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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.



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.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

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