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2014 4BR Awards — Player of the Year

Which individual performer showed us their brilliance to best effect in 2014?

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

Vincent and dad

Vincent Bearpark

Swiss banding is producing  numerous outstanding players at present - and none come better than this fantastic cornetist.

Once again this year he showed his class; purity of tone, frightening technique and a sense of musicianship that took the breath away.  He won the ‘Best Principal Cornet’ prize at the Swiss National Championship for a second successive year playing with Valaisia Brass Band with a display 24 carat gold plated class. His dad Angelo (left) ain't a bad player too...


David Childs

David Childs

Hard to know what to write.  His performances throughout 2014 have been nothing short of sensational - from Butlins to Brass in Concert, Torquay to Tokyo.

The added dimension is that he can stand shoulder to shoulder with any world class orchestral concerto artist - as shown by the exceptional playing on the CD ‘The Symphonic Euphonium’ with Bramwell Tovey and the National Orchestra of Wales.



Gary Curtin

Gary Curtin

The Black Dyke star has long made the solo euphonium seat at Queensbury his own - but in 2014 he welded his musical personality to it.

He was outstanding on the contest stage - especially at the majors, whilst his solo spot performance at the pre-results concert at the Royal Albert Hall was a showcase of sheer delightful self confidence.


Zoe Hancock

Zoe Hancock

The exceptional young Cornish flugel player was Black Dyke’s undoubted star performer in 2014 - and that took some doing given the form the band was in.

Winning the ‘Best Soloist’ awards at both the British Open and National Finals was some achievement, but it was the way in which she played (not just on the contest stage) with such musicality that left an indelible mark on everyone who heard her perform.


Pippa Scourse

Pippa Scourse

What a talent we have here.  The 16 year old Seindorf Beuamaris Youth Band principal cornet is already a very accomplished player, but she also has the untapped potential to become much, much more.

We have heard her perform as a student in a masterclass, as a stand up soloist and principal cornet with her home band and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, and each time she has left us (as well as audiences) open mouthed in admiration.



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


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

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