for the purchase of this instrument will be doubled.

Kampiringisa is Uganda's only juvenile rehabilitation facility, with the project undertaking vital work to engage them back into society. It is the government's responsibility to care for and protect these children and they have given their full support for Brass for Africa to assist in improving the quality of life within the Centre."

Brass for Africa provides brass instruments, lessons and brass band training alongside life-skill training and psychosocial support to more than 200 children in the centre each week.

Charity target

This campaign needs to raise £10,265 in order for Brass for Africa to be able to continue this outstanding and successful work.

The response so far has been remarkable, but Phillip's cornet will surely enable the charity to reach its target.

Go to:

Campaign link: https:/­/­secure.thebiggive.org.uk/­projects/­view/­28484/

eBay link:

https:/­/­www.ebay.co.uk/­itm/­122827282566?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649#viTabs_0

This week saw the first rehearsal for the newly formed Tewit Silver Band, based on the outskirts of Harrogate.

28 keen musicians took part in what was described as a great success, including parents, ex-Tewit youth members and many people who hadn't played for years.

Returning principal

One of those making a welcome return to play principal cornet was local Harrogate musician Owen James, who last played in the role for the Tewit Youth Band 20 years ago.

MD, Martin Hall, told 4BR: "I've been totally overwhelmed with the support after taking on the project, so to have so many musicians come together to turn this dream into reality was truly amazing.

It was such a great success, and we can't wait to get on the contest stage for the first time hopefully at the North of England Area Championships next year."

Thanks

He added: "Our thanks go to South Milford and Wakefield Metropolitan Bands for lending us instruments, and to local businesses for the initial financial support that's been needed.

To find out more about the band and if you want to be a part, contact: