Black Dyke
Conductor: Prof Nicholas Childs
Open Record:
With a record like no other, this will be the Queensbury band’s 111th appearance at a contest they have won a record 29 times.
However, you do have to go back to 2006 for the last time the iconic Gold Shield was in their possession, so despite not being out of the top six since 1998 the Pondashers will be hoping that the time has come to reclaim the title under Prof Nicholas Childs.
His record includes two victories, although he will be hoping for a possible later draw after they couldn’t really make an unbeatable mark last year from number 4.
Recent contesting results has been mixed at Bradford and Perth, but you still suspect that if they are on top form they could well be celebrating a 30th Open success.
Player to listen out for:
Brett Baker - A player who has written his own chapter in the Black Dyke history books, so one last chance to hear him in action before he finally takes Queensbury retirement.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Richard Marshall
Principal Euphonium: Gary Curtin
Soprano: Benjamin Richeton
Solo Trombone: Brett Baker
Solo Horn: Jonathan Bates
Flugel: Zoe Hancock
Baritone: Katrina Marzella
Eb Tuba: Ben Dixon
Bb Tuba: Matt Routley
4BR Ranking: 4
2014 Form:
Regionals: 4th (Yorkshire)
European Championship: 3rd
Appearances: 111th time
Debut: 1856
Open Record:
29 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, 2005, 2006
25 Seconds: 1877, 1887, 1888, 1900, 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1917, 1922, 1934, 1938, 1971, 1978, 1984, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012
12 Thirds: 1868, 1873, 1884, 1894, 1916, 1937, 1953, 1958, 1963, 2002, 2003, 2010
8 Fourths: 1890, 1912, 1919, 1921, 1936, 1970, 1979, 1989
5 Fifths: 1864, 1920, 1936, 1952, 1966
4 Sixths: 1947, 1962, 2004, 2008, 2013
25 times unplaced
1 disqualification: 1865
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 6th (Nicholas Childs) (4)
2012: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (10)
2011: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (12)
2010: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (13)
2009: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (16)
2008: 6th (Nicholas Childs) (1)
2007: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (15)
2006: Winners (Nicholas Childs) (11)
2005: Winners (Nicholas Childs) (13)
2004: 6th (Nicholas Childs) (6)
2003: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (11)
2002: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (3)
2001: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (14)
2000: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (15)
Brighouse & Rastrick
Conductor: Professor David King
Open Record:
The long wait for a seventh British Open success continued for the West Riding band last year, even though they impressed many with their eloquent performance from an early draw - the third time in the last four years they have played in the opening five.
However, Symphony Hall still hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds with the band now still to waiting for a podium finish since 1998.
The Australian maestro returns once more to see if he can make it sixth time lucky with his band. On paper he appears to have all the right playing ingredients at hand to claim his own fifth title, an amazing 11 years after his last with YBS.
Recent form has been good - with a solid performance at Bradford and a lucrative day out on the Whit Friday circuit, but a first Open win since 1978 would be priceless.
Player to listen out for:
Stuart Lingard - The player in which David King has placed greatest trust for so many years to lead his bands from the front - and you can always hear why. Such a class act
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stuart Lingard
Principal Euphonium: David Thornton
Soprano: Andrew Bannister
Solo Trombone: Ryan Watkins
Solo Horn: Sheona White
Flugel: Lucy Cutt
Baritone: Ciaran Young
Eb Tuba: Joseph Cook
Bb Tuba: Andrew Cattanach
4BR Ranking: 6
2014 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Yorkshire)
Appearances: 74th time
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
7 Fifths: 1960, 1971, 1987, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2012
5 Sixths: 1938,1944, 1959, 1986, 1995
40 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 9th (David King) (5)
2012: 5th (David King) (5)
2011: 5th (David King) (10)
2010: 10th (David King) (2)
2009: 5th (David King) (8)
2008: 8th (Alan Morrison) (16)
2007: 11th (Alan Morrison) (7)
2006: 12th (Ian McElligott) (16)
2005: 7th (James Gourlay) (6)
2004: 11th (James Gourlay) (5)
2003: 5th (Major Ian McElligott) (17)
2002: 4th (Major Ian McElligott) (12)
2001: 8th (Allan Withington) (8)
2000: 12th (Allan Withington) (8)
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Conductor: Phillip McCann
Open Record:
Carlton Main has had a bit of an up and down existence at the Open since their return in 2003, and although they may be an outside bet to add to their brace of victories in 1922 and 1958, another top six place is well within their grasp.
Last year’s 8th place was a solid return (which they built on brilliantly at the Nationals) and they certainly dusted off any contesting rust from a pretty average Butlins return with a superb performance in claiming yet another podium place at the Yorkshire Area.
Phillip McCann continues to draw engaging performances of musical interest from a very solid ensemble which contains a number of outstanding soloists.
They may well be a band to fear if they repeat the form shown at St George’s Hall and can get another helpful draw.
Player to listen out for:
Connor Lennon - A young sop player with a huge future ahead of him. A real gem of a emerging talent.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Kirsty Abbotts
Principal Euphonium: Toni Durrant
Soprano: Connor Lennon
Solo Horn: Jessica Martin
Flugel: Anna Spedding
Solo Trombone: Phil Guy
Baritone: Hannah Platt
Eb Tuba: Simon Hooley
Bb Tuba: Roy Batty
4BR Ranking: 12
2014 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 5th
Regionals: 3rd (Yorkshire)
Appearances: 67th time
Debut: 1921
Open Record:
2 Wins: 1922, 1958
5 Seconds: 1941, 1957, 1959, 1969, 1972
4 Thirds: 1948, 1950, 1956, 2011
3 Fourths: 1928, 1944, 1963
2 Fifths: 1927, 1946
2 Sixths: 1923, 2006
48 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2012: 8th (Phillip McCann) (9)
2012: 12th (Phillip McCann) (15)
2011: 3rd (Phillip McCann) (5)
2010: 8th (Phillip McCann) (11)
2009: 16th (Russell Gray) (9)
2008: 7th (Russell Gray (12)
2007: 12th (Russell Gray) (11)
2006: 6th (Russell Gray) (19)
2005: DNC
2004: 18th (Brian Grant) (7)
2003: Winners of Grand Shield (W. Rushworth) (prom): 18th (W. Rushworth) (14)
2002: 19th (William Rushworth) (17) (rel)
2001: 17th (John Hinckley) (6)
2000: 9th (John Hinckley) (21)
Co-operative Funeralcare Band
Conductor: Allan Ramsay
Open Record:
Co-operative Funeralcare (they have played at the Open under five different names) returned to the contest in 2003 and delivered perhaps their best ever performance at the event since that time in coming third last year.
That certainly showed that they are once again a band to fear at the major championship events and they carried that form into 2014 with by dominating domestically, culminating in their fine Scottish Championship victory in March.
Allan Ramsay directs once more with a band that could be a bit of dark horse once again.
Player to listen out for:
Andrea Casey - A player who provides subtle nuance and elegance to any solo or lead line she delivers.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Jim Hayes
Principal Euphonium: Glenn Van Looy
Soprano: Caroline Tennant
Solo Trombone: Paul Kiernan
Solo Horn: Chris Davies
Flugel: Andrea Casey
Baritone: Chris Shanks
Eb Tuba: Ross Knight
Bb Tuba: Andy Smith
4BR Ranking: 9
2014 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Scotland)
West Lothian Festival: Winner
Land O’ Burns: 2nd
Appearances: 27th time
Debut: 1956
Open Record:
4 Thirds: 1993, 1997, 2004, 2013
1 Fourth: 2006
21 times unplaced:
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 3rd (Allan Ramsay) (14)
2012: 7th (Allan Ramsay) (4)
2011: 14th (Michael Fowles) (13)
2010: 11th (Michael Fowles) (16)
2009: 8th (Michael Fowles) (12)
2008: 11th (Andrew Duncan) (9)
2007: 14th (Allan Ramsay) (5)
2006: 4th (Allan Ramsay) (15)
2005: 10th (Frank Renton) (15)
2004: 3rd (Ian McElligott) (13)
2003: 2nd at Grand Shield (N. Childs) (prom): 13th (James Scott) (12)
2002: 16th (John Hinckley) (4) (rel)
2001: 12th (James Gourlay) (4)
2000: 11th (Kazuyoshi Uemura) (16)
Cory
Conductor: Philip Harper
Open Record:
Fresh from their most tour to Holland and perhaps the best concert spot ever at the NATO summit, Cory will be looking to reclaim the one major championship trophy that elude their grasp in 2013.
They haven’t been outside the top six since 1998, and it would be a brave man to bet against them carrying on that run under Philip Harper, who has certainly stamped his authority on the band since his appointment.
The draw seems to hold few fears (although they won’t want to make it a trio of Kelly’s Eyes after European) and as the undisputed number 1 ranked band in the world, their rivals know they remain the ones to beat.
Player to listen out for:
Richard Davies - All those years of being a top rate principal cornet and rep player have paved the way to him becoming a quite superb exponent of the flugel horn.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Tom Hutchinson
Principal Euphonium: Martyn Patterson
Soprano: Steve Stewart
Solo Trombone: Chris Thomas
Solo Horn: Owen Farr
Flugel: Richard Davies
Baritone: Stephen Kane
Eb Tuba: Simon Howell
Bb Tuba: Rob Nicholson
4BR Ranking: 1
2014 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Wales)
European Championship: 5th
Appearances: 52nd time
Debut: 1922
Open Record:
5 Wins: 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2011
5 Seconds: 1950, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013
4 Thirds: 1972, 2001, 2008, 2012
3 Fourths: 1951, 1975, 1976
2 Fifths: 1974, 2010
2 Sixths: 1999, 2003
30 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 3rd (Philip Harper) (16)
2012: 3rd (Philip Harper) (13)
2011: Winners (Robert Childs) (9)
2010: 5th (Robert Childs) (1)
2009: Winners (Robert Childs) (6)
2008: 3rd (Robert Childs) (11)
2007: Winners (Robert Childs) (16)
2006: 2nd (Robert Childs) (17)
2005: 2nd (Robert Childs) (16)
2004: 2nd (Robert Childs) (2)
2003: 6th (Robert Childs) (13)
2002: Winners (Robert Childs) (16)
2001: 3rd (Robert Childs) (20)
2000: Winners (Robert Childs) (22)
Desford Colliery
Conductor: Tom Davoren
Open Record:
The eternal enigmas of the British Open. Desford may not have yet won the title, but over the years they have come close and given listeners some memorable performances in the process.
That said, last year was one that didn’t register too long in the memory banks - sounding under prepared and error strewn, so they know they will have to pull something out of the bag if they are not to find themselves looking over the shoulders at a possible relegation scrap.
The appointment of Tom Davoren shows the intent though (as does their recent contest form) - so don’t be surprised that the Midlanders once again give plenty of food for thought in the box.
Player to listen out for:
Brian Winter - A great opportunity to hear one of classiest flugel players around.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Gary Wyatt
Principal Euphonium: Michael Howley
Soprano: Preben Johannsen
Solo Horn: George Thackray
Flugel: Brian Winter
Solo Trombone: Jonathan Pippen
Baritone: Margaret Antrobus
Eb Tuba: Jon Truscott
Bb Tuba: Phillip Blake-Convey
4BR Ranking: 29
2014 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 2nd
Regionals: 2nd (Midlands)
Appearances: 4nd time
Debut: 1970
Open Record:
1 Second: 1979
2 Thirds: 1980, 2006
2 Fourths: 1982, 2007
2 Fifths: 1984, 1986
2 Sixths: 1983, 1987
32 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 11th (Nigel Seaman) (17)
2012: 9th (Nigel Seaman) (8)
2011: 7th (Nigel Seaman) (6)
2010: 7th (Martin Winter) (7)
2009: 7th (James Gourlay) (1)
2008: 14th (Nigel Seaman) (3)
2007: 4th (Frans Violet) (10)
2006: 3rd (Nigel Seaman) (12)
2005: 16th (Peter Parkes) (1)
2004: 3rd at Grand Shield (P. Parkes) (prom): 7th (Peter Parkes) (17)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: 19th (Peter Parkes) (12) (rel)
2000: 20th (Peter Parkes) (19)
Fairey Band
Conductor: Garry Cutt
Open Record:
Only Black Dyke can claim more victories at the British Open than Fairey, but the Stockport band has now gone the longest period in their history without adding to their total of 16 wins.
However, there is real cause for optimism this year that the barren streak won’t last much longer, as they have been a band revitalised under Garry Cutt of late.
Last year showed the promise (they just faded badly with the finishing line in sight) but they certainly added stamina to their usual finesse at the North West Area with a commanding victory.
The draw has been kind to them recently here, so if that continues Fairey could well be celebrating a long overdue success.
Player to listen out for:
Paul Hughes - A performer who has gained the utmost respect of his peers to become the principal cornet player’s principal cornet.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Paul Hughes
Principal Euphonium: Jim Fieldhouse
Soprano: Jon Probert
Solo Trombone: Rebecca Lundberg
Solo Horn: Paul Bennett
Flugel: Mike Eccles
Baritone: Rob Richardson
Eb Tuba: Gavin Saynor
Bb Tuba: Chris Hardy
4BR Ranking: 10
2014 Form:
Regionals: Winners (North West)
Appearances: 71st time
Debut: 1938
Open Record:
16 Wins: 1941, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1956, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1979, 1987, 1993, 1998
14 Seconds: 1943, 1946, 1948, 1953, 1960, 1967, 1975, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2010
5 Thirds: 1969, 1977, 1984, 1992, 1999
6 Fourths: 1959, 1971, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005
3 Fifths: 1985, 2006, 2013
7 Sixths: 1951, 1957, 1970, 1978, 1990, 2001, 2002
19 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 5th (Garry Cutt) (15)
2012: 10th (Russell Gray) (16)
2011: 11th (Russell Gray) (17)
2010: 2nd (Russell Gray) (12)
2009: 12th (Philip Chalk) (7)
2008: 15th (Philip Chalk) (8)
2007: 7th (Philip Chalk) (12)
2006: 5th (Simon Stonehouse) (8)
2005: 4th (Simon Stonehouse) (9)
2004: 12th (Allan Withington (11)
2003: 4th (Allan Withington) (9)
2002: 6th (Allan Withington) (19)
2001: 6th (Howard Snell) (2)
2000: 4th (James Gourlay) (17)
Foden's
Conductor: Allan Withington
Open Record:
After a rather hit and miss end to the 2013 contest season in 2013, Foden’s return to the Open with something of a point to prove under the baton of Allan Withington.
Circumstance and cruel luck certainly played their part, so Foden’s fans will be sitting with fingers crossed that nothing goes awry prior to them taking to the Symphony Hall stage.
On their day though they remain one of the most consistent and classy outfits around, and in Allan Withington they have a conductor who certainly knows what it takes to win the biggest prizes of all - the Open included.
Player to listen out for:
John Barber - A performer par excellence – such a great leader, soloist and section player.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Mark Wilkinson
Principal Euphonium: Glyn Williams
Soprano: Richard Poole
Solo Horn: Daniel Powell
Flugel: Helen Williams
Solo Trombone: John Barber
Baritone: Sarah Lenton
Eb Tuba: Stewart Baglin
Bb Tuba: David McGlynn
4BR Ranking: 3
2014 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (North West)
Appearances: 75th time
Debut: 1909
Open Record:
12 Wins: 1909, 1910, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1964, 2004, 2008, 2012
6 Seconds: 1911, 1916, 1952, 1987, 1998, 2002
7 Thirds: 1914, 1925, 1957, 1970, 1981, 1985, 2007
7 Fourths: 1958, 1965, 1986, 1991, 2010, 2011, 2013
8 Fifths: 1918, 1953, 1968, 1972, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2000
5 Sixths: 1917, 1984, 1994, 2005, 2009
29 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 4th (Allan Withington) (13)
2012: Winners (Allan Withington) (9)
2011: 4th (Allan Withington) (15)
2010: 4th (Howard Snell) (17)
2009: 6th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2008: Winners (Garry Cutt) (10)
2007: 3rd (Garry Cutt) (3)
2006: 13th (Garry Cutt) (9)
2005: 6th (Garry Cutt) (18)
2004: Winners (Garry Cutt) (12)
2003: 7th (Thomas Wyss) (3)
2002: 2nd (Bramwell Tovey) (8)
2001: 7th (Bramwell Tovey) (3)
2000: 5th (Bramwell Tovey) (9)
Flowers
Conductor: Paul Holland
Open Record:
A welcome return to the British Open for Flowers - and there is no doubt their form over the past two years or more under the baton of Paul Holland warrants their appearance at Symphony Hall.
Their insatiable appetite for improvement and their robust confidence have made them a band to fear, and their victories at Butlins, Yeovil, the West of England Area and the Grand Shield this year were all thoroughly deserved - and achieved with a touch of essential arrogant élan.
That should ensure they are not overawed on what is a significant step up in class – and could well ensure that they could be name on quite a lot of people’s lips comes the results.
Player to listen out for:
Paul Richards - Make sure you cup your ear and enjoy the playing of one of the sweetest sounding sop players around.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Andrew Smith
Principal Euphonium: David Childs
Soprano: Paul Richards
Solo Trombone: Rob Marsh
Solo Horn: Rosie Hughes
Flugel: Will Norman
Baritone: Ben Stratford
Eb Tuba: Carlton Sykes
Bb Tuba: John Gillam
4BR Ranking: 13
2014 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: Winners
Yeovil: Winners
Regionals: Winners (West of England)
Grand Shield: Winners
Appearances: 7th time
Debut: 1998
Open Record:
No wins
6 unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2014: Winners of Grand Shield (Paul Holland) (prom):
2013: DNC
2012: DNC
2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: 12th (David Hirst) (14) (rel)
2007: Winners of Grand Shield (Philip Harper) (prom): 17th (Philip Harper) (8)
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: 21st (Philip Harper) (15) (rel)
2000: 18th (Richard Evans) (1)
Grimethorpe Colliery
Conductor: Dr Robert Childs
Open Record:
Just the four wins so far for Grimethorpe - but four memorable ones at that, even though the last was back in 1991. For their legions of supporters a fifth is well overdue.
They always tell you their band is the best around, but on this occasion there is no Yorkshire bluff behind their proud boasts as they come to Birmingham under Dr Robert Childs in the best contest shape they have been in for many a year.
Your suspect that not even another early draw will dent their faith in their contest winning abilities, and if they hit their bootstraps then look out - the roof could be taken off the hall. .
Player to listen out for:
Joanne Childs - Perhaps the best flugel substitute a band can ask for at a contest such as this.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Iain Culross
Principal Euphonium: Michael Dodd
Soprano: Kevin Crockford
Solo Trombone: Chris Gommersall
Solo Horn: Miles Davison
Flugel: Joanne Childs
Baritone: Michael Cavanagh
Eb Tuba: Shaun Crowther
Bb Tuba: Simon Gresswell
4BR Ranking: 8
2014 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (Yorkshire)
Appearances: 68th time
Debut: 1935
Open Record:
4 Wins: 1967, 1969, 1984, 1991
4 Seconds: 1945, 1963, 1973, 2008
11 Thirds: 1960, 1961, 1968, 1971, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1994, 2000, 2009
4 Fourths: 1972, 1998, 2001, 2012
7 Fifths: 1976, 1981, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2007
3 Sixths: 1946, 1980, 1985
34 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2012: 10th (Luc Vertommen) (2)
2012: 4th (Garry Cutt) (17)
2011: 9th (Garry Cutt) (16)
2010: 9th (Allan Withington) (15)
2009: 3rd (Allan Withington) (3)
2008: 2nd (Allan Withington) (6)
2007: 5th (Allan Withington) (4)
2006: 9th (Allan Withington) (4)
2005: 12th (Allan Withington) (4)
2004: 9th (Frank Renton) (9)
2003: DNC
2002: 14th (James Gourlay) (10)
2001: 4th (Garry Cutt) (13)
2000: 3rd (Garry Cutt) (20)
Hammonds Saltaire
Conductor: Morgan Griffiths
Open Record:
The British Open future starts here for Hammonds Saltaire.
After such a rich and successful history in a former life and with at least two other identities at this contest, it is great to see the four time winner back where many people believe they belong.
It’s been a long hard road, inspired by an MD who has musical Hammonds ‘Sauce’ running through his veins. The band can boast some famous Open victories to its name, but more importantly it can also brag that it has returned to the biggest stage of all when many thought they may become just a footnote in the British Open history books.
It’s a wonderful achievement - but they know that now the hard work starts all over again.
Player to listen out for:
Jamie Smith - One of the new generation of fearless young principal cornet players - blessed with a wonderful sound and a technique made of granite.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Jamie Smith
Principal Euphonium: Matthew Allsop
Soprano: David Nichols
Solo Trombone: Joanne Raesbeck
Solo Horn: Chris Pannell
Flugel: Catherine Owen
Baritone: Michael Walsh
Eb Tuba: Owen Garbutt
Bb Tuba: Darren West
4BR Ranking: 30
2014 Form:
Regionals: 7th (Yorkshire)
Grand Shield: 2nd
Appearances: 34th time
Debut: 1970
Open Record:
4 Wins: 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003
1 Second: 1989
2 Thirds: 1995, 2005
3 Fourths: 1977, 1981, 1990
1 Fifth: 1973
2 Sixths: 1996, 2000
20 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2014: 2nd Grand Shield (Morgan Griffiths) (prom);
2012: DNC
2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: 13th (Morgan Griffiths) (17) (rel)
2008: 16th (Morgan Griffiths) (5)
2007: 8th (Richard Evans) (18)
2006: 8th (David King) (3)
2005: 3rd (David King) (14)
2004: 14th (David King) (8)
2003: Winners (David King) (10)
2002: 9th (David King) (9)
2001: Winners (David King) (10)
2000: 6th (David King) (3)
Hepworth
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Open Record:
Hepworth has always punched well above its weight at the major championships, but as even their keenest fans will know, they will have to produce a high class performance this year if they are to stave off any threat of relegation back to the Grand Shield.
Hopefully they won’t get such an early draw as last year and won’t be as error prone as they were at the Yorkshire Area in March, whilst they certainly have a conductor at the helm in Michael Fowles who will fight to his last breath to ensure he drags every last ounce out of his contender.
If they are truly confident and committed then Hepworth will live to fight another British Open day.
Player to listen out for:
Mike Kilroy – A remarkable man of so many talents, all of which he is very, very good at - especially on euphonium.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Andy Holmes
Principal Euphonium: Mike Kilroy
Soprano: Mark Smedley
Solo Horn: Danny Powell
Flugel: Katherine Bentham
Solo Trombone: Yvonne Embury
Baritone: Charmain Gott
Eb Tuba: Ian Tiffany
Bb Tuba: Mike Everett
4BR Ranking: 36
2014 Form:
Regionals: 10th (Yorkshire)
Appearances: 10th time
Debut: 2005
Open Record:
No wins
9 times unplaced:
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 12th (Michael Fowles) (3)
2012: Winners of Grand Shield (R. Gray) (prom): 11th (Michael Fowles) (6)
2011: 15th (Michael Bach) (rel) (8)
2010: 15th (Brian Grant) (5)
2009: 11th (Ian Porthouse) (14)
2008: 9th (Ian Porthouse) (17)
2007: 8th (Mark Bentham) (13)
2006: 11th (Mark Bentham) (6)
2005: Winners of Grand Shield (M. Bentham) (prom): 8th (Mark Bentham) (2)
Kirkintilloch
Conductor: David Roberts
Open Record:
Kirkintilloch has shown remarkable tenacity in maintaining their record of consecutive appearances at the British Open since their debut in 2001 - and that looks odds on to be maintained for another year at least following their excellent 7th place finish last year.
David Roberts certainly used all his years of experience to draw out a performance that resonated with the judges and showed that despite some inconsistent results of late they are a band that on its day can more than hold its own at the highest level.
They will certainly be well prepared, and with that leeway and some canny recent signings, the pressure may be off to enable them to shine once more.
Player to listen out for:
Gordon Jenkins - The former Stanley Wainright ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award winner at this event makes a welcome return to show that he has not lost any of his outstanding soprano playing talents.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Gregory Chaplin
Principal Euphonium: Andy Robson
Soprano: Gordon Jenkins
Solo Trombone: Helen Douthwaite
Solo Horn: Rachel Neil
Flugel: Fiona Pitcathley
Baritone: Christopher Flynn
Eb Tuba: Callum Reid
Bb Tuba: Kenny Brown
4BR Ranking: 23
2014 Form:
Regionals: 7th (Scotland)
Appearances: 14th time
Debut: 2001
Open Record:
1 Fourth: 2004
1 Fifth: 2008
11 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 2nd at Grand Shield (P. McCann) (prom); 7th (David Roberts) (10)
2012: 14th (Paul Holland) (14) (rel)
2011: 2nd at Grand Shield (G. Cutt) (prom): 16th (Luc Vertommen) (3)
2010: 17th (Garry Cutt) (10) (rel):
2009: 9th (Selmer Simonsen) (2)
2008: 5th (Selmer Simonsen) (15)
2007: 18th (Nigel Boddice) (2)
2006: 7th (Steve Bastable) (2)
2005: 13th (Steve Bastable) (8)
2004: 4th (Steve Bastable) (16)
2003: 11th (Frank Renton) (16)
2002: 12th (Frank Renton) (6)
2001: Winners of Grand Shield (A. Ramsay) (prom): 16th (Allan Ramsey) (19)
Leyland
Conductor: Michael Bach
Open Record:
With a test piece that demanded so much colour and character, Leyland were many people’s tip to do well last year, but somehow their challenge never materialised.
Now they are faced with the real prospect of a relegation battle if the same thing happens again - although you can be sure that whatever happens this time around, it won’t be for the lack of hard graft in preparation.
The quality is there all around the stands, and in their MD they have a musician who can inspire something special, so confidence should be high that they should get a mention at the right end of the results tale this time around despite a poor return at the Areas earlier in the season.
Player to listen out for:
Lucien Rey - The new principal cornet at Leyland is quickly becoming one of the best in the business. A real talent set to make a huge name for himself.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Lucien Rey
Principal Euphonium: James MacLeod
Soprano: Mark Harrison
Solo Trombone: Tom Challinor
Solo Horn: Rebecca Doyle
Flugel: John Doyle
Baritone: Ashley Jeffers
Eb Tuba: Chris Doran
Bb Tuba: Bill Carter
4BR Ranking: 11
2014 Form:
Regionals: 6th (North West)
Appearances: 42nd time
Debut: 1948
Open Record:
1 Win: 1994
3 Seconds: 1981, 1990, 1992
3 Thirds: 1989, 1991, 1996
4 Fourths: 1985, 1988, 2008, 2009
1 Fifth: 1993
3 Sixths: 1982, 1998, 2012
26 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 15th (Michael Bach) (6)
2012: 6th (Michael Bach) (11)
2011: 10th (Jason Katsikaris) (11)
2010: 12th (Philip Harper) (6)
2009: 4th (Jason Katsikaris) (13)
2008: Winners of Grand Shield (J. Katsikaris) (prom): 4th (Jason Katsikaris) (4)
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: 14th (Peter Bassano) (5) (rel)
2002: 11th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2001: 9th (Brian Grant) (5)
2000: 10th (Howard Snell) (10)
Milnrow
Conductor: Marieka Gray
Open Record:
After all the remarkable achievements of 2013, now comes the contesting reality that it starts all over again from scratch.
MD, Marieka Gray inspired her band to produce substantive performances that more than held their own at this contest and the Nationals last year, and showed again in coming 4th at the North West Area that they cannot be dismissed as a serious contender at any high class event. They were unlucky I many people’s opinion not to return to the Albert Hall that day.
The hard graft and commitment is a given, but they will also know that even after coming 13th last year they will have to produce a performance just as good if not better to avoid a possible return to the Grand Shield. Don’t bet against them doing that in spades.
Player to listen out for:
Mick Morris - An experienced performer who is able to provide the solo as well as section lead that any band would envy.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Russell Gray
Principal Euphonium: James Emberly
Soprano Cornet: Kenny Pain
Solo Trombone: Christopher Binns
Solo Horn: Donna Towse
Flugel: Natalie Beer
Baritone: Michael Thewliss
Eb Tuba: Gordon Clarke
Bb Tuba: Jonny Shaw
4BR Ranking: 27
2014 Form:
Regionals: 4th (North West)
Appearances: 2nd time
Debut: 2013
Open Record:
1 unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: Winners of Grand Shield (Marieka Gray) (prom); 13th (Marieka Gray (7)
2012: 8th (Marieka Gray)
2011: 8th (Marieka Gray)
2010: 4th in Senior Cup (Andrew White) (prom)
2009: Winners of Senior Trophy (John Ward) (prom)
2008: 10th (John Ward)
2007: 6th (Andrew White)
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: DNC
2000: DNC
Tredegar
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Open Record:
Tredegar return to the scene of perhaps the greatest triumph in their long history as one of the favourites to win the title.
That famous victory (and it was claimed with a truly fabulous performance) seemed to elevate the band into a different tier of contesting confidence and security, and they have not shown signs of wanting to come down ever since.
Ian Porthouse has a very settled band under this command that revels in hard work and a desire to keep improving. If they touch the same heights as last year they could well keep their hands on the most famous trophy in banding.
Player to listen out for:
Matthew White - A remarkably gifted musician, the euph star has become an integral part of the Welsh band’s contesting armoury.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Dewi Griffiths
Principal Euphonium: Matthew White
Soprano: Ian Roberts
Solo Trombone: Stephen Sykes
Solo Horn: Hannah Drage
Flugel: Danny Winder
Baritone: Jack Lapthorn
Eb Tuba: Michelle Hockings
Bb Tuba: Andy Russell
4BR Ranking: 2
2014 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (Wales)
Appearances: 20th time
Debut: 1976
Open Record:
2 Wins: 2010, 2013
1 Second: 1996
2 Sixths: 1997, 2011
14 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: Winners (Ian Porthouse) (8)
2012: 15th (Ian Porthouse) (12)
2011: 6th (Ian Porthouse) (14)
2010: Winners of Grand Shield (I. Porthouse) (prom); Winners (Ian Porthouse) (8)
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: 18th (Thomas Wyss) (5) (rel)
2004: 19th (Russell Gray) (15)
2003: 9th (Russell Gray) (18)
2002: 8th (Steve Bastable) (18)
2001: 13th (Steve Bastable) (17)
2000: 8th (Steve Bastable) (12)
Virtuosi GUS
Conductor: Adam Cooke
Open Record:
Perhaps emotion got the better of Virtuosi GUS last year as they failed really to show their true contest winning potential on John Berryman’s final British Open appearance with the band.
It was the same story at the Nationals, whilst at Butlins they simply never gelled, although they certainly returned to impressive form in winning the Midlands Area in superb fashion.
On that day they gave the type of performance that many people suspected had been waiting to happen on a major contesting stage for a couple of years - and this weekend they will need to produce one of the same quality again if they are to stave off any threat of relegation back to the Grand Shield.
You get the feeling that the band won’t let emotion get the better of them this time around.
Player to listen out for:
James Fountain - What a wonderful all round talent this young man is becoming. Make sure you get to hear him perform before the major orchestras of the world come knocking at his door…
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: James Fountain
Principal Euphonium: David Daws
Soprano: Martin Britt
Solo Horn: Nathan Waterman
Flugel: Thomas Fountain
Solo Trombone: Chris Jeans
Baritone: Paul Haigh
Eb Tuba: Robin Norman
Bb Tuba: Mike Smith
4BR Ranking: 19
2014 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 7th
Regionals: Winners (Midlands)
Appearances: 43rd time
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
26 times unplaced
Open Record since 2000:
Conductor and draw
2013: 14th (John Berryman) (11)
2012: 8th (John Berryman) (7)
2011: 8th (John Berryman) (1)
2010: 13th (John Berryman) (14)
2009: 2nd at Grand Shield (J. Berryman) (prom): 14th (John Berryman) (15)
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: 15th (Major Peter Parkes) (1) (rel)
2002: 17th (Brian Grant) (15)
2001: 10th (Frank Renton) (1)
2000: 7th (Melvin White) (6)
