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2012 4BR Awards — Newcomer of the Year

There was plenty of new talent on show in 2012 from players, conductors and bands, to composers, instruments and even new ways of presenting brass band contests.

4barsrest awards

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Always an interesting category this one - with such a diverse list of potential winners to choose from.

Although there was plenty of doom and gloom to report on, there were also plenty of people prepared to take a punt on doing something innovative too.

Our five come from differing areas of the banding movement.


Brass the BatonBrass the Baton 

4BR has been a critic of much of what Brass Bands England has done in the past.

However, the Brass the Baton initiative led and inspired by Liaison Officer Terry Luddington was a perfect example of what they should be all about - as they did it so well.

It gave bands and their players the length and breadth of the country the opportunity to play an active part in a sporting year to remember – and plenty did so too thanks to the excellent organisation and the multiple choice PLC music.


Brass in ConcertBrass in Concert

An old contest with a brand new outlook in 2012.

The decision to radically overhaul the whole ethos of Brass in Concert was a high risk strategy that paid off big style. 

From the mission statement to the transparent marking system, the taster sessions and youth band concert – there is now no doubt The Sage Gateshead hosts the best brass band entertainment contest in the world.


GrimethorpeGrimethorpe Besson Youth Band

Grimethorpe’s decision to create their own youth band set up was seen by some rivals and critics as a bit of a post ‘Brassed Off’ PR stunt – but it has proved to be an inspired success story in 2012.

With the provision of musical education in England now spearheaded by the ‘Musical Hub’ system, Grimethorpe (and others) has led the way.
 
They now provide over 100 young players with the opportunity of improving their skills and enjoyment by gaining regular additional tuition and inspiration from some of the very best players in the banding world.


Josiah WalterJosiah Walters

A renaissance youth like no other it would seem:

The teenage Scotsman is not just a pretty remarkable prize winning bass trombone player – claiming  the ‘Best Soloist’ Award at the National Youth Championships in 2012 with Carnoustie & District Youth Band (amongst others during the year), but he is also a composer and arranger of considerable talent too.
 
So much so that this year he was commissioned to write the B Section set work for the European Championships in Perth in 2013.


Mike KilroyMike Kilroy

A highly respected player who is carving out a new musical career in the most impressive fashion – as shown in various guises in 2012.

His busy raft of adjudication appointments revealed a thoughtful, meticulous contest judge who rewarded insight and musicality as well as good tuning and technical proficiency.

In addition his role in the painful rebuilding process following the Bolsover Contest was sympathetic, understanding and highly professional. 

All that and he also revealed a fine talent for musical journalism too!
 
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The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

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