Brighouse & Rastrick
Conductor: Martin Winter
There is sure to be plenty of intrigue and interest about the musical possibilities Martin Winter could bring to the contest this weekend with Brighouse.
One of the banding world’s free thinkers he has been responsible for some truly memorable entertainment programme sets with bands back in Norway over the years - so this could be one to really watch out for.
He certainly likes his themes and connections - however oblique they may seem at first glance, so what will the usually more traditionalist tastes here make of what he has to offer with the West Riding Band.
We will have to wait and see - but the sneaky suspicion is that will be a bit different.
Player to listen out for: David Thornton - the man is on fire at the moment and was brilliant in winning the Best Instrumentalist award at the National Finals in London. .
2012 Programme:
Phoenix (Peter Graham)
Por Una Cabeza (Carlos Gardel arr. Peter Graham)
Cornet Soloist: Stuart Lingard
Three French Renaissance Dances from the Suite: Rameau Revisited (Jean-Philippe Rameau arr. Peter Graham) La Joyeuse; Rondeau; Tambourin
Porgy’s Spiritual Improvisation (various)
El Camino Real (Alfred Reed arr. Frode Rydland)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stuart Lingard
Principal Euphonium: David Thornton
Soprano: Andew Bannister
Solo Trombone: Ryan Watkins
Solo Horn: Leah Williams
Flugel: Lucy Murphy
Baritone: Ciaran Young
Eb Tuba: Michael Dawson
Bb Tuba: Simon Gresswell
4BR Ranking: 5
2013 Draw: 10
2013 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: Winners in Saddleworth
British Open: 5th
National Championship: 4th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: 7th
Appearances: 8th time
Debut: 2005
Best Result: Winners in 2006, 2007
Worst Result: 7th place in 2012
Last 10 Years:
2012: 7th (Allan Ramsay) (1)
2011: DNC
2010: 4th (Richard Evans (9)
2009: 4th (Richard Evans) (10)
2008: 4th (Alan Morrison) (6)
2007: Winners (Richard Evans) (11)
2006: Winners (Richard Evans) (4)
2005: 2nd (James Gourlay) (8)
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Conductor: Leigh Baker
Carlton Main returns with their fourth new conductor in five years - as they look to finally try and find a way of delivering the same consistent quality in the entertainment contest format as they do when faced with a test piece challenge.
They have brought some interesting and engaging programmes to the event over the past four years, but it has been varied fayre - the best quite brilliant, the worst, more than a touch bizarre.
Lee Baker has a fine reputation as a composer and arranger who knows how to produce crowd pleasers (remember ‘Mr Sandman’?) so this could be a bit of masterstroke, especially as the band is playing with such confidence at the moment.
A dark horse maybe if their programme can amount to more than the sum of its individual parts.
Player to listen out for: Kirsty Abbotts – a player you will never tire of hearing play. An absolute gem of a performer.
2012 Programme:
God put a smile upon your Face (Coldplay arr. Adam DJ Taylor)
Send in the Clowns (Stephen Sondheim arr. Adam DJ Taylor)
Cornet Soloist: Kirsty Abbotts
Come What May (David Baerwald arr. Adam DJ Taylor)
Old Comrades (Carl Teike)
Toccata from Tombeau De Couperin (Maurice Ravel arr. Adam DJ Taylor)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Kirsty Abbotts
Euphonium: Toni Durrant
Soprano: Gary Bates
Trombone: Dean Jones
Horn: Arfon Owen
Flugel: Rebecca Abernathy
Baritone: Heather Law
Eb Tuba: Robert Brown
Bb Tuba: Adrian Clarke
Current Ranking: 9
2013 Draw: 11
2013 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 3rd
Regionals: Winners (Yorkshire)
British Open: 12th
National Championship: 3rd
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: 6th
Appearances: 17th time
Debut: 1977
Best Result: 4th place in 1979 & 1982
Worst Result: 12th place in 2009
Last 10 Years:
2012: 6th (Paul Andrews) (7)
2011: 9th (Phillip McCann) (5)
2010: 7th (Phillip McCann) (6)
2009: 12th (Russell Gray) (1)
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: 9th (Brian Grant) (2)
2003: 9th (William Rushworth) (11)
Also: 1977: 7th (Denzil Stephens); 1978: 10th (David James); 1979: 4th (David James); 1980: 10th (David James); 1981: =7th (Kevin Bolton); 1982: 4th (Denzil Stephens); 1983: 8th (Kevin Wadsworth); 1984: 8th (Geoffrey Whitham); 2001: 6th (Paul Andrews)
Cory
Conductor: Philip Harper
What a Triple Crown triumph it would be for Cory to end 2013 as the European, National and Brass in Concert champions.
Their performances since the European have been startling - especially at the Albert Hall, so they come here confident they can retain their title. It isn’t misplaced.
They will do well to better last year’s winning effort though, which saw them top three of the four disciplines in a set that had an almost perfect balance of technical brilliance and showbiz pizzazz linked to a theme that made sense - even with some tenuous links.
The MD initially made his name in the entertainment game with his innovative approach to the genre, and despite the odd stinker he has invariably come up with something that both thrills and impresses in both substance and froth.
You have the feeling that he may well come up with something just the right side of left field so to speak, once more this weekend.
Player to listen out for: Matthew White - Has developed into a wonderfully mature and musically intuitive performer who is starting to enjoy being featured in the spotlight more and more.
2012 Programme:
Theme of Life Everlasting
The Great Summons (Gustav Mahler arr. Philip Harper)
Theme from Superman (John Williams arr. Ray Farr)
Lux Aeterna (Philip Harper)
Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney arr. Ray Farr)
Soprano Soloist: Steve Stewart
La Fiesta (Chick Corea arr. Philip Harper)
Finale from Symphony No 2 - Resurrection (Gustav Mahler arr. Philip Harper)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Tom Hutchinson
Principal Euphonium: Matthew White
Soprano: Steve Stewart
Solo Trombone: Chris Thomas
Solo Horn: Owen Farr
Flugel: Richard Davies
Baritone: Stephen Kane
Eb Tuba: Simon Howell
Bb Tuba: Fraser Bish
4BR Ranking: 1
2013 Draw: 9
2013 Form:
Regionals: 5th (Wales)
European Championship: Winners
World Music Contest: 2nd
British Open: 2nd
National Championship: Winners
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: Winners
Appearances: 10th time
Debut: 1979
Best Result: Winners: 2008, 2012
Worst Result: 10th place in 1997
Last 10 Years:
2012: Winners (Philip Harper) (8)
2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: 3rd (Dr Robert Childs) (5)
2008: Winners (Dr Robert Childs) (10)
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: 3rd (Dr Robert Childs) (1)
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
Also: 1979: 2nd (Denzil Stephens); 1980: 3rd (Denzil Stephens); 1981: 5th (Denzil Stephens); 1997: 10th (Jeremy Wise) 1998: 4th (Jeremy Wise)
Flowers
Conductor: Paul Holland
A return to Brass in Concert for the first time since 2010 for the West of England champion - and it is one that is well overdue and deserved.
Since their last appearance they have shown their quality by becoming a regular winner of second tier major events such as Butlins, Yeovil and the West of England Area, although they have yet to make the breakthrough at the elite level.
Frustratingly that has meant no British Open since 2008 and they failed to shine at the Nationals few weeks back, but the rumours are that they could be due an influx of extra player quality any time soon to finally make the step up.
Musical pragmatism may rule in terms of content this weekend, so don’t be surprised to hear some familiar fayre that has served them well.
Player to listen out for: Paul Richards - Now here is a soprano player of the old school, who can mix the bold and the brash with the delicious and delicate.
2012 programme:
Did not compete
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Andrew Smith
Euphonium: N/K
Soprano: Paul Richards
Trombone: Rob Marsh
Horn: Rosie Hughes
Flugel: N/K
Baritone: Ben Stratford
Eb Tuba: Tony Pemberton
Bb Tuba: Craig Williams
4BR Ranking: 19
2013 Draw: 1
2013 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 2nd
Yeovil: Winners
Regionals: Winners (West of England)
Grand Shield: 6th
French Open: Winners
National Championship: 10th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: Did not compete
Appearances: 8th time
Debut: 1998
Best Result: 6th in 2003 &2004
Worst Result: 12th place in 2006
Last 10 Years:
2012: DNC
2011: DNC
2010: 11th (Garry Cutt) (7)
2009: 11th (Paul Holland) (4)
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: 12th (Philip Harper) (1)
2005: 9th (Philip Harper) (9)
2004: 6th (Philip Harper) (3)
2003: 6th (Philip Harper) (3)
Also: 1998: 11th (Michael Fowles)
Grimethorpe Colliery
Conductor: Dr Robert Childs
A rejuvenated Grimethorpe returns after last year’s surprisingly subdued effort that never quite managed to capture the imagination.
What they will come up with this year under Dr Robert Childs will be interesting - as despite the well publicised enthusiasm since he came in just before London, preparation time hasn’t exactly been on their side.
The performance at the Albert Hall bubbled with possibilities though- and there is no doubt they have the players around the stand to top the efforts of any of their rivals given the opportunity.
Grimethorpe always seems happiest playing to their own strengths and not anyone else’s expectations, so with the MD being the canniest of contest conductors, perhaps expect a return to what they do best.
Player to listen out for: Roger Webster – The master – and still the very best around.
2012 programme:
The Storm (Jim Steinman)
Dark Eyes (Traditional arr. Bill Geldard)
Trombone Soloist: Chris Gommersall
Breathing the Night (Gareth Meek)
Beat 70 (Pat Metheny)
Simon Smith and his Amazing Dancing Bear (Randy Newman)
Call of the Mountain (Joseph Curiale)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Roger Webster
Principal Euphonium: Michael Dodd
Soprano: Kevin Crockford
Solo Trombone: Chris Gomersall
Solo Horn: William Rushworth
Flugel: Ian Shires
Baritone: Michael Wells
Eb Tuba: Shaun Crowther
Bb Tuba: John Beaumont
4BR Ranking: 10
2013 Draw: 6
2013 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (Yorkshire)
British Open: 10th
National Championship: 5th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last year: 5th
Appearances: 34th time
Debut: 1977
Best Result: Winners 15 times
Result: 5th in 2011 & 2012
Last 10 Years:
2012: 5th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2011: 5th (Sandy Smith) (10)
2010: Winners (Allan Withington) (8)
2009: 2nd (James Gourlay) (12)
2008: 3rd (Michael J. Garasi) (7)
2007: 3rd (Phillip McCann) (3)
2006: 2nd (Steven Mead) (10)
2005: Winners (Richard Evans) (6)
2004: Winners (Richard Evans) (7)
2003: Winners (Garry Cutt) (6)
Also: 1977: Winners (Fred Partlett); 1978: 3rd (Frank Renton); 1979: Winners (Ray Farr); 1980: Winners (Ray Farr); 1981: Winners (Ray Farr); 1982: 2nd (Ray Farr); 1983: Winners (Ray Farr); 1985: 3rd (David James); 1986: Winners (David James); 1987: 3rd (David James); 1998: 2nd (Frank Renton); 1989: 2nd (Frank Renton); 1990: 3rd (Frank Renton); 1991: 2nd (Frank Renton); 1992: 2nd (Frank Renton); 1993: Winners (Garry Cutt); 1994: Winners (Garry Cutt); 1995: 2nd (Garry Cutt); 1996: 4th (Garry Cutt): 1999: Winners (Garry Cutt); 2000: 3rd (Garry Cutt); 2001: Winners (Garry Cutt): 2002: Winners (Garry Cutt)
Leyland
Conductor: Richard Evans
Has the greatest brass band King of Entertainment finally lost his crown?
It would almost be a form of regicide to think so at this contest, but Richard Evans will know that there are some pretty impressive rivals now battling to become undisputed musical monarch at Brass in Concert.
That will undoubtedly put a bit if fizz in the veins then as he takes to the stage with a band that revels under his command and who produced a highly enjoyable if somewhat curious amalgam of ideas last year that just about hung together despite the ‘Hootenanny’ encore.
On form and in full flow Leyland is a superb concert outfit – as is the man at the helm (in more way than one given his penchant for exotic attire), so don’t be surprised if it’s Richard X being crowned late on Sunday night.
Player to listen out for: Iain Culross – A player who has matured into a wonderful exponent of the cornet playing art.
2012 programme:
Oh When the Saints (Traditional arr. Paul Duffy)
Soprano Soloist: John Doyle
God Only Knows (Brian Wilson & Mike Love arr. Leigh Baker)
Featuring: Flugel horn and four trombones
On the Quarter Deck (Kenneth Alford)
Black is the Colour of My True Loves Hair from Appalachian Mountain Folk Song Suite (James Curnow)
Finale from Symphony No. (Dvorak arr. Nicholl)
Excerpt from Hootenanny (Harold Walters)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Iain Culross
Principal Euphonium: Jams MacLeod
Soprano: John Doyle
Solo Trombone: Daniel Brooks
Solo Horn: Rebecca Landon
Flugel: Romana Hallstead
Baritone: Hannah Platt
Eb Tuba: Chris Doran
Bb Tuba: Bill Carter
4BR Ranking: 6
2013 Draw: 7
2013 Form:
Regionals: Winners (North West)
Whit Friday: 3rd in Tameside
European Championship: 7th
British Open: 15th
National Championship: 7th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: 2nd
Appearances: 30th time
Debut: 1982
Best Result: Winners in 1989, 1991, 1992, 1997, 2011
Worst Result: 7th place in 2006, 2007, 2008
Last 10 years:
2012: 2nd (Richard Evans) (6)
2011: Winners (Richard Evans) (11)
2010: 5th (Philip Harper)
2009: 6th (Jason Katsikaris)
2008: 7th (Jason Katsikaris) (8)
2007: 7th (Russell Gray) (12)
2006: 7th (Russell Gray) (9)
2005: DNC
2004: 5th (Garry Cutt) (1)
2003: 5th (Steve Sykes) (10)
Also: 1982: 3rd (Richard Evans); 1983: 3rd (Richard Evans); 1984: 2nd (Richard Evans); 1985: 4th (Richard Evans); 1986: 5th (Richard Evans); 1987: 4th (Richard Evans); 1988 3rd (Richard Evans);
1989: Winners (Richard Evans); 1991: Winners (Richard Evans); 1992: Winners (Richard Evans);
1993: 2nd (Richard Evans); 1994: 3rd (Richard Evans); 1995: 4th (Richard Evans); 1997: Winners (Richard Evans); 1998: 2nd (Richard Evans); 1999: 3rd (Richard Evans); 2000: 2nd (Richard Evans); 2001: 4th (Richard Evans); 2002: 6th (Chris Davies)
Fairey Band
Conductor: Garry Cutt
Fairey could be a real dark horse this weekend - as despite a few well publicised player moves they have had plenty of time on their side to prepare and they are led by a man who knows how to win this contest in Garry Cutt - seven times in fact.
The Brass in Concert format seems to bring the best out of them too – and last year they were not far short of delivering a cracker.
What the Marple Maestro will bring to the stage this year remains to be seen, but he always manages to neatly plug into the musical tastes of the audience - if not always the judges and invariably comes up with at least one little gem.
If he does that again you can expect them to be pushing for podium places.
Player to watch out for: Paul Hughes – An artist of the highest class with a good melody to make his own in front of him.
2012 programme:
Stealing Apples (Benny Goodman arr. Reid Gilje)
Yiddish Dance No 1 Freylachs (Adam Gorb arr. Reid Gilje)
Jill’s Theme from Once Upon a Time in the West (Ennio Morricone arr. Reid Gilje)
Girl from Ipanema (Traditional arr. Reid Gilje)
Flugel Soloist: Mike Eccles
Jubilate (Tom Davoren)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Pau Hughes
Principal Euphonium: Jim Fieldhouse
Soprano: N/K
Solo Trombone: N/K
Solo Horn: Paul Bennett
Flugel: Mike Eccles
Baritone: Sarah Lenton
Eb Tuba: Simon Moffett
Bb Tuba: Mark Evans
4BR Ranking: 7
2013 Draw: 3
2013 Form:
Regionals: 4th (North West)
Whit Friday: 2nd in Tameside
British Open: 5th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: 4th
Appearances: 13th time
Debut: 1977
Best Result: Winners in 1996
Worst Result: 8th place in 2009
Last 10 Years:
2012: 4th (Reid Gilje) (10)
2011: 6th (Steve Sykes (2)
2010: 2nd (Steve Sykes) (4)
2009: 8th (Philip Chalk) (11)
2008: 5th (Philip Chalk) (4)
2007: 4th (Philip Chalk) (9)
2006: 5th (Simon Stonehouse) (6)
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
Also: 1977: 5th (Richard Evans); 1980: 5th (Walter Hargreaves); 1983: 6th (Denzil Stephens); 1996: Winners (James Gourlay); 1997: 3rd (James Gourlay)
Foden’s
Conductor: Allan Withington
It hasn’t quite been the season that fans of Foden’s anticipated - although to be fair it would have been almost impossible for them to have topped their 2012 ‘Double’ achievements.
They didn’t compete last year, so their return is eagerly awaited, especially as they will be led for the first time by one of the great free thinkers of the entertainment genre in Allan Withington.
He has won here before without pushing the musical boat out - with a neat mix and match programme with Grimethorpe in 2010, and he will be wary of not taking Foden’s down too much of a left field musical journey after the stone-faced reception his wonderfully inventive concert and programme with Stavanger received here a few years back.
Foden’s can also be a bit hit and miss here too, but if things click into place and the audience quickly realises what is going on this time round, then look out.
Player to watch out for: Mark Wilkinson – So missed the Albert Hall, the heartbeat of the band returns.
2012 programme:
Did not compete
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Mark Wilkinson
Principal Euphonium: Glyn Williams
Soprano: Richard Poole
Solo Horn: Lesley Poole
Flugel: Helen Williams
Solo Trombone: John Barber
Baritone: Natsumi MacDonald
Eb Tuba: Stewart Baglin
Bb Tuba: David McGlynn
4BR Ranking: 3
2013 Draw: 5
2013 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (North West)
Whit Friday: Tameside winners
British Open: 4th
National Championship: 11th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: DNC
Appearances: 21st time
Debut: 1983
Best Result: Winners in 1987, 1988, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2009
Worst Result: 8th in 2006
Last 10 Years:
2012: DNC
2011: 4th (Michael Fowles (3)
2010: 3rd (John Wallace (10)
2009: Winners (Garry Cutt) (9)
2008: 6th (Garry Cutt) (2)
2007: 2nd (Garry Cutt) (6)
2006: 8th (Garry Cutt) (3)
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
Also: 1983 (4th) (James Scott); 1984 (4th) (Howard Snell); 1986 (8th) (Howard Snell)1987 (Winners) (Howard Snell); 1988 (Winners) (Howard Snell); 1990 (Winners) (Howard Snell); 1991 (3rd) (Howard Snell); 1996 (2nd) (Phillip McCann); 1997 (2nd) (Nicholas Childs); 1998: Winners (Nicholas Childs): 1999: 2nd (Nicholas Childs): 2000: Winners (Ray Farr): 2001: 2nd (Ray Farr): 2002: 2nd (Russell Gray)
Tredegar
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Welsh banding is on fire at the moment and Tredegar is belting out white hot contesting flames - especially at the British Open and very nearly again at the Albert Hall.
They have found a real niche here since their return in 2010 too - unluckily missing out on the title in 2011 when they topped the ‘Quality of Entertainment’ only to end third.
They can also entertain too (winning that prize in 2010) and last year put together a well delivered set that showed off their overall qualities in full to claim a podium finish again.
Bold, inventive and with an appetite for hard graft that would make a collier sweat buckets they are sure to bring something a little different to the stage once more.
Player to listen out for: Daniel Thomas – A remarkable young man blessed with a remarkable talent on the euphonium
2012 programme:
Anthems and Folk Songs
National Emblem (Eugene Bagley arr. Joshua T. Jameson)
Damba (Franco Cesarini)
Dark Eyes (Traditional arr. Bill Geldard)
Trombone Soloist: Stephen Sykes
Sea Fever (Kenneth Downie)
Little Hymn (Simon Dobson)
Calon y Ddraig (Heart of the Dragon) (Matthew Hall)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Dewi Griffiths
Principal Euphonium: Daniel Thomas
Soprano: Ian Roberts
Solo Trombone: Iwan Williams
Solo Horn: Hannah Drage
Flugel: Danny Winder
Baritone: Jack Lapthorn
Eb Tuba: Michelle Hockings
Bb Tuba: Andy Russell
Current Ranking: 2
2013 Draw: 2
2013 Form:
Welsh Open: Winners
Regionals: 3rd (Wales)
All England Masters: 5th
British Open: Winners
National Championship: 2nd
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: 3rd
Appearances: 9th time
Debut: 1977
Best Result: 3rd place in 2011 & 2012
Worst Result: 12th place in 1978
Last 10 Years:
2012: 3rd (Ian Porthouse) (4)
2011: 3rd (Ian Porthouse) (4)
2010: 6th (Ian Porthouse) (5)
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
Also: 1977: 9th (John Childs); 1978: 12th (David Thomas); 1994: 9th (Jeremy Wise); 1995: 8th (Nicholas Childs); 1996: 5th (Nicholas Childs)
Virtuosi GUS
Conductor: Adam Cooke
GUS made a long awaited return to Brass in Concert last year and produced they type of solid, well prepared contest performance that has long been their hallmark.
There was nothing too flashy or over ambitious in what they did, but their programme served its purpose and put in place the foundation to go on and claim the Butlins title a few months later with an added sheen of classy polish.
Perhaps their 80th anniversary celebrations and the retirement of MD John Berryman took their toll at the Open and Nationals, where they seemed emotionally distracted, but in Adam Cooke they now have a real burgeoning talent at the helm who will be eager to make a real mark on his Brass in Concert debut.
More solid well thought out fayre could be on the cards and they certainly have the players to make the most of what they have to offer.
Player to listen out for: Chris Jeans - One of the great trombonists of the brass band movement just gets better with age.
2012 programme:
Tortuguero6 (Jonathan Bates)
If (Michael Nyman arr. Andrew Berryman)
Flugel soloist: Thomas Fountain
Galop (Aram Khachaturian arr. Andrew Wainwright)
Distant Land (John Rutter arr. Andrew Wainwright)
The Smoke that Thunders (Andrew Wainwright)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Peter Collins
Euphonium: Mark Giles
Soprano: Martin Britt
Trombone: Chris Jeans
Horn: Nathan Waterman
Flugel: Thomas Fountain
Baritone: Jo Stephenson
Eb Tuba: Robin Norman
Bb Tuba: Mike Smith
Current Ranking: 16
2013 Draw: 11
2013 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: Winners
Regionals: 2nd (Midlands)
All England Masters International: 2nd
English National: 2nd
British Open: 14th
National Championship: 16th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: 8th
Appearances: 13th time
Debut: 1982
Best Result: 2nd place in 1990
Worst Result: 10th place in 1988
Last 10 Years:
2012: 8th (John Berryman) (11)
2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
Also: 1982: 7th (Keith Wilkinson); 1986: 4th (John Berryman); 1987: 6th (Bramwell Tovey); 1988: 10th (David Stowell); 1989: 8th (Robert Watson); 1990: 2nd (Robert Watson); 1991: 5th (John Berryman); 1992: 7th (John Berryman); 1993: 8th (John Berryman); 1999: 7th (Melvin White); 2000: 8th (Melvin White)
Whitburn
Conductor: Anne Crookston
There are plenty of prizes up for grabs at Brass in Concert, but unfortunately not one for pure ballsy innovation and inventiveness - otherwise Whitburn would be decked out with more medals for bravery in the last two years than a five star US General.
A slightly more pragmatic approach may be on the cards this time then if they are to force their way into the top six reckoning and retain their place in the BiC line-up for next year.
The quality is there around the stands but they have been a bit hit or miss this year with a superb Scottish Championship winning performance balanced against failure to qualify for the British Open once more.
Anne Crookston is a top class conductor with musical hinterland that should prove invaluable though – so perhaps a return to more familiar substance rather than unfamiliar style this time around.
Player to listen out for: Iain Fleming – Another outstanding performer who seems to mature like a good single malt.
2012 programme:
Bust-out Brigade (The Go Team arr. Simon Dobson)
Clapp (Steve Reich arr. Paul McGhee)
Light from Torsion (Simon Dobson)
Finale - On Hope and Momentum, 3rd Movement from SHIFT (Simon Dobson)
Trombone Soloist: Alec Philip
Backlash (Simon Dobson)
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Chris Bradley
Euphonium: Evelyn Bradley
Soprano: Scott Forest
Trombone: Alex Phillip
Horn: Iain Fleming
Flugel: Caroline Farren
Baritone: N/K
Eb Bass: Graham Fraser
Bb Bass: Alan Gourlay
4BR Ranking: 15
2013 Draw: 8
2013 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Scotland)
West Lothian: Winners
Land O' Burns: 2nd
Grand Shield: 5th
National Championship: 9th
Brass in Concert Record:
Last Year: 10th
Appearances: 18th time
Debut: 1977
Best Result: 3rd place in 2004
Worst Result: 12th place in 1977, 1996, 2000
Last 10 Years:
2012: 10th (Simon Dobson) (2)
2011: 8th (Simon Dobson) (8)
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: 9th (Steven Mead) (5)
2007: 11th (Allan Ramsey) (2)
2006: 10th (Andrew Duncan) (11)
2005: 6th (Andrew Duncan) (4)
2004: 3rd (Andrew Duncan) (10)
2003: DNC
Also: 1977: 12th (Allan Street); 1980: 9th (Peter Parkes); 1981: 10th (Peter Parkes); 1982: 9th (Peter Parkes); 1985: 7th (Geoffrey Whitham); 1986: 10th (Denzil Stephens); 1987: 10th (Anthony Swainson); 1996: 12th (Richard Adams): 1999: 4th (Phillip McCann); 2000: 12th (Phillip McCann)
