ARTICLES

British Open Championships 2003

18 bands will take the stage at Symphony Hall on Saturday to try and take home with them the famous trophy and £3000.

This is how they line up....

Besses o’ th’ Barn
Conductor: Steven Sykes
4BR Ranking: 24

Principal Cornet: Merete Vollan
Principal Euphonium: Tom Emery
Soprano Cornet: John Corrie
Solo Trombone: Peter Jones
Solo horn: Aidan Smith
Flugel horn: Caron Connelly

Appearances: 75
Debut: 1869

Open Record:
7 wins: 1892, 1894, 1920, 1931, 1937, 1959, 1982
1 Second: 1958
8 Thirds: 1874, 1885, 1887, 1895, 1902, 1918, 1922, 1923
6 Fourths: 1869, 1870, 1872, 1891, 1938, 1957
3 Fifths: 1883, 1956, 1979
5 Sixths: 1896, 1934, 1964, 1966, 1981
45 times unplaced

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 13th (Lynda Nicholson) (1)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: 21st (Gareth Pritchard) (13)
1998: 17th (Derek Broadbent) (13)
1997: 16th (Derek Broadbent) (1)
1996: 13th (Derek Broadbent) (14)
1995: 9th (Anthony Briggs) (7)
1994: 20th (Paul Andrews) (7)
1993: 19th (Trevor Halliwell) (N/K)

Open Record:
It is now 21 years ago that Roy Newsome last directed Besses to victory at the Open, and since then they haven’t really made a mark at the contest with a best result of 9th place in 1995 in the last decade.

Besses make their 76th appearance this year, (only Black Dyke have made more appearances) although they have had to qualify a couple of times from the Grand Shield. In 1992 they came second there to get to the Free Trade Hall only to be relegated after one year, but in 2002 they returned once more only to find themselves with an awful draw off number 1 (the second time in four attempts their rep at the draw has chosen “Kellys Eye”).

Steve Sykes becomes 7th MD to take the band since 1993 at the contest and they will be hoping to try and break into the top 10 at least. They will hope to break the strange draw sequence of the past four years though – two unlucky 13’s and two even unluckier number 1’s.

2003 Form:
Not the greatest start to the year as the band could only manage 8th place at the North West Regional Championships on “Prague” under Lynda Nicholson. That marked the end of the association that had brought so much success over the past 12 months or so, but they recovered somewhat to come 11th at the All England Masters under the direction of Steve Sykes.

Some players moves (the loss of Natsumi Inaba to Fodens for instance) but this is a hard working young band and they have shown that they can more than hold their own in this company.

Player to listen out for:
Morette Vollan (Principal Cornet) – hails from Norway and a player who has started to make a name for herself since taking over the top chair at the Regional Championships this year.

Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs
4BR Ranking: 5

Principal Cornet: Roger Webster
Principal Euphonium: David Thornton
Soprano Cornet: Michelle Ibbotson
Solo Trombone: Brett Baker
Solo horn: Leslie Howie
Flugel horn: John Doyle

Appearances: 99 times.
Debut: 1856

Open Record:
27 Wins: 1862, 1863, 1871, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1891, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1902, 1904, 1908, 1914, 1935, 1957, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1995
21 Seconds: 1877, 1887, 1888, 1900, 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1917, 1922, 1934, 1938, 1971, 1978, 1984, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001
10 Thirds: 1868, 1873, 1884, 1894, 1916, 1937, 1953, 1958, 1963, 2002
8 Fourths: 1890, 1912, 1919, 1921, 1936, 1970, 1979, 1989
5 Fifths: 1864, 1920, 1936, 1952, 1966
2 Sixths: 1947, 1962
25 times unplaced:
1 Disqualification: 1865

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (3)
2001: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (14)
2000: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (15)
1999: 2nd (James Watson) (22)
1998: 8th (James Watson) (7)
1997: DNC
1996: 14th (James Watson) (1)
1995: Winners (James Watson) (15)
1994: 2nd (James Watson) (16)
1993: 2nd (James Watson) (7)

Open Record:
A record like no other band in the world. This will be the Queensbury bands 100th appearance at the contest and they can boast a record of 27 wins, 21 second places and 10 third places. That’s a 58% success rate of getting in the top three since 1856 – although it does include the strange occurrence of a disqualification back in 1865.

The last few years have seen them get mighty close to adding another win to the record with second places in three of the last four years and third place in 2002. It is however eight years since the trophy last resided in the bandroom when James Watson steered them to victory on “Revelation”.

Dr. Nicholas Childs directs for the fourth time, and will surely be hoping for a later draw than last year when they didn’t quite hit top form from the number three spot. Still, they haven’t done too bad draw wise (just the one number 1 draw in 1996) or result wise in the last few years and they should be one of the bands on the lips of the audience come results time on the weekend.

2003 Form:
Always difficult to tell with Black Dyke – they don’t take to the contest stage all that often even at the best of times. The Yorkshire Regional contest though was an occasion that saw them brought down to earth with a bump as Goff Richards found their performance of “Prague” off the number 1 spot worthy of 13th place only.

There doesn’t seem to have been too many changes in personnel in the past few months and we are sure Nicholas Childs and his band will be determined to put Bradford behind them and bring home the Gold Trophy to Queensbury for the first time sine 1995.

Player to listen out for:
John Doyle (flugel) – a former Stanley Wainright prize winner here, John Doyle is a tremendously secure and talented player - and that will be a huge bonus on this piece for sure.

Brighouse & Rastrick
Conductor: Major Ian McElligott
4BR Ranking: 6

Principal Cornet: Allan Morrison
Principal Euphonium: Stephen Miles
Soprano Cornet: Alan Hobbins
Solo Trombone: James Stockdale
Solo horn: Melvyn Bathgate
Flugel horn: Stephen Rogers

Appearances: 62 times.
Debut: 1890

Open Record:
6 Wins: 1929, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1978
3 Seconds: 1965, 1977, 1983
5 Thirds: 1939, 1940, 1973, 1976, 1998
7 Fourths: 1942, 1943, 1961, 1964, 1984, 1999, 2002
3 Fifths: 1960, 1971, 1987
5 Sixths: 1938,1944, 1959, 1986, 1995
33 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 4th (Major Ian McElligott) (12)
2001: 8th (Allan Withington) (8)
2000: 12th (Allan Withington) (8)
1999: 4th (Allan Withington) (14)
1998: 3rd (Allan Withington) (15)
1997: 10th (Allan Withington) (4)
1996: 20th (Allan Withington) (18)
1995: 6th (Allan Withington) (4)
1994: 11th (Allan Withington) (22)
1993: 10th (Allan Withington) (N/K)

Open Record:
Even under the resurgence of Brighouse with Allan Withington since the late 1990’s, the British Open hasn’t been a great hunting ground for the boys in purple over the last couple of decades with a best of 2nd place in 1983 and 3rd place in 1998 to show for their troubles. They have of course won the title 6 times, but the last occasion the trophy was in West Riding was in 1978 when Geoffrey Brand took them to victory on “Benvenuto Cellini”.

They have been very consistent though in the last few years, with four top 6 finishes since 1998, whilst they have been luckier than most with the draw – just two number 4 spots since 1995.

Last year under the direction of Ian McElligott they performed superbly to come home 4th and since that time they have been on good form wherever they have performed. It is about time that the trophy went back to Brighouse, and so could this be the year for a seventh heaven triumph?

2003 Form:
A superb win at Bradford was a real delight for both the band and listeners – they made “Prague” sound the fine piece it really was, whilst they once more gave a classy performance at the All England Masters where they came 4th. The European adventure also saw the band perform well (even though they were up against it time wise) and two classy shows gave them 4th spot there.

A fine line up of players and a settled band could mean the good times continue.

Player to listen out for:
Alan Hobbins (Soprano) – the heir apparent to Peter Roberts crown - a superbly gifted player with great technique and quality of sound.

Buy As You View Cory
Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs
4BR Ranking: 2

Principal Cornet: Ian Williams
Principal Euphonium: David Childs
Soprano Cornet: Steve Barnsley
Solo Trombone: Chris Thomas
Solo horn: David Cornelius
Flugel horn: Joanne Deane

Appearances: 40 times.
Debut: 1922

Open Record:
2 Wins: 2000, 2002
1 Second: 1950
2 Thirds: 1972, 2001
3 Fourths: 1951, 1975, 1976
1 Fifth: 1974
1 Sixth: 1999
30 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: Winners (Robert Childs) (16)
2001: 3rd (Robert Childs) (20)
2000: Winners (Robert Childs) (22)
1999: 6th (Jeremy Wise) (10)
1998: 13th (Jeremy Wise) (19)
1997: 7th (Jeremy Wise) (16)
1996: 19th (Melvin White) (6)
1995: 13th (Michael Antrobus) (21)
1994: 22nd (Michael Antrobus) (6)
1993: DNC

Open Record:
BAYV Cory make their 41st appearance at the contest this year, but it is really only since the arrival of Robert Childs that they have come of age at the contest with two wins in the past three years and a third place in 2001. Even when they were treble National Champions in the early 1980’s, they didn’t feature in the prize list at the Open. They will be one of the favourites this year though and could well become the first band since Black Dyke in 1986 to retain the title here as well.

The band returned to the Open in 1994 after winning the Grand Shield and results moved in the right direction under successive MD’s before the arrival of Robert Childs in 2000 and the “Millennium Double”.

This year should see them there or there abouts once more, whilst they have been very fortunate with the draw, with not one early draw slot since 1996, and in the last three years they have been on stage at the tail end of the contest. Whatever their representative picks out of the hat though, they will surely make a mark.

2003 Form:
BAYV Cory don’t seem to play other than superbly nowadays – and their form in 2003 bears that out. They were convincing winners at the Welsh Regional Championships in Swansea and then went on to perform outstandingly in Bergen at the European Championships. They came second, but it was a proverbial gnat’s hair away from victory.

A band chock full of quality players and with a very determined MD, they could very well hold onto their title.

Player to listen out for:
Steve Barnsley (Soprano) – in a band of superstar players Steve Barnsley more often than not outshines them all. A lovely pure sound and cracking technique mark him out as a real class act.

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Conductor: William Rushworth
4BR Ranking: 17

Appearances: 54 times.
Debut: 19

Principal Cornet: Kirsty Abbotts
Principal Euphonium: Ian Wright
Soprano Cornet: Gary Bates
Solo Trombone: Richard Walker
Solo horn: Jane Walker
Flugel horn: Bridgett Scott

Open Record:
2 Wins: 1922, 1958
5 Seconds: 1941, 1957, 1959, 1969, 1972
3 Thirds: 1948, 1950, 1956
3 Fourths: 1928, 1944, 1963
1 Fifth: 1927
No Sixths:
40 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 19th (William Rushworth) (17)
2001: 17th (John Hinckley) (6)
2000: 9th (John Hinckley) (21)
1999: 14th (John Hinckley) (11)
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC
1995: DNC
1994: DNC
1993: DNC

Open Record:
Carlton Main return straight back to the Open after being relegated last year after coming 19th on the “Maunsell Forts”. For the second time in four years they showed themselves to be too good for the Grand Shield opposition as they picked up their second win and show further evidence that under William Rushworth they are back on track.

The band have won the contest twice though – first as South Elmshall and Frickley under Noel Thorpe back in 1922 on “Lohengrin” and once more under Jack Atherton in 1958 on “Sunset Rhapsody”, when they were really going through a purple patch at the contest. The last time they appeared in the prize list though was in 1972.

The last few years have been a bit of a struggle though, although they did come 9th under John Hinckley in 2000. They do however appear to be a very much stronger band this time around and with a fair draw they could well spring a surprise or two.

2003 Form:
“Prague” didn’t quite seem to suit Carlton Main and they could only manage 10th place in Bradford at the Yorkshire Regional Championships. They had some quality moments at Cambridge but came home 16th, on a day when they perhaps deserved higher. The Grand Shield though saw them surprise many as they captured the title and qualification back to the Open with a victory on a test piece that suited them down to the ground.

The band has been rebuilding with quality signings in recent months, so don’t be surprised to see them make a mark.

Player to listen out for:
Kirsty Abbotts (Principal Cornet) – as good a “top man” as there is on the banding circuit. A tremendous player with all the attributes – one to listen out for.

Cwmaman Institute Silver (Tower Colliery)
Conductor: John Hudson
4BR Ranking: 14

Principal Cornet: Richard Davies
Principal Euphonium: Gareth Maidment
Soprano Cornet: Garry Davies
Solo Trombone: Steve Howells
Solo horn: Tim Malpas
Flugel horn: Rhian Hills

Appearances: 1
Debut: 2002
Open Record:
No Wins:
No Seconds:
NO Thirds:
No Fourths:
1 Fifth: 2002
No Sixths:
No unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 5th (John Hudson) (2)
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC
1995: DNC
1994: DNC
1993: DNC

Open Record:
The 2002 Grand Shield victory was seen by many to be a bit of a surprise, and even more people wrote off the bands chances of making a mark at the British Open itself when they saw that the band from South Wales was drawn number 2 last year on “The Maunsell Forts”.

However, the band wiped the smile off their detractors faces when they romped home in 5th place ahead of many more fancied bands, thanks in large to a fine reading by the experienced John Hudson. It is always harder to repeat a feat second time around, but this is a band that has gone through hard times only to recover in splendid fashion. What then 2003?

2003 Form:
Not the greatest of years so far for the band, as they had hoped to build on the triumph of the Open last year to make a mark at other contests. The Welsh Regional Championships saw them come home 7th whilst they also came 6th at the Ebbw Vale contest, so they will be hoping the Open returns them back to form.

Some player changes (although their Principal Cornet will be making his final contesting performance at the Open before joining BAYV Cory), but a solid showing should be on the cards.

Player to listen out for:
Tim Malpas (Solo Horn) – one of the best horn players in Wales, and one who would not be out of place in any band in the country – a star performer.

Ever Ready
Conductor: Ray Farr
4BR Ranking: 20

Principal Cornet: Bryan Tait
Principal Euphonium: Paul Robinson
Soprano Cornet: Tron Otto Berg
Solo Trombone: Chris Bentham
Solo horn: Andrew Hall
Flugel horn: Joanne Winspear

Appearances: 27 Times.
Debut 1966

Open Record:
No Wins:
No Seconds:
No Thirds:
1 Fourth: 1987
2 Fifths: 1977, 1982
No Sixths:
24 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 15th (Ray Farr) (11)
2001: 12th (Ray Farr) (11)
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC
1995: DNC
1994: DNC
1993: DNC

Open Record:
The band made its first appearance at the Open in 1966 after they had won the Grand Shield contest that year as Craghead Colliery on “Main Street” by Eric Ball conducted by Eric Cunningham.

They didn’t make an immediate mark though (they changed their name to Ever Ready at the 1969 contest) and registered two fifth places in 1977 and 1982 and a fourth in 1987 under Eric Cunningham again before dropping out after 1990.

The band returned though in 2001 after coming runners up at the Grand Shield and under Ray Farr they have since performed solidly at the contest, both times off the number 11 draw. Another band who will be looking to gain a foothold in the top 10 this time around.

2003 Form:
Lost out to rivals Fishburn at the local grading contest earlier this year before turning the tables back on them at the Regional Championships where under the direction of Russell Gray they took the title and qualification to London for the umpteenth time. The Masters saw them conducted by Ray Farr where off a number 2 draw they could only come home 15th.

Another settled band personnel wise, they seem to have found a good working relationship with Ray Farr, and this could prove profitable come contest day.

Player to listen out for:
Paul Robinson (Euphonium) – over the years he has shown top class qualities on the contest stage time and time again. A fine player with a lovely classic euph sound.

Fairey FP (Music) Band
Conductor: Allan Withington
4BR Ranking: 4

Principal Cornet: Ian Porthouse
Principal Euphonium: Morgan Griffiths
Soprano Cornet: Kevin Crockford
Solo Trombone: Kevin Gibbs
Solo horn: Owen Farr
Flugel horn: Neil Hewson

Appearances: 59 Times.
Debut 1938

Open Record:
16 Wins: 1941, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1956, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1979, 1987, 1993, 1998
13 Seconds: 1943, 1946, 1948, 1953, 1960, 1967, 1975, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1995, 1997
5 Thirds: 1969, 1977, 1984, 1992, 1999
4 Fourths: 1959, 1971, 1996, 2000
1 Fifth: 1985
7 Sixths: 1951, 1957, 1970, 1978, 1990, 2001, 2002
13 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 6th (Allan Withington) (19)
2001: 6th (Howard Snell) (2)
2000: 4th (James Gourlay) (17)
1999: 3rd (James Gourlay) (12)
1998: Winners (James Gourlay) (16)
1997: 2nd (James Gourlay) (10)
1996: 4th (James Gourlay) (10)
1995: 2nd (James Gourlay) (11)
1994: 7th (Peter Parkes) (20)
1993: Winners (Peter Parkes) (16)

Open Record:
Only Black Dyke have more wins at the British Open than Fairey, and the band from Stockport can lay claim to winning at least one Open title in each decade since 1940, under a list of MD’s that read like a role of the “Greats” in the banding world – Mortimer, Lamb Hargreaves, Newsome, Parkes and Gourlay.

The band has an unequalled record of consistency here as well over the past decade or so, what with two wins and only once coming outside the top six. The Open seems to be a fair old hunting ground for the boys in blue.

This year sees Allan Withington trying for a second time to win the bands 17th Open and his first (which would give him a Grand Slam of all major titles), and the band has been very lucky with the draw (just the one number two spot in ten years). Once more they should add a possible top six place to their record on their 60th appearance.

2003 Form:
The North West Championships saw Fairey compete with possibly other things on their minds and so they didn’t quite do themselves justice in coming second to rivals Fodens at Blackpool. That performance was directed by Steve Bastable, but come the All England Masters, Allan Withington was back at the helm and they gave a thrilling account of the set work that just had one or two too many slips that relegated them to 8th place.

Despite the loss of sponsorship the band has not lost its star players, and even if a few players have come and gone, they still have the talent to really do well. It could be their year again for the first time since 1998.

Player to listen out for:
Owen Farr (Horn) – tipped by many observers as being the best tenor horn player in the country. He has all the qualities to shine on this piece for sure.

Fodens Richardson
Conductor: Thomas Wyss
4BR Ranking: 1

Principal Cornet: Mark Wilkinson
Principal Euphonium: Glyn Williams
Soprano Cornet: Alan Wycherley
Solo Trombone: John Barber
Solo horn: Martin Armstrong
Flugel horn: Helen Fox

Appearances: 63 Times.
Debut 1909

Open Record:
9 Wins: 1909, 1910, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1964
6 Seconds: 1911, 1916, 1952, 1987, 1998, 2002
6 Thirds: 1914, 1925, 1957, 1970, 1981, 1985
4 Fourths: 1958, 1965, 1986, 1991
8 Fifths: 1918, 1953, 1968, 1972, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2000
3 Sixths: 1917, 1984, 1994
27 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 2nd (Bramwell Tovey) (8)
2001: 7th (Bramwell Tovey) (3)
2000: 5th (Bramwell Tovey) (9)
1999: 5th (Nicholas Childs) (4)
1998: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (18)
1997: 9th (Nicholas Childs) (13)
1996: 5th (Phillip McCann) (3)
1995: 8th (Howard Snell) (22)
1994: 6th (Howard Snell) (4)
1993: 11th (Howard Snell) (N/K)

Open Record:
Fodens Richardson are another band with an amazing pedigree at the contest since they first took part in 1909, when they won on their debut under the legendary William Rimmer. Since then they have notched up a further 8 wins, but it has now been close on 40 years since they last took the trophy back home to Sandbach.

That was in 1964, when Rex Mortimer led them to victory on “Lorenzo”, but since then the closest they have come is three second places in 1987, 1998 (which was very close indeed) and 2002. It has been a poor return for such a talented band.

This year sees Thomas Wyss take over the baton, after Bram Tovey’s brilliance never quite caught the ears of the judges (although the audiences loved his interpretations) and so it will be interesting to see how they fare. The draw could be kinder to the band as well, as it has been five years now since they played in the second half of the contest. Time for a change of luck?

2003 Form:
Things seemed to be rosy in the Fodens camp until the shock news came that they had parted company with MD Russell Gray – a partnership that had proved so very successful on the contest stage. They retained the North West Regional title in Blackpool with a two point win over rivals Faireys and then came periously close to retaining their All England Masters title when they came runners up in Cambridge. Then came the news of changes.

Thomas Wyss has been given the task to try and gain the bands first win at the Open since 1964, and with a very settled band of top class players he should be in with more than a fair chance. Will they miss Russell Gray happy knack of success though?

Player to listen out for:
Helen Fox (Flugel) – perhaps the best flugel player around. Superb tone, great security over all the range and a technique honed by years of being a top class Principal Cornet.

Illinois Brass
Conductor: Peter Lipari
4BR Ranking: None

Principal Cornet: Mike Ackerman
Principal Euphonium: John Meling
Soprano Cornet: James Sobacki
Solo Trombone: Brian Byrne
Solo horn: Phil Klickman
Flugel horn: Shane Deuel

Inspired by the fall 1990 tour of the Desford Colliery Caterpillar Band, George Foster and William Homer founded the Illinois Brass Band in March 1991 under the direction of Bruce Briney. The band was formed in the tradition of British brass bands and is dedicated to bringing the finest brass band music available to audiences throughout the Chicago area and the Midwest. Band members include volunteer musicians from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

The 30-person ensemble maintains an active concert schedule, performing 15-20 concerts per year. The Illinois Brass Band has been a member of the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) since the band's inception and has participated annually in the NABBA Championship since 1993.

Under the leadership of Dr. Colin Holman, the Illinois Brass Band has been named winners of the NABBA Championship Division in 1996, 1997, and 1998, only the second band in NABBA history to win three times consecutively. According to contest rules, a band winning three in a row must sit out a year, so the Illinois Brass Band hosted the competition in 1999. The band then continued its winning tradition by placing first in 2000 and 2001.

In November 2001, Peter Lipari was appointed Music Director. He promptly led the band to its sixth championship in 2002, and since it's once again the third time in a row, the Illinois Brass Band will once again sit out the NABBA competition in 2003. No band in NABBA history has won three times in a row twice.

Now, in September 2003, the Illinois Brass Band is heading to England to be the first band from North America to compete in the British Open.

Player to listen out for:
All of them – lets hope there will be a warm welcome and a full hall to support and encourage our friends from Illinois on their debut.

Kirkintilloch
Conductor: Frank Renton
4BR Ranking: 11

Principal Cornet: David Prentice
Principal Euphonium: Andy Mclean
Soprano Cornet: Stephen Stuart
Solo Trombone: Marion Brackpool
Solo horn: Alan Wardrope
Flugel horn: Colin Gallacher

Appearances: 2
Debut: 2001

Open Record:
No Wins:
No Seconds:
No Thirds:
No Fourths:
No Fifths:
No Sixths:
2 times unplaced

Last 10 Years
Conductor and draw

2002: 12th (Frank Renton) (6)
2001: 16th (Allan Ramsey) (19)
2000: DNC
1999: DNC
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: DNC
1995: DNC
1994: DNC
1993: DNC

Open Record:
Kirkintilloch make their third appearance at the contest this year after first making their debut in 2001 on “Les Preludes”.

The band qualified for the contest after winning the Grand Shield in some style that year, and under Allan Ramsey they put up a solid show in coming home 16th. Their perennial “pro” Frank Renton though returns once more to direct them this year, and that can only be beneficial.

Last year they performed well again to come 12th on the much derided “The Maunsell Forts”, and it was a fine effort indeed, especially off an early draw. More of the same could well be in order, but a top 10 finish may not be beyond them.

2003 Form:
Kirkintilloch have shown that they will be a band to be reckoned with this year after a season in which they came second at the Scottish Regional Championships and then went on to perform with admirable style at the European Championships in Bergen. There they came 8th overall, but they were not outclassed in any way and could count themselves a touch unlucky they didn’t come any higher. They also won recently at Trron, so they seem to be on good form.

With a settled band and confidence high, Kirky could well feature highly this year.

Player to listen out for:
Stephen Stuart (Soprano) – the archetypal soprano player – great to listen to, great to watch, and even greater to spend time with in the bar afterwards. A real “star”.

Leyland
Conductor: Peter Bassano
4BR Ranking: 7

Principal Cornet: Leon Renilson
Principal Euphonium: Bill Miller
Soprano Cornet: Brian Heyes
Solo Trombone: Neil Samuel
Solo horn: Donna Lewis
Flugel horn: Lucy Murphy

Appearances: 34 Times.
Debut 1948

Open Record:
1 Win: 1994
3 Seconds: 1981, 1990, 1992
3 Thirds: 1989, 1991, 1996
2 Fourths: 1985, 1988
1 Fifth: 1993
2 Sixths: 1982, 1998
22 Unplaced.

Last 10 Years
Conductor and draw

2002: 11th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2001: 9th (Brian Grant) (5)
2000: 10th (Howard Snell) (10)
1999: 8th (Richard Evans) (17)
1998: 6th (Richard Evans) (5)
1997: 8th (Richard Evans) (14)
1996: 3rd (Richard Evans) (13)
1995: 19th (Richard Evans) (1)
1994: Winners (Richard Evans) (15)
1993: 5th (Richard Evans) (10)

Open Record:
A longer record at the Open than many people may think for the current All England Masters Champions, as they first took part at the contest back in 1948, when called Leyland Motors they were conducted by J.A. Hughes.

That first entry lasted up to 1961, but they of course returned in style (white jackets and all) after winning the Grand Shield contest in 1981 playing “Tournament for Brass” under Richard Evans. The following years they became a real force here winning in 1994 on “Salamander”, three times coming runners up and three times coming third. They also had the odd experience of trying to retain their title off the number 1 slot in 1995 only come 19th!

The Richard Evans years ended in 1999 and since then they have hovered around the top 10. Some early draws haven’t helped, but you get the feeling they are now a band very much on the up. Peter Bassano directs this time (Garry Cutt is on Prom duty with Grimethorpe), so it will be interesting to see how they do.

2003 Form:
Excellent it seems. Although the band did just enough to secure a place at the National Finals in London after coming 4th at the North West Regional Championships, it was the All England Masters that propelled them back into the big time. Although they didn’t find winning favour with any individual judge, overall they were the winners – and beat some very powerful bands in the process.

That success has filled them with confidence and although the inspirational Garry Cutt won’t be with them they should show enough class to make a mark.

Player to listen out for:
Bill Miller (Euphonium) – a great euphonium player for so many years that it is easy to forget how good he is. Has all the tools of the trade.

Scottish Co-op
Conductor: James Scott
4BR Ranking: 12

Principal Cornet: Jim Hayes
Principal Euphonium: Allison Bonner
Soprano Cornet: Alexandra Kerwin
Solo Trombone: Paul Kiernan
Solo horn: Lyndsey Smith
Flugel horn: Caroline Tennant

Appearances: 15 Times.
Debut 1956

Open Record:
No Wins:
No Seconds:
2 Thirds: 1993, 1997
No Fourths:
No Fifths:
No Sixths:
13 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 16th (John Hinckley) (4)
2001: 12th (James Gourlay) (4)
2000: 11th (Kazuyoshi Uemura) (16)
1999: 9th (Howard Snell) (9)
1998: 12th (Howard Snell) (20)
1997: 3rd (Howard Snell) (5)
1996: 8th (Howard Snell) (15)
1995: 10th (Frans Violet) (20)
1994: 9th (David King) (21)
1993: 3rd (Frans Violet) (2)

Open Record:
The Scottish Co-op as they are known known as, return to the Open after tasting relegation last year after a couple of years at the contest where they certainly played below form. Two early draws in the past two years may not have helped but relegated they were and it says a lot about the band that they bounced back first time under the direction of Nicholas Childs at the Grand Shield.

Not a brilliant record here at the Open since they made their debut back in 1956 as CWS Glasgow under E. Clayton. That was their only appearance at the contest until 1988 after they had won the Grand Shield on "“Un Vie de Matelot" directed by Howard Snell. Two well deserved third places have followed in 1993 and 1997, but it has mainly been middle of the road stuff since.

James Scott leads the band on this their 16th appearance and he should bring a very musical performance out from them. Hope are high that they will do well, and they could well be a band to watch out for.

2003 Form:
If 2002 wasn’t the best year, then 2003 has started in fine fashion. The band booked Nicholas Childs to take them to the two most important contests of the early year, and he came up trumps for them with a fine win at Falkirk to take the Scottish Regional title and the European qualification spot for Glasgow 2004, and then followed that with qualification for the Open at the Grand Shield.

The band have booked the vastly experienced James Scott for both the Open and Nationals and his experience should set them up with the chance to make a further mark on 2003.

Player to listen out for:
Alexandra Kerwin (Soprano) – a quite superbly talented musician, and one who is as good on both cornet, trumpet or soprano. Makes playing a very difficult instrument sound very easy indeed.

Travelsphere Holidays
Conductor: Major Peter Parkes
4BR Ranking: 16

Principal Cornet: Matt Baker
Principal Euphonium: Paul Baker
Soprano Cornet: Gary Fountain
Solo Trombone: Mike Wallbridge
Solo horn: Simon Smith
Flugel horn: Mike Barrett

Appearances: 36 Times
Debut 1934

Open Record:
2 Wins: 1954, 1988
1 Second: 1980
5 Thirds: 1946, 1952, 1974, 1982, 1986
2 Fourths: 1983, 1995
3 Fifths: 1948, 1949, 1964
3 Sixths: 1950, 1953, 1969
20 times unplaced

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 17th (Brian Grant) (15)
2001: 10th (Frank Renton) (1)
2000: 7th (Melvin White) (6)
1999: 10th (Melvin White) (23)
1998: 21st (Melvin White) (1)
1997: 17th (John Berryman) (12)
1996: 16th (John Berryman) (5)
1995: 4th (John Berryman) (8)
1994: 15th (John Berryman) (12)
1993: 8th (John Berryman) (N/K)

Open Record:
The Travelsphere Holidays Band have had many a name in their history at this contest since making their debut in 1934 under the famous Munn and Feltons banner directed by William Halliwell no less.

Since then they have won the contest twice – famously off the number 1 spot under Stanley Boddington in 1954, and again as Rigid Containers under Bram Tovey in 1988. They have also featured in the prize list over the years, but 1995 was the last time their name was mentioned off the stage. Since then they have come close – 7th in 2000, but the last two years they have dropped away somewhat.

This year sees Major Peter Parkes become the fourth new MD in a row to take the band here, and they will be hoping for a bit better luck with the draw (two number 1 sots since 1998). They should with a touch of luck show a better return for their efforts this time around.

2003 Form:
Not the greatest of starts to 2003 for Travelsphere as they crashed to 11th place at the Midlands Regional contest at Burton on Trent under the direction of Russell Gray. They were drawn number 1 that day and it seems all their luck run out as well. The All England Masters though was a different story and under Peter Parkes they gave a fine account of themselves to come home 7th.

A band with plenty of talent around the stand, the experience of the Major should see them return to better days this time around in Birmingham.

Player to listen out for:
Matt Baker (Principal Cornet0 – something of a forgotten player after his sabbatical post Black Dyke. He has returned to show people what a real class act he is with a great traditional cornet sound and technique.

Tredegar
Conductor: Russell Gray
4BR Ranking: 9

Principal Cornet: Darren Thomas
Principal Euphonium: Darren Morris
Soprano Cornet: Iwan Fox
Solo Trombone: Steve Legg
Solo horn: Natalie Gibson
Flugel horn: Andrea Lewis

Appearances: 12 Times.
Debut 1976

Open Record:
No Wins:
1 Second: 1996
No Thirds:
No Fourths:
No Fifths:
1 Sixth: 1997
10 times unplaced

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 8th (Steve Bastable) (18)
2001: 13th (Steve Bastable) (17)
2000: 8th (Steve Bastable) (12)
1999: 7th (James Scott) (20)
1998: 7th (James Scott) (11)
1997: 6th (James Scott) (3)
1996: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (9)
1995: 13th (Nicholas Childs) (2)
1994: 16th (Nicholas Childs) (18)
1993: DNC

Open Record:
A 13th appearance for the band from South Wales, after making their debut back in 1976 after winning the Grand Shield that year under the direction of John Childs on “The Frogs”.

They had three years at the contest before dropping out, and they had to wait until they qualified on “Spectrum” in 1994 before they once more appeared at the Open. Since then they have been one of the most consistent bands at the contest, with a high spot of second place on “The Severn Suite” in 1996 under Nicholas Childs. They haven’t quite reached those heights since, but top 8 finishes in five of the past six years shows that on the day they can be serious challengers.

Russell Gray is the man in charge this year, and if they can keep up their luck at the draw of recent years they should well feature around the fringes again.

2003 Form:
Good and bad it seems on the contesting stage so far for Tredegar. Thomas Wyss led the band to a comfortable runners up spot behind BAYV Cory at the Welsh Regional Championships, but they then failed to perform at Ebbw Vale and came 3rd under James Scott.

It’s been quiet since, but they have a talented group of players, and even with the late loss of their MD to Fodens, they seem to have secured a very valuable and talented replacement which should stand them in good stead.

Player to listen out for:
Darren Morris (Euphonium) – a euph player with a sound to die for – beautifully rounded, plummy and centred – sounds just like Bryn Terfel would if he played the instrument.

Whitburn
Conductor: Andrew Duncan
4BR Ranking: 10

Principal Cornet: Eleanor Ferguson
Principal Euphonium: Evelyn Bradley
Soprano Cornet: Gordon Jenkins
Solo Trombone: Mark Boyd
Solo horn: Iain Fleming
Flugel horn: Jim Chamberlain

Appearances: 11 Times.
Debut: 1971

Open Record:
No Wins:
No Seconds:
No Thirds:
No Fourths:
1 Fifth: 2001
No Sixths:
10 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 10th (Philip McCann) (7)
2001: 5th (Philip McCann) (9)
2000: 17th (Philip McCann) (4)
1999: 11th (Philip McCann) (18)
1998: 20th (Archie Hutchison) (3)
1997: 13th (Richard Adams) (8)
1996: 17th (Chris Houlding) (7)
1995: 12th (Chris Houlding) (16)
1994: DNC
1993: DNC

Open Record:
Whitburn first made an appearance at the British Open back in 1971 as Whitburn Burgh directed by A. Fleming, and they appeared again 1973, 1975, 1983 and 1984.

After winning the Grand Shield on “Le Cranival Romain” in 1991 they returned once more, only to drop out after a year. 1995 saw them regain their place at the Open after coming runners up to YBS on "Pageantry" at the Grand Shield and since that time they have performed solidly under four different MD’s. The highlight has been the fifth spot on “Les Preludes” under Philip McCann and last year they again showed a lot of quality to come 10th.

Andrew Duncan is the new main man at the helm, and if they can get a bit of luck with the draw (they perennially seem to appear in the early numbers) they should do well.

2003 Form:
Not too great it seems to start with. The Regional Championships at Falkirk were a bit of a disaster as the much fancied Whitburn could only manage 6th place on “Prague” under the direction of Phillip McCann. Latterly they were beaten by Kirkintilloch at Troon, but did win the Scottish Entertainment contest a few months back.

Mr McCann has departed after a long association and has been replaced by the talented Andrew Duncan. New players have come in and so there has been a bit of rebuilding. They are still a good band though and should (with a bit of luck with the draw) do well enough.

Player to listen out for:
Jim Chamberlain (Flugel) – as good a flugel player as there is around and certainly a player who would walk into any band in the country. A very, very secure technique and a great sound make him a class act.

Yorkshire Building Society
Conductor: Dr. David King
4BR Ranking: 3

Principal Cornet: Stuart Lingard
Principal Euphonium: Michael Howley
Soprano Cornet: Peter Roberts
Solo Trombone: Chris Jeans
Solo horn: Sheona White
Flugel horn: Iwan Williams

Appearances: 27 Times.
Debut: 1970

Open Record:
3 Wins: 1997, 1999, 2001
1 Second: 1989
1 Third: 1995
3 Fourths: 1977, 1981, 1990
1 Fifth: 1973
2 Sixths: 1996, 2000
16 times unplaced.

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 9th (David King) (9)
2001: Winners (David King) (10)
2000: 6th (David King) (3)
1999: Winners (David King) (16)
1998: 10th (David King) (8)
1997: Winners (David King) (11)
1996: 6th (David King) (19)
1995: 3rd (David King) (18)
1994: DNC
1993: 14th (David Marshall) (N/K)

Open Record:
Many people may only think of this band under their present title, but under the old name of Hammonds Sauce the band made its debut at the contest as far back as 1970 under the direction of that great character Geoffrey Whitham. The band came fifth in 1973, fourth in 1977 on “Diadem of Gold” and fourth again in 1981 on “Variations on a Ninth”. The last hurrah was in 1989 when they came runners up to Kennedy’s Swinton on "Diversions on a Bass Theme” off a very early number 4 draw. After that things went downhill somewhat and they lost their place at the Open after coming 14th under their new name of YBS in 1993.

They returned after winning the Grand Shield in 1995 and since then they have been one of the bands to beat here. Each of the three wins though have been followed by disappointing defences of their titles and it is interesting to note that draw wise they seem only to win when drawn in the second half of the contest. Early draws don’t seem to suit them at all here.

There seems to be a pattern about the YBS success story here and this year is an odd numbered year, so could it be title number four?

2003 Form:
Bad then great then good. What will the Open bring then? The bad was Bradford and “Prague” where the band didn’t find favour with Goff Richards and could only come 6th and miss out on the National Finals. The great came at Bergen and the European defence which saw them perform as well as at any time under the directorship of David King, whilst the good was Cambridge, where a points difference was all that separated them from the title there.

A settled band is reported, whilst there seems to be a new hunger about the band and MD to make his mark before the enforced absence from Kensington and the Royal Albert Hall. Should be there at the death.

Player to listen out for:
Stuart Lingard (Principal Cornet) – surrounded by great players, Stuart Lingard leads the band like a man with many more years experience. Super tone, great technique and a player who leads his band from the front.

Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel
Conductor: David Evans
4BR Ranking: 21

Principal Cornet: Robert Westacott
Principal Euphonium: Adam Rutter
Soprano Cornet: Richard Hanson
Solo Trombone: Nick Hudson
Solo horn: Wendy Orr
Flugel horn: Sian Carradus

Appearances: 57 Times.
Debut: 1938

Open Record:
3 Wins: 1970, 1971, 1980
1 Second: 1966
2 Thirds: 1962, 1975
4 Fourths: 1967, 1973, 1974, 1978
2 Fifths: 1965, 1994
3 Sixths: 1943, 1972, 1979
42 times unplaced

Last 10 Years:
Conductor and draw

2002: 7th (David Evans) (14)
2001: 14th (David Evans) (16)
2000: 18th (Thomas Wyss) (2)
1999: 15th (Thomas Wyss) (1)
1998: DNC
1997: DNC
1996: 22nd (Alan Exley) (4)
1995: 16th (Alan Exley) (17)
1994: 5th (Alan Exley) (1)
1993: 12th (Alan Exley) (N/K)

Open Record:
A 58th appearance for the “Imps” this year and since they made their debut in 1938 as Yorkshire Copperworks conducted by William Halliwell. Since then they have won the title on three occasions – including the Trevor Walmsley “Double” in 1970 and 1971 and the John Pryce Jones victory of 1980.

Up until then they were really contenders each year, but since that time they have only once reached the top 6 in 1994 under Alan Exley on “Salamander” – off number 1 no less. Organisational changes (and some rubbish draws) have played their part and they fell away to come 22nd in 1996. They returned in 1999 as a combined band with Rothwell, but since then they have reverted once more to their traditional name.

Last year under David Evans they really performed well to come 7th and since that time they seem to be going in the right direction. They could well make another mark again.

2003 Form:
Played much better than their 9th place at the Regional Championships in Bradford suggested, and they could count themselves a tad unfortunate to come as low as they did there. The All England Masters saw them turn in a performance with a lot of style though but once more they couldn’t quite catch the ears of the three judges. 9th place again was a touch unlucky for us.

Another band that has recruited well over the past year or so, and with a talented MD at th helm they could well go better than last years 7th place.

Player to listen out for:
Nick Hudson (Trombone) – take the opportunity to listen to perhaps the best trombone player around. He may not have much to do on this one, but everything he does has a real stamp of class.

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