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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 Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


West Yorkshire Brass

January 20 • We are a friendly and welcoming non-competing band based in the Bradford area of West Yorkshire. We play at various events in Yorkshire throughout the year. We have vacancies for Eb and BBb basses. Instruments provided if required


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

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