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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.



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

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