4barsrest.com | eMagazine

Five live for Wardle

NEWS

Five ensembles from Wardle High School will perform at the Music for Youth Festival in Birmingham in July.

Wardle High School has confirmed that five of its musical groups have been selected to perform at the National Music for Youth Finals in Birmingham in July.

Selected

The school’s Senior Brass Band, the Symphonic Wind Band, Wind Band, Junior Brass Band and Percussion Group have been invited to the prestigious event.

Meanwhile, the members of the National Championship winning Smithy Bridge Primary School is starting to rehearse ahead of their forthcoming performance with the newly crowned European Champion Black Dyke.

Wonderful news

MD Lee Rigg told 4BR: "The news of the Festival for Youth appearances marks a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in the Wardle organisation. The pupils are a credit to the school as they work hard to continue the high standards it has always aimed to achieve."

Torquay open for invitations

NEWS

SWBBA Open Championships to be held in Torquay in November.

The South West Brass Band Association’s 66th annual Open Championships will be held on Saturday 3rd November at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay.

Sections

The Championships will incorporate seven sections: Open (joint Championship/First); Second; Third; Fourth; Ungraded; Youth; Training Band, with 2012 National Grading being recognised. The adjudicators will be John Berryman and Paul Holland.

More information

The schedule and entry form is available from the Secretary, Brian Elliott
Telephone: 01752 892056
or email: ,
or by visiting the Association’s website www.southwestbrassbandassociation.co.uk.

Entries close 14th September 2012.

Report & Results: 2012 Grenland Festival

NEWS

Krohnengen top the three legged Grenland Festival.

The unique Grenland Festival recently took place in Norway, where a host of bands battled it out over the three individual disciplines of test piece, church music and own choice programme to decide the prizes amid the beautiful local surroundings.

Mnozil gala

The Festival ended with a Gala Concert appearance of Mnozil Brass, who wowed a packed audience with their brilliant playing and choreographed presentation.

Adjudicators Arvid Anthun, Garry Cutt, Egil Magnussen and Andrew Duncan also enjoyed a wide variety of music on offer from the 23 competitors.

Elite

The Elite Division title and first prize of a Besson Sovereign cornet was won by Krohnengen Brass conducted by Allan Withington who made it a clean sweep by topping all three legs of the contest.

Their 25 minute church concert was followed the next day by their performance of the set work, ‘Connotations’ and their 20 minute entertainment programme, despite losing half a point for a time violation.

It enabled them to beat off the Danish challenge of Arhus Brass, with the wonderfully entertaining Montebello Brass in third and Mikrobrasseriet in fourth.

First Division

In the First Division, Hasle Brass took the 8,000 Krone first prize ahead of rivals Rong Brass and Nordvestjysk Brass, with a clean sweep of all three legs of the contest to win by a commanding seven point margin.

Second and Third

In the Second Division Gjesdal Brass just managed to beat off the challenge of Krapfoss Hornorkester and local favourites Grenland Brass to take the Besson Baritone on offer to the winners.

10 bands lined up in the Third Division, where Langhus Brass picked up the Besson cornet on offer for the winners by topping both disciplines of the contest ahead of Fagernes Musikkorps and Gjovik ByBrass.

Full Results:

Elite Division:

1. Krohnengen (98/93/92) = 285.5*
2. Arhus Brass (96/92/91) = 279
3. Montebello Brass (94/90/94) = 278
4. Mikrobrasseriet (95/89/87) = 271

*0.5 point time penalty

First Division:

1. Hasle Brass (92/90/93) = 275
2. Rong Brass (90/88/90) = 268
3. Nordvestjysk Brass (88/84/87) = 259

Second Division:

1. Gjesdal Brass (90/93 ) = 183
2. Krapfoss Hornorkester (94/88) = 182
3. Grenland Brass (89/91) = 180
4. Stangaland Brass (91/89) = 179.5*
5. Svogerslev Blaeserne (88/86) = 174
6. Toneheim Brass (87/84) = 171

*0.5 point time penalty

Third Division:

1. Langhus Brass (92/92) = 184
2. Fagernes Musikkorps ( 91/91) = 182
3. Gjovik By Brass (89/89) = 178
4. Lismarka/Mesnali Brass (87/90) = 177
5. Eidsberg Brass Band (88/87) = 175
6. Indre Torungen Brass (86/87) = 173
7. Spydeberg (84/89) = 173
8. FDF Arhus Musikkreds (85/86) = 171
9. Karmsud Brass (83/88) = 171
10. Bamble Musikkorps (81/85) = 166

World Rankings: May update

NEWS

Black Dyke close the gap at the top of the rankings following their recent win in Rotterdam at the European Championships

The latest World of Brass – 4barsrest.com Rankings see few changes at the very top following last weekend’s European Championships, but Black Dyke’s
first victory in the event since 2005 means that Cory’s lead at the top has been vastly reduced.

'Dyke' will now approach the English National Championships in June as hot favourite to take over the number one position.

Continental success at Rotterdam also means big rises for Eikanger-Bjørsvik (Norway), Noord Limburgse (Belgium) and Brass Band Schoonhoven
(Netherlands), while other big movers since the last update include North American Champion, Atlantic Brass Band, and Australian Champion, Gunnedah
Shire.

Other ranking contests taking place since the last update are:

Tameside Open - won by Oldham (Lees);
Northern Ireland Brass Band League - won by 1st Old Boys Association Silver;
Flemish Open - won by Brass Band Schoonhoven;
Fife Brass Band Festival - won by Kingdom Brass;
Buxton Brass Band Festival - won by Bollington Brass;
Irish Championships - won by Drogheda.

To view all the ranked bands, go to:

www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

Advert: John Packer Musical Instruments

NEWS

There is a fantastic mute deal on offer with John Packer and Denis Wick! All you have to do is enter...

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Easy to enter:

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£250 of Denis Wick mutes

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Any mutes can be chosen from the Denis Wick range for any instrument or instruments.

Go to: http://www.deniswick.com/

The prize includes carriage to mainland UK only.

The prize has no nominal value and cannot be exchanged for cash. The winner is picked at random and will be notified by email.

Major changes at Brass in Concert

NEWS

Quality led mission statement sees radical overhaul to points system at BiC.

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have revealed the major changes that will be implemented to the scoring system for the world's premier brass band entertainment contest later this year.

Advisory group

An advisory group consisting of Malcolm Brownbill, Alan Morrison, Simone Rebello, Frank Renton, Kenneth Crookston and Stuart Bulmer have discussed various and methods in which this crucial aspect of the event could be driven forward.

Free

As a result a radical new scoring system will be implemented, inspired by an event mission statement that emphasises the desire to see competing bands be free to display artistic excellence.

In future there will be a weighted percentage of points allocated for ‘Quality of Performance’, ‘Programme Content’ and ‘Entertainment and Presentation’, with each adjudicator assigned a very specific role in the process which will not cross boundaries with judges deliberations in other categories.

Full article:

A full article on the changes are to be found at:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2012/1312.asp

2012 IBBC line up confirmed

NEWS

Ambitious international Belgian event confirms line up of bands for 8,000 Euro top prize.

The confirmed line up of competing bands for the ambitious International Brass Band Contest to be held in Belgium later this year has been announced by the organisers.

The event is due to take place at the Lemmensinstituut of Leuven in Belgium in November, and has attracted an international field, headed by former European champion Manger Musikklag.

Euro challengers

Also competing are Noord-Limburgse fresh from claiming second place at this year’s European Championship in Rotterdam, whilst the organisers are hoping to get final confirmation on the participation of former Yorkshire Area and All England Masters Champion Rothwell Temperance.

The three day event will see bands from Belgium, Norway, England and Wales compete for a first prize of 8,000 Euros.

The line up for the Championship event has been confirmed as follows:

Competing bands:

Championship Section:
Manger Musikklag
Noord-Limburgse
Rothwell Temperance
Brass Band Buizingen
Brass Band Willebroek
East London Brass
Regent Brass
Brass Band Heist
Seindorf Beaumaris
Oslo Brass
Woodfalls Temperance

A Section:
Jersey Premier Brass
Young Brass Band Willebroek
Ensemble de Cuivre La Covatte

For further informmation go to:
www.ibbc.be

Owen set for German debut with Elgar Howarth

NEWS

Horn star to make German debut with star studded line up headed by Elgar Howarth.

Arfon Owen, solo horn with the Oldham (Lees) Band and former principal horn with both Grimethorpe Colliery and Black Dyke, is set to travel to Germany in mid-May to spend five days playing with a star studded brass band in the German city of Cologne.

Memorable trip

The WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk) Brass Band is mainly made of up players from Cologne's orchestras, but also has players from Belgian and Austrian groups as well as Brass Band Willebroek.

With Elgar Howarth conducting and Swedish trumpter Hakan Hardenberger as guest soloist, the trip is set to be a memorable one.

Programme

The programme features Hardenberger performing Howarth's 'Sonatina for Solo Cornet and Brass Band', as well as Howarth's 'Fireworks' and 'Music from the Elizabethan Court', Gustav Holst's 'Moorside Suite' and Derek Bourgeois' 'Concerto for Brass Band No. 1'.

Prestigious

Commenting on the trip, Arfon expressed his excitement at taking part in such a prestigious project.

He told 4BR: "I'm really excited to be making the trip over to Cologne and performing with some of Germany's finest brass musicians. Although the rehearsal schedule is fairly intensive, it does allow time for sightseeing. I'm also looking forward to catching up with my friend Tim de Maeseneer from Willebroek.'

The concert will be broadcast online at www.wdr3.de, at 7pm UK time on Monday 11th June.

Euro Brass announced adjudicator line up

NEWS

The 2012 Euro Brass Contest has announced its line up of judges

The list of adjudicators has been announced for the forthcoming Euro Brass contest in Drachten.

Friday:
A Section:
Rob Goorhuis & Phillip McCann

Saturday:
A Section:
Luuk Tuinstra & Steve Sykes

B Section:
Steve Sykes & Phillip McCann

C Section:
Rob Goorhuis & Steve Sykes

Dyke confirm Preston entry

NEWS

Swamped European champions confirm Preston entry despite Rotterdam success.

Newly crowned European champion Black Dyke has confirmed that they will defend their English National Championship title in Preston on 23rd June, despite already having pre-qualified for the 2013 European Championships in Oslo.

English defence

Fresh from their Rotterdam success, where they took the title for a record 12th time, they informed 4BR that they will be in the line up of bands in Preston in a few weeks time.

Meanwhile, the band is still recovering from its latest success, with MD Dr Nicholas Childs taking time out to try and answer the hundreds of messages of congratulations he has received from Pondasher fans all over the banding world.

World wide

"It’s been amazing," he told 4BR. "I don’t think we have ever had so many messages from so many well wishers. As soon as the result was announced my phone was filled with voice mails and text messages, but when I finally got back home I was swamped by e-mails, letters and cards too."

He added: "We have such a fan base around the banding world that it makes this success even more special. I will promise to try and get a reply to as many people as possible, but I can assure everyone who congratulated us that it was very much appreciated."

Busy schedule

Black Dyke’s busy schedule means that they will already have played in two major concerts less than a week after their success, topped by an appearance at Bridgewater Hall this Sunday.

Thanks

"It’s an opportunity to say a musical thank you," the MD added. "I must also place on record our thanks for the financial support we received from Bradford City Council’s Department of Culture and Regeneration.

We are proud ambassadors for the city and that support meant a great deal to us on what turned out to be a historic weekend."

Advert: Besson

NEWS

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Besson is running a cracking competition of their own here in Rotterdam, with the chance to win tickets to the 2013 European Brass Band Championships in Oslo.

All you have to do is get the top three bands in the right order here at the De Doelen Hall and the trip to Norway could be yours!

Go to: http://www.besson.com/en/news.php?mode=printNews&nid=924
and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BessonLondon

Report & Results: 2012 European Championships

NEWS

Black Dyke reclaims European title for first time since 2005 after a stunning competition in Rotterdam full of brilliance and bedlam.

The sound of the joyful players of Black Dyke celebrating on the stage of the De Doelen Hall; complete with crashing gongs, cymbals and impromptu vocal chants of ‘We are the Champions’ will surely have been heard back home in Queensbury after Dr Nicholas Childs led his band to victory at the European Championships.

Stunning

By producing two stunningly consistent performances of the set work, ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’, and their own choice selection of ‘Revelations’, they reclaimed the iconic Milton Stevens trophy for the first time since 2005, and in the process lay claim to also regaining the unofficial title as the best brass band in the world.

Engrossed

In a contest that held the audience completely engrossed over its two days, Dyke’s win in the set work, and third place in the own choice discipline gained them a clear four point winning margin over the impressive Belgian champion, Noord Limburgse, directed by the flamboyant Ivan Meylemans.

Their brace of performances over the two days drew admiration from critics and rivals alike, with a superbly constructed rendition of their own choice selection, ‘Old Licks Bluesed Up’ enhanced by the stunning prize winning contribution of bass trombonist, Erwin Kelchtermans.

Benelux bedlam

There was a form of Benelux bedlam on the hall when it was announced that Brass Band Schoonhoven had been placed third – especially when compere Frank Renton had stoked up the fevered atmosphere with the news that the band had gained an almost incomprehensible 99 points for their own choice rendition of ‘Audivi Media Nocte’.

There was to be no repeat of last year’s Nordic triumph as reigning champion Manger Musikklag sank to seventh place.

Incomprehensible

They were placed an almost equally incomprehensible 9 points behind their Dutch counterparts for their rendition of the Oliver Waespi own choice selection by the judges Edward Gregson, Karl Ole Midtbo and Klaas van der Woude.

Meanwhile, Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag never quite lived up to their pre-contest favourites tag as they could only come fourth, whilst there was to be no emotional fairy tale contesting ending for Dr Robert Childs and Cory, as the Welsh champion’s fifth place drew gasps of surprise from the packed De Doelen hall.

Some joy

There was some Celtic joy however as Co-operative Funeralcare gave Scotland their best result at the contest since 2004.

With arguably the strongest field ever assembled for the contest providing arguably some of the finest playing heared at the event too, excellent performances from the likes of Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan, Nord Pa-de-Calais, Oberosterreich and Lyngby Taabaek had to be content with the minor placings.

Here to win it

There was only one place that did count more than most though – and that was claimed by Black Dyke.

"You have to be here to win it," their champagne soaked MD told 4BR.

"I have a wonderful band to conduct, all of whom work so hard. Yesterday on the set work was very special, but to rise again to play like we did on our own choice selection was perhaps an even greater effort."

Whilst acknowledging that the victory came as a team effort, he also heaped praise on his soloists, with particular mention to his trio female leads in Sheona White, Katrina Marzella and Zoe Hancock on the set work, and the euphonium duo of Gary Curtain and Ian Yates on the set work.

Preston defence

With the victory ensuring that Dyke will now defend their title in Oslo in 2013, the MD also confirmed that he would be leading the newly crowned champion at the English National Championships in Preston in a few weeks time.

"That’s been in the diary for a long time, and we will be there determined to retain that title too," he added. "I want this to be a very special year for the band, so there will be no easy options."

B Section victory

Earlier in the B Section, there was delight for the players and especially the colourful MD, Uwe Koeller of Austrian Brass Band of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, as they took the title in stunning fashion.

Their performances of the set work, ‘Light in the Darkness’ and their own choice selection of ‘Music of the Spheres’ gave them a commanding victory over second placed Brass Band Heman of Holland, with Brass Band Wipptal of Italy in third.

Results:

Championship Section:

Test piece: 'Vita Aeterna Variations' (Alexander Comitas)
Adjudicators: set work:
Arsene Duc, Andrew Berryman and Frans Violet
Adjudicators own choice:
Professor Edward Gregson, Karl Ole Midtbo and Klaas van den Woude

1. Black Dyke, (8/2) 98/97=195
Dr Nicholas Childs

2. Noord-Limburgse, (7/5) 93/98=191
Ivan Meylemans

3. Brass Band Schoonhoven, (5/10) 91/99=190
Erik Jannsen

4.Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag (2/11) 95/94=189
Professor David King

5. Cory, (4/1) 96/92=188
Dr Robert Childs

6. Co-operative Funeralcare (1/9) 90/96=186
Allan Withington

7. Manger Musikklag, (3/3) 94/90=184
Peter Sebastian Szilvay

8. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (11/8) 89/95=184
Jean Francois Bobillier

9. Brass-Band Nord Pas-de-Calais, (6/4) 86/91=177
Russell Gray

10. Brass Band Oberosterreich, (9/7) 88/88=176
Hanness Buchegger

11. Lyngby-Taarbaek (10/6) 87/89=176
Semer Simonsen

Best Soloist: Erwin Kelchtermans (Bass trombone) - Noord-Limburgse

B Section:

Test piece: 'Light in the Darkness (Joop van Dijk) and Own Choice
Adjudicators: Arsene Duc, Andrew Berryman and Frans Violet

Results:

1. Austria Brass Band of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (3) - 95
Professor Uwe Koller

2. Brass Band Heman (2) - 93
Anne van den Berg

3. Brass Band Wiptal (1) - 92
Martin Gruber

4. 1st Old Boys Silver Band (4) - 91
Stephen Cairns

Best Soloist: Silvio Rether, Austria Brass Band

Results: 5th European Composers Competition

NEWS

Paul McGhee has won the 5th Composers Competition at the De Doelen Concert Hall in Rotterdam with a work of dark intent.

A work that causes people to be culled in a darkly dystopian world has won the 5th European Composers Competition in Rotterdam.

Crepuscular

The brilliantly crepuscular composition from the pen of 32 year old English composer Paul McGhee claimed the 3000 Euro first prize, after he beat off the challenge of a trio of talented rivals at the De Doelen Hall on Thursday evening.

Entitled ‘Lullaby’, the work takes its inspiration from the horror satire novel of the same name by the American writer Chuck Palahniuk, which sees a vivid recitation of a poem imbue it with the malevolant ability to cull the people to whom it is read - men, women and children.

Regarded as a highly influential novel it was nominated for a Bram Stoker publishing award in 2002.

Celebration

Despite the downbeat outcome of the original book, there was nothing but celebration to be found in the air at the conclusion of the results ceremony on Thursday after Paul was read out as the winner.

"I’m delighted but totally surprised," he told 4BR. "It’s a work that does have a very dark heart, but I believe it's an uplifting story in many ways."

Appreciative

On a night when four highly talented compositional voices were heard by an appreciative audience, Paul’s work caught the fancy of the international panel of judges, which included Philip Sparke, Oliver Waespi and Ed de Boer, who has written the set test for the Championship Section contest at this year’s event.

Keenly fought

However, the panel also revealed that they were not all in agreement in their choice of winner – although they were agreed that the overall standard this year was excellent.

In a keenly fought contest, it was the Swede, Joel Engstrom who was declared runner up, and in the process won 2,000 Euros for his pulsating composition entitled, ‘Impact’.

Welsh representative Tom Davoren was placed third with his intriguing musical self portrait, ‘Looking In, a Self Portrait for Brass Band’ which won him 500 Euros, whilst the audience prize of 500 Euros plus another 500 Euros for coming fourth, went to Marc Jeanbourguin of Switzerland with his kaleidoscopic, ‘Red Mountain.’

Sensational Cobb

With both Brass Band Rijnmond and Brass Band Groningen providing excellent performances of all four works, and with LSO Principal Trumpet, Philip Cobb on simply sensational form as guest soloist, the event provided the championships with a highly enjoyable aperitif before the main competitive action on Friday afternoon.

Celebrate

Nobody celebrated quite like Paul McGhee though, watched with admiration by his partner and award winning composer Lucy Pankhurst.

They had hired a barge in Rotterdam harbour with fellow finalist Tom Davoren to stay for the festival – so as Paul later told 4BR, "When we get back there, we’ll make sure it will be rocking..."

Further live coverage plus video interview can be found at:
http://www.4barsrest.com/live/2012EuropeanChampionships/?s=composercompetition

Result

1. Paul McGhee (England) - Lullaby
2. Joe Engstrom (Sweden) - Impact
3. Tom Davoren (Wales) - Looking In, a Self Portrait for Brass Band
4. Marc Jeanbourguin (Switzerland) - Red Mountain

Audience vote: Marc Jeanbourguin

Advert: John Packer Musical Instruments

NEWS

There are some brilliant euphonium deals on offer in time for the Bank Holiday from John Packer.

John Packer has some brilliant deals on a trio of stunning used top level euphoniums.

Besson

First up is a highly sought after Besson 967 Sovereign 4 valve euph in bright silver plate. It's in excellent condition and its yours for just £2,500.

Yamaha

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Top model

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Further information:

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You can see these instruments on our website by clicking on:

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Advert: Geneva Musical Instruments

NEWS

Geneva is in Rotterdam to bring the very best deals on the very best instruments.

Geneva will have on their stand on display this weekend at the European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam.

On display

The nw Geneva Soprano Cornet (Bronze Bell), new Geneva Symphony Trombone Bronze Bell & Slide), the new Symphony Bb Cornet, Flugel and Tenor Horn will all be there - so come and give them a blow.

New link

Also on the stand will be Tim Messerschmidt, Geneva Benelux dealer, Tim Oldroyd founder of Geneva and new addition to the team, new MD Craig Buchan.

So make sure you come along and try out the very best brass instruments you can get your hands on. You will not be disappointed.

Used deals

Also on the stand will be these superb used deal - with not to be repeated prices, specially for the European Contest

Soprano Cornets:
Schilke Berylium Bell, Silverplate First Class - £1450

Bb Cornets:
B&H Large Bore Sovereign, Silverplate, Very Good Condition - £595
Besson Sovereign 928BE, Lacquer, First Class - £650
Yamaha Xeno, Lacquer, Very Good, -£750

Flugel Horns:
Geneva Signature, Distressed Gold, First Class - £1500

Baritones:
Besson 955 Sovereign, Lacquer, Very Good - £1500

Call Tim on 07947 533364 for further details.

All instruments carry a 12 month guarantee (this does not include silver or lacquer)

Further information:

Telephone: 0844 249 0000 or 01287 651 558
Web: www.genevainstruments.com

Euro Flashback: Brownbill recalls 1995 triumph

NEWS

Ian Brownbill wishes he could be in two places this weekend as he recalls a famous European victory for Black Dyke in Luxembourg in 1995 under the baton of the great James Watson.

This coming Saturday Ian Brownbill will be settling down with a beer to watch his beloved Liverpool take on the might of Chelsea in the FA Cup Final from Wembley.

Reds triumph

However, despite his heartfelt desire to see Kenny Dalglish and the Reds triumph, he will also have one eye on his computer as he follows 4BR’s live coverage at the European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam too.

"I'll be excited come kick off and desperate for Liverpool to win, but I'll also be wishing I was somewhere else too. After seeing the 4BR coverage, I wish I could be in two places at once and in Rotterdam to hear what I think is going to be the most exciting European Championships to date."

Special

Ian’s experience in the box at two major national championships in the past year or so has convinced him that the De Deolen Hall will witness something very special.

"Judging at the English Nationals last year, I heard Black Dyke deliver an almost perfect performance of ‘Vienna Nights’ that confirmed their entry into this year’s Euro's.

Later in the year, I sat alongside Peter Meechan and Simon Dobson and heard Nord Limburgse deliver two of the most exciting performances I've ever heard of 'Masquerade' and 'Old Licks Bluesed Up' respectively."

Savour

He added: "With Bob Childs leading what is bound to be an emotionally charged Cory, Eikanger under David King in equally sparkling form, Manger fighting to defend their title, the brilliant Austrians and the other bands all equally determined to make their mark, the weekend in Rotterdam is set be something to savour!"

Own memories

Ian’s own memories of the competition are headed by Black Dyke’s 1995 victory under James Watson.

"What a band and what a conductor he was," he recalls. "That victory was something very special. We gained 99 points out of 100 on the set work, which proved just enough after coming third on our choice to beat Fairey’s who were on brilliant form under the Peter Parkes. We had a great night celebrating – not that I remember much of it now!"

This weekend

And as for this weekend?

"Good luck to all the bands. The winners will have certainly earned their reward come Saturday evening – Liverpool, hopefully included!"

2012 Europeans: Results to your mobile

NEWS

We will be sending out the 2012 European Championships (Championship Section) results as a FREE text message.

Not going this weekend?

4barsrest will we be providing our comprehensive live text coverage of the event, and 'tweeting' our way through the contest but you can also receive the results as a FREE SMS to your mobile as soon as the results are announced.

All you need to do is sign up, log in and give us your mobile number.

Not got an account yet?

Create an account with us - it'll only take a few minutes.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/create.asp

Already got an account?

Log in and check you have supplied your mobile number in the correct format and ticked the box to receive the text message.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/login.asp

This could be Rotterdam...

NEWS

It doesn't matter if you're in Liverpool or Rome this weekend, you'll get great coverage of the 2012 European Championships here on 4barsest.

We'll be bringing you our usual comments on every performance as well as galleries and videos of the event that takes place this weekend at the De Doelen Hall, Rotterdam.

In addition to our posts on Twitter, we've created our own short news ticker that will keep you up to speed with what's happening at the event throughout the day.

New page

We've also developed a dedicated page on the site for you to follow our coverage which will hopefully bring you the full flavour of the event as it unfolds over the next few days

You can check out our new 'live coverage' page at:
www.4barsrest.com/live/2012europeanchampionships/

Twitter

Those of you who like to tweet should use the hashtag #ebbc2012

Advert: John Packer

NEWS

John Packer set to help young player progress with their innovative upgrade scheme.

John Packer Ltd has launched a major initiative to support the progress of young players using their instruments.

Upgrade

If you own a John Packer instrument, you can upgrade to a higher level instrument of the same type from the John Packer Range and save up to 20%!

It's called the JP+ Upgrade scheme and it couldn't be simpler - ownership of a JP instrument is all that is required to save money when you buy a new JP upgrade instrument.

Full details

For full details, contact any member of the UK network of JP instrument stockists: www.jpmusicalinstruments.com

Norway doubles up ahead of Euro

NEWS

Manger and Eikanger join forces at the Grieg Hall ahead of European challenge.

Norway’s European Championship representatives Manger Musikklag and Eikanger Bjorsvik have put domestic rivalry behind them this week as they prepare to put the finishing touches to their preparations for the forthcoming European Championships.

Heavyweights

The two heavyweights, who have won the European title three times between them, will perform at Bergen’s Grieg Hall in a joint concert with their respective youth bands in a show of joint Norwegian strength ahead of this weekend’s competition at the De Doelen Hall in Rotterdam.

The defending European champion Manger, will be directed by Peter Sebastian Szilvay, whilst the 2011 Norwegian champion, Eikanger will be led by Professor David King. The bands will perform the set work ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’ as well as their respective own choice selections.

Thanks

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It’s the first time for over 20 years that the two Norwegian representatives will perform in a joint concert ahead of the European contest. It is also an opportunity to play the major works to an appreciative audience and for both bands to say thank you to the local councils who have supported them."

Close

Eikanger and Manger are very close geographical neighbours and are situated only 20 km apart, whilst the closeness between them is further emphasised by compere, Tom Brevik, one of Norway’s most respected musicians, who is a honourable member of both bands.

Relay squads ready for Olympic baton race

NEWS

Five UK bands are getting ready for the Brass the Baton relay race with premier performances.

With less than a week to go to the start of UK banding’s ‘Brass the Baton’ initiative, plans have been announced for the launch of the 11 week festival which forms part of the UK’s preparations towards the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Initiative

‘Brass The Baton’ is the only London 2012 Inspire project designed specifically for brass bands and is a part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The launch of ‘Brass the Baton’ will take place as part of the closing ceremony of the European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam on Sunday 6th May.

Pleased

BFBB Liaison Officer Terry Luddington told 4BR: "We are particularly pleased to have the world premier of the new music commission for ‘Brass the Baton’ at the European Farewell Concert where the European Youth Band will perform ‘Going The Distance’ by Paul Lovatt-Cooper under the direction of Erik van de Kolk."

He added: "This will be a true celebration of the values of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, featuring some of the best young brass musicians in Europe, performing on an international stage and leaving a lasting legacy for the future of European brass bands."

UK start

Following the launch, attention will switch to the start of the ‘Brass the Baton’ relays in the UK, where five different colour versions of ‘Going the Distance’ will be premiered by bands over the weekend of 12th/13th May.

Scissett Youth Band from West Yorkshire will start the Blue Baton relay, with Martlesham Brass in Suffolk launching the Yellow Baton relay, Croft Silver in Leicestershire leading the Red Baton relay, Tewkesbury Town in Gloucester Band starting the Green Baton relay, and Scottish Champions, Co-operative Funeralcare launching the Black Baton relay at the Great Northern Spring Arts Brass Festival.

Showcase

Terry added: "With over 70 events and 7,000 participants the stage is now set to showcase the work of brass bands right across the UK this summer."

More information

To find out the latest news on the ‘Brass the Baton’ project and an interactive map of all the events please check out www.brassthebaton.com

If your band wants to join in the fun then all we ask is that you apply in good time and at least 5 weeks before the date of your event.

Application forms are downloadable from the website or by emailing

Pankhurst inspired by unusual Dutch dilemma

NEWS

Award winning composer Lucy Pankhurst has been inspired to find an unusual musical solution to a Dutch dilemma.

The Wingates Band will première a new work from the pen of their award winning composer in residence Lucy Pankhurst when they make their first ever visit to Jersey in August.

Inventive

Entitled, ‘Mr Sonneman’s Unusual Solution’, the brilliantly inventive piece was commissioned by the band’s concert secretary Tony Smith and takes its inspiration from the title of a short story he wrote in 1988 about a little Dutch girl his daughters befriended on a family holiday.

Award winner

Lucy, winner of a prestigious British Composer Award last year, was moved to compose a work which gave a musical representation of a story which takes its listeners on a voyage in a cloud machine bound for a school in the Netherlands to deliver a solution to a teacher’s dilemma.

Gregson replaces Cutt at European

NEWS

Professor Edward Gregson replaces Garry Cutt in the adjudicator's box at the European in Rotterdam.

EBBA has informed 4BR that Garry Cutt has withdrawn from the judging panel at the European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

Gregson

He will be replaced in the Own Choice Section by Edward Gregson, who last adjudicated the competition in Lucerne, Switzerland, in 1988.

Open

Ulf Rosenberg, President of the European Brass Band Association told 4BR: "Garry Cutt has informed us that he has recently been engaged working with one of the competitors."

He added: "I am thankful for his openness in this matter and that he informed us in time for us to secure an excellent replacement in Edward Gregson, whom we are sure will also have the confidence of all the competitors and audience alike."

European Forum to discuss banding culture

NEWS

This year's EBBA Forum is set to discuss the banding culture of Europe.

British Bandsman Features Editor, Paul Hindmarsh, is to host a free European Brass Forum at the forthcoming championships in Rotterdam.

Panel

He will be joined on the international panel by speakers Viggo Bjørge (Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag, Norway), Joe Cassells (EBBA Music Commission, Northern Ireland) and Andrew Duncan (Development Manager Scottish Brass Band Association) to discuss the development, regeneration and sustainability of a brass band culture in various parts of Europe.

Culture

Paul told 4BR: “Over the past few years the European Championships have visited countries where the sound of the brass band is new, such as Austria, as well as those where the culture has matured very quickly, like Norway.

In two years time, it returns to Scotland, where the regeneration of brass band participation, supported by the Scottish government, has been a huge success.”

Challenges

He added: "With presentations from established and emerging brass band nations, the Forum will examine how the brass band culture was planted and sustained in Norway, the challenges faced in Northern Ireland, the progress made in Austria and the regeneration of banding in Scotland."

Date and Time

The Forum is to be held in the De Doelen concert hall on Friday 4th May at 10.00am.

Dutch master for Whitburn

NEWS

Brass Band Schoonhoven's Erik Janssen to direct Whitburn at National Finals.

Exchange Communications Whitburn has announced that Erik Janssen will conduct the band at this year’s National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

Exciting talent

Regarded as one of the most exciting conducting talents in European banding, he is currently the musical director of Dutch champion Brass Band Schoonhoven, who he will lead at this year’s European Championship in Rotterdam in a few weeks time.

He recently conducting the band to victory at the Flemish Open in Mechelen.

Welcome

Whitburn President, Dave Kinross, told 4BR: "We have enjoyed working with exciting conducting talent in recent years, including Ian Porthouse, Simon Dobson and Michael Bach, so everyone is looking forward to welcoming Erik to Scotland and to perform under him in London in October."

Busy weekends

This weekend, the Scots travel to perform in Gleidorf in Germany before returning in time to challenge for a qualification place for the British Open at the Grand Shield under the baton of Ian Porthouse.

The following week the band hosts the first Whitburn Festival of Brass, which will feature a masterclass from tuba virtuoso Les Neish as well as open solo competitions and an evening concert featuring the senior and junior Whitburn bands.

Dyke open up for Euro challenge

NEWS

Black Dyke will be holding an open rehearsal prior to its assault on the European championships.

English National champion Black Dyke will be holding a free open rehearsal of the test pieces that they will play at the forthcoming European Championships in Rotterdam at Morley Town Hall on Tuesday 1st May

Test pieces

They will work on the extensive set test piece 'Vita Aeterna Variations' by Alexander Comitas, as well as their own choice test piece.

Date and time

The rehearsal will start at 8.00pm on Tuesday 1st May, before they sail out to Rotterdam the following day. There will be no additional short concert on this occasion.

Admission is free and doors open at 7.30pm.

BFBB help in Stalham future

NEWS

The BFBB help Stalham Brass towards a youth inspired future.

Stalham Brass Band in North Norfolk is facing a wonderful future thanks to the award of two £10,000 grants.

Grants

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the distant horizon the band’s enterprising Musical Director, Dr Tim Thirst MBE, set about a bold new plan to create the ‘Stalham Training Band fit to perform for The Queen’.

Tim told 4BR: "I knew it would take hard work and about £35,000 of funding to firmly establish a new Stalham Training Band with up to 50 new recruits."

Help

With the active help of the British Federation of Brass Bands and their Liaison Officer Terry Luddington, the band initially gained £1,000 from the Norman Jones Trust Fund, with a further £29,600 raised through over 40 applications, including £10,000 from the Norwich Town Close Estate Charity and £10,000 from Grants for the Arts.

Success

The amazing success has seen over 50 new recruits join the free training scheme which has provided innovative teaching and co-operation from a variety of musical sources including the Corps of Army Music.

The initial time scale of three years has been designed to eventually become a rolling programme for 8 –16 year olds in the area with over a hundred participants.

Great opportunities

Terry Luddington of the BFBB told 4BR: "We believe putting Brass Bands back into our local communities can provide some great opportunities for improving community cohesion.

We look forward to monitoring the progress of the Stalham Brass Band training programme and see how we can further develop and replicate the best practice results in other rural communities around the country."

Composer Awards reach 10th anniversary

NEWS

The British Composer Awards have reached their 10th anniversary, with the launch of a new website and celebration concert.

The British Composer Awards reach their 10th anniversary this year and have announced exciting plans to celebrate this milestone in the history of the event.

New logo

A new logo, website and celebration concert are planned with further details available at: www.britishcomposerawards.com

The concert will celebrate British Composer Awards winning works which received their first performances between 2002 and 2011.

Over the life of the British Composer Awards so far, there have been 84 winning composers. More than 2,000 new works have been assessed by over 300 judges.

Marathon status

The Awards have given rise to 19 commissioned works or projects and the broadcast performances of the works of both nominees and winners are too many to enumerate.

Spokesperson Sarah Rodgers commented to 4BR: "From a standing start, we sprinted into an annual event which has become the most eagerly anticipated celebratory occasion in the classical music calendar and now as the 10th anniversary event approaches in December 2012, it clearly takes on marathon status!"

Radio: Sounds of Brass

NEWS

Philip Hunt leads us through more great brass band music.

SOUNDS OF BRASS:

BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO BRISTOL, CORNWALL, DEVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GUERNSEY, JERSEY, SOMERSET SOUND, SWINDON & WILTSHIRE EVERY SUNDAY EVENING @ 5 PAST 7

PRODUCED AND PRESENTED WEEKLY BY PHILLIP HUNT

AVAILABLE LIVE AND LISTEN AGAIN EVERY WEEK ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB THROUGH THE RADIO iPLAYER. Live on Sundays at 19-05 British Time or at any time for 7 DAYS after the Broadcast. To hear this week’s programme instantly go to www.bbc.co.uk/devon and click on Listen Live or Listen Again.

Requests and Comments welcome at E Mail.
Telephone: 1752 843919

Sunday 6th May:

KINGS OF BRASS MARCH
Derek Broadbent

CAPRICE AND VARIATIONS
Jean-Baptiste Arban arr. Walter Hargreaves
Soloist: Lyndon Baglin

RULE BRITANNIA
John Hartmann
Soloist: James Shepherd
Kings of Brass
Conductors: James Scott & Geoffrey Whitham

FANTASY ON BRITISH SEA SONGS
Henry J Wood arr. Denis Wright

AMPARITA ROCA
Jaime Texidor arr. Aubrey Winter
Whitworth Vale & Healey Veterans Band
Conductor: Roy Newsome

ELEGY AND RONDO
Gilbert Vinter
Heritage in Brass
Conductor: James Scott

CROWN OF GOLD
Lieut-Colonel Ray Bowes
South London Fellowship Band
Conductor: Major George Whittingham

Report & Results: 2012 Swiss National Solo & Quartet Championship

NEWS

Vincent Bearpark retains supreme title as over 300 competitors battle for solo and quartet honours in Switzerland.

Over 300 competitors recently took part in the Swiss National Solo & Quartet Championships in Lens, where Vincent Bearpark, one of the rising star performers of European banding retained his ‘Supreme Champion’ title.

Tango

The 18 year old’s achievement made it to the regional television news, where he spoke about his victory, playing ‘Fantasia del Tango’ by Louis Arturo – the pen name of the Swiss composer Gilles Rocha.

Go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpAUI1nrM-Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Honoured

Vincent, who plays principal cornet for both Cécilia Chermignon and former Swiss National Champion Valaisia BB told 4BR: "I am honoured to have won the title for a second year in a row, especially as it was against so many brilliant performers."

In the final, Vincent was up against a high class field of six rivals, eventually beating off the exceptional challenge of cornet champion Jeremy Coquoz of Concordia de Bagnes & BB Treize Etoiles, with trombonist Damien Lagger in third,.

Wonderful piece

"It’s a wonderful piece that suits my style of playing. I really enjoy playing it, so to win the title once again made it very special," he said after delivering a sparkling rendition of his solo.

UK appearance

Vincent will be making an appearance in the UK in the next few weeks when he leads Cécilia Chermignon as principal cornet at the Whit Frday march contests in Saddleworth, with his famous father Angelo at his side.

"Everyone at the band in looking forward to the Whit Friday experience," he added. "We are also playing a concert on the same weekend and my father is joining me in the band so it will be a very special occasion."

Result:
Supreme Championship:

1. Vincent Bearpark (Cécilia Chermignon / Valaisia BB)
2. Jeremy Coquoz (Concordia de Bagnes / BB Treize Etoiles)
3. Damien Lagger (Ancienne Cécilia Chermignon / Valaisia BB)

Full results:

The full results of all sections of the competition can be found at:
http://www.cnsq.ch/