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2014 4BR Awards — Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year

So many bands had a 2014 to remember — so which one deserves the accolade as Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year?

The nominations from the 4BR team for consideration are...

Ebbw Valley

Ebbw Valley

The remarkable Gwent valleys contest juggernaut shows no sign of slowing down in its bid to reach its ultimate Championship Section destination.

Along the way they continued to pick up first prizes at just about every contest they entered in 2014 (9 more) - including the most commanding of Third Section National Championship victories at Cheltenham (adding to their 2013 Fourth Section success) under their inspirational MD, Gareth Ritter, and yet another Welsh League title.


Manger

Manger Skulemusikklag

Proof positive that the Norwegians really do know how to produce a brilliant youth band - and one even more remarkably, which gains all its players from just one school.

They produced a stunning performance set in winning the Development Section of European Youth Competition in Perth under MD, Thorgeir Thunstveit, with a display of mature musicality that was way beyond their tender years.


Beaumaris

Seindorf Beaumaris Youth

Welsh banding is certainly enjoying a purple period of success, but it is not just the ensembles of South Wales that are coming up with the title winning goods.

Packed to the rafters with talent and led by an inspirational MD, this is a band with a voracious appetite for hard work and musical excellence.

That was both seen and heard in winning the Action Research Entertainment title, the Newtown and North Wales contests - and most defiantly in wowing the crowds with their concerts at the Brass in Concert Championship.


Tullis Russell Trophies

Tullis Russell Mills Intermediate

If you are looking for a blueprint for long term banding success then you won’t go far wrong by copying what the Tullis Russell organisation is doing.

Clear headed thinking, achievable aims and objectives, hard graft and a musical ethos of enjoyment, permeate everything - and their shining gem in 2014 was their Intermediate Band.

They may have played in seven contests and won one - the Scottish Championship - but that wasn’t the sole reason for them taking to the stage. Others wanting to do things properly with youth development please take note. What a future beckons.


YOuth Brass

Youth Brass 2000

Talking of things to come - what fantastic playing futures have already been created for his remarkable young players over the last decade or more by Chris Jeans.

2014 saw them claim yet another Butlins Youth Championship title, gain victory at the British Open Brass at the Guild Hall contest and capture first prize in the Championship Section of the National Youth Championships.  Just the Action Research title eluded them - but what a year - and what a cracking band.



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


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

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