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2014 4BR Awards — Band of the Year

Who do you think should be awarded the accolade of 2014 Band of the Year?

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

Black Dyke

There is little doubt that 2014 has been the year of contesting renaissance for the Queensbury band.

The seventh ‘Double’ in their 160 year history was one heck of an achievement, but it was the way in which they completely dominated their opposition at the British Open and National Finals (not forgetting their own choice performance at the Europeans)   with displays of unbridled self-confidence that left the lasting impression.

Their place in Pondasher history has been secured - and could well signal the start of something even more special.


Luzern

Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern

They may not have been quite able to retain their domestic Swiss National title in November and were beaten at the Swiss Open, but you cannot deny the significance of their European title success in Scotland.

At their best, as was shown in Perth, and with their own choice performance at the Nationals in Montreux, when they almost took the roof off the Stravinsky Auditorium, they are a band capable of reaching the very pinnacle of contesting excellence.

They certainly sent a shiver down your spine at times in 2014, and their appearance at the British Open in September will be eagerly anticipated - although perhaps not by rival UK bands...


Eikanger

Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag

The standard bearers of Norwegian musical excellence were close to their very best yet again in 2014, despite finishing the year with just the one major title to their name.

They were commanding in winning the National title for a fourth consecutive time in Bergen under Prof David King, and were just a short neck away from regaining what is proving to be an elusive European title for the first time since 1990 in Perth.

All that and they continue to break new boundaries with their artistic projects and CD recordings - achievements already acknowledged by the financial support they receive from the Norwegian Arts Council.


Flowers

Flowers

There was a real - we do mean real - threat of Flowers winning every contest they entered in 2014.

Big money wins at Butlins and Yeovil were quickly followed by commanding West of England and Grand Shield victories.

They then silenced any doubters who harboured question marks about their major title winning credentials with a podium finish at the British Open and top six finishes at London and The Sage.

How they can improve on that in2015 remains to be seen - but if they can repeat this type of form, then they won’t half come close yet again.


Stavanger

Stavanger

Confirmation came in 2014 that Stavanger is back to being close to its best once again.

Their third place finish at a very high class Norwegian National was encouraging enough, but it was their superb performance in winning the North American National Championship and then in retaining their Siddis Entertainment title (all under the baton of Allan Withington) that really made a lasting mark.

Always inventive, innovative and at times truly inspired, you suspect 2015 can’t come soon enough...



Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

December 24 • Solo Baritone Eb Bass and Percussion required to complete the line up building towards the NEMBBA and area contests. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill the few remaining seats.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

December 19 • Current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists. We have recently appointed a new MD and are now looking to fill a few empty seats! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Dobcross Silver Band

December 14 • Looking for a new challenge in the New Year? . Dobcross Silver Band is a progressive and Successful 3rd section band on the lookout for a competent SOLO BARITONE PLAYER. If you are a team player you fit perfectly! Really enjoyable rehearsals here!


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

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