Articles /2004
2004 4BR Awards — The Results
December 25, 2004
Who came top of the 4BR Awards for 2004 then? If you are ready, we shall reveal the long awaited list of winners.
2004 Rankings round-up — All the ups and downs of 2004
December 23, 2004
So after another year of some fine contesting around the globe, who are the 2004 winners and losers in ther 4barsrest world rankings?
2004 4BR End of term reports — 4BR Grade the top 25 students
December 24, 2004
How have the class of 2004 done at the year long slog of examinations that were put in front of them by the musical inspectors throughout the UK and Europe this year. And what will the 4BR Headteacher write on their annual reports back to their parents.
2004 4BR Band of the Year — The 25 players and 4 percussionists
December 22, 2004
Who are the players (and conductor) who we have chosen as the 4BR Band of the Year for 2004? Some great performers from all around the world have made it into our band for us, but do you agree with our choices?
Soapbox Opinion — Number 3: Philip Lawrence
December 22, 2004
Composer Philip Lawrence gets on his soapbox and gives a quite surreal blast from his spleen about our approach in the brass band movement to the works of hard working, underated and underpaid composers.
Thanks for the Memory No 11 — The Oughton Family (Part 3 of 3)
December 21, 2004
Chris Helme looks at the third and final part of the remarkable story of one of the movements greatest ever brass banding families - the Oughtons who can claim over a century of brass players in their ranks.
Thanks for the Memory No 11 — The Oughton Family (Part 2 of 3)
December 21, 2004
Chris Helme looks at the second part [of 3] of the remarkable story of one of the movements greatest ever brass banding families - the Oughtons who can claim over a century of brass players in their ranks.
Thanks for the Memory No 11 — The Oughton Family (Part 1 of 3)
December 21, 2004
Legends in Brass:
Chris Helme looks at the first part [of 3] of the remarkable story of one of the movements greatest ever brass banding families - the Oughtons who can claim over a century of brass players in their ranks.
The top 10 — 10 Most Influential People in the Brass Band Movement
December 20, 2004
We first produced our list in 2002, but who are the 10 most influential people around in the movement as we enter 2005, and have any or all of the class of 2002 survived or have some fallen away?
Masterclass number 3 — How to practice - by Roger Webster
December 20, 2004
In the third part of his current series of masterclasses, Roger Webster gives you tips on how to improve by practice (something we all need to do more of!).
2004 4BR Awards — 4BR Special Award
December 13, 2004
Every year we make a special award to someone, or an organisation who we believe has enhanced the brass band movement, not only in the past 12 months but perhaps throughout their lifetime. This year we are proud to make that award to David Read.
2004 4BR Awards — Test Piece of the Year
December 12, 2004
What was the best piece any band performed during 2004 then? Lots of stuff played - some great, some good, some not worthy of a mention maybe?
2004 4BR Awards — Newcomer of the Year
December 13, 2004
Which talent do you think made the biggest new impression on the banding scene during 2004? Lots to choose from.
2004 4BR Awards — Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year
December 13, 2004
Who were the best Lower Section/Youth Band in 2004 then? Some quite brilliant achievements during the past 12 months from lots of bands, so if you think your band were the best, then get voting.
2004 4BR Awards — 2004 Contest Performance of the Year
December 13, 2004
Here is a real tricky one for you to vote on. What was the very best contest performance you heard during 2004 - and we don'y just mean one that took the winners prize either. There is a possible endless selection to choose from...
2004 4BR Awards — Solo CD of the Year
December 13, 2004
Some of the very best performers in the movement have released CDs this year, and all have been of fantastic quality. It's going to be a pretty difficult choice for you to make.
2004 4BR Awards — CD of the Year
December 13, 2004
There have been some fine recordings released by numerous band during the past 12 months, but which one did you think was the best of the lot. There was plenty to choose from.
2004 4BR Awards — Player of the Year
December 13, 2004
We have some of the greatest talents in the world within our movement, but who do you think was the one absolute star of the year.
2004 4BR Awards — Conductor of the Year
December 13, 2004
Who do you think should gain the accolade as the best stickman (or woman) for 2004. There have been some pretty exciting talents on show on the podium in the past 12 months.
2004 4BR Awards — Band of the Year
December 13, 2004
Who do you think shoud be awarded the accolade as the 4BR Band of the Year for 2004. Plenty to choose from isn't there?
2004 4BR Awards — Introduction
December 13, 2004
It’s award time again! We know everyone else gets in on the act at this time of year, but 4BR has been making these nominations for you, our readers to vote on (or not as the case may be) since we started in 2001, so we think they are of some importance.
2004 Scottish Open Championships — Youth Brass Band Retrospective
December 5, 2004
It wasn't just the top bands battling it out in Glasgow last weekend as the very best Youth bands north of the border entertained as well at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships.
2004 Scottish Open Championships — Retrospective
November 30, 2004
4BR looks back at Hepworth (Persimmon Homes) triumph in Glasgow, as a well organised event still needs support - both financial and human if it is to flourish.
2004 Scottish Open Championships — The adjudicators
November 23, 2004
David Read, Dr. Roy Newsome and Christopher Wormald are the three men in the box this year. We have their details.
2004 Scottish Open Championships — The competing bands
November 23, 2004
We have a look at the form of the 16 bands hoping to to win the title of Scottish Open Champions and the £3,000 top prize on offer.
2004 Scottish Open Championships — Introduction and dodgy predictions
November 23, 2004
Royal Concert Hall
Glasgow
Sunday, 28 November 2004
2004 Spennymoor Brass in Concert — Retrospective
November 23, 2004
Support by Amicus, TUC, World of Brass
Spennymoor Leisure Centre
Sunday 21st November 2004
Remembrance - In Memorium Edwin Firth — by Allan Littlemore
November 23, 2004
With the 90th anniversary of the Great War just passed, Allan Littlemore pays tribute to one of the numerous bandsmen to give their lives for our freedom - the great Edwin Firth.
Masterclass number 2 — by Roger Webster
November 17, 2004
Roger looks at the somewhat neglected art of "warming up".
Brass in Concert Championships — The Records [1977-2004]
November 14, 2005
Who's won what and when. Winners and conductors, best soloists, march prize and all the awards fromth the UK's premier entertainment competition.
2004 Spennymoor Brass in Concert — The competing bands
November 17, 2004
We cast our eyes over the 10 bands competing this year, look at their past records, and the programmes they have used to try and impress the judges.
2004 Spennymoor Brass in Concert — Introduction and dodgy predictions
November 17, 2004
We look at this years 28th running of the premier brass band entertainment contest in the UK, where 10 top class bands line up to showcase their talents.
2004 British Open Solo & Quartet Championships — Retrospective
November 11, 2004
British Open Solo & Quartet Championships
Supported by Tameside MBC
Hyde Town Hall, Sunday 7th November 2004
2004 US Open Championships — Postcard from Chicago
November 10, 2004
As the song goes: Chicago is 4BR's sort of town...
2004 US Open Brass Band Championships — Retrospective
November 9, 2004
4BR looks back at the 2nd US Open - an event that has made steady start and that seems to have a very bright future ahead of it - although not as bright as the smile of the winning MD from Florida!
2004 US Open Brass Band Championships — Contest information and preview
November 3, 2004
4BR will be off to the USA this weekend to report on the US Open Championships. We are looking forward to it - as long as they have sorted out that Presidential thing.
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Retrospective: Fourth Section
November 2, 2004
A wonderful contest in the Fourth Section kick started the whole weekend - great music, great performers and a great winning show as well.
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Retrospective: Third Section
November 2, 2004
A very difficult test for the Third Section, but two bands proved that they were a class above the rest in a contest that all the bands impressed the judges.
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Retrospective: Second Section
November 2, 2004
"The Deep" proved to be a perilous journey for nearly all the bands in the Second Section - some drowned, some took on water, but the winners totally commanded the waves
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Retrospective: First Section
November 2, 2004
The First Section proved a difficult test for the bands who had to overcome Philip Sparke's set work. In the end though it was Wrexham Brass who do it in some style.
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Retrospective: Championship section
November 2, 2004
4BR looks back at a the The Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championship contest which was won by a pair of up and coming stars of the brass band movement.
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — A Pontins Postcard
November 2, 2004
4BR was not only there for the bands and the music. We also cast our eye around to take in the full Pontins experience as well. Well you would want us to wouldn't you?
Pontins Brass Band Championships — Adjudicators: 1974-2004
October 29, 2004
Just in case you wondered who was the bloke in the box who either thought you were brilliant, or sunk your chances quicker than the Titanic, then we have looked back over the 30 years found out who was where and when.
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — The Adjudicators
October 29, 2004
We take a closer look at the 6 men in the box for this year's Pontins Brass Band Championships. These are the chaps the bands will have to impress.
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Fourth Section
October 29, 2004
Saturday 30th October
Venue: Lunars Hall
Test Piece: Attleborough Suite - Malcolm Arnold
Adjudicators: Roy Sparkes and Christopher Wormald
Commence: 9.00am
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Third Section
October 28, 2004
Saturday 30th October
Venue: Lunars Hall
Test Piece: Prelude and Jubilate - Darrol Barry
Adjudicators: Malcolm Brownbill & David Read
Commence: 2.00pm approx
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Second Section
October 28, 2004
Sunday 31st October
Venue: Lunars Hall
Test Piece: The Deep - Bram Wiggins
Adjudicators: Colin Hardy and Raymond Tennant.
Commence: 9.00am
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — First Section
October 28, 2004
Saturday 30th October
Venue: Fun Factory Ballroom
Test Piece: A London Overture - Philip Sparke
Adjudicators: Colin Hardy and Raymond Tennant
Commence: 10.00am
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championship
October 28, 2004
Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championship
Test Piece: Dances and Arias - Edward Gregson
Adjudicators: David Read and Malcolm Brownbill
Sunday 31st October
Commence: 10.00am
2004 Pontins Brass Band Championships — Introduction
October 28, 2004
This weekend sees the 31st running of the Pontins Brass Band Championships - so plenty of bands, beer and bad weather is guarenteed.
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — Contest Retrospective
October 20, 2004
4BR looks back at the thrills and spills of the 2004 Nationals and the 20th victory for Black Dyke - just in time for their 150th birthday celebrations.
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — Final Impressions
October 19, 2004
4BR looks at those little moments of incidents, accidents, of the inspired and perspired, the winners and losers of the Nationals weekend.
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — Adjudicators Official Remarks
October 18, 2004
We have the written remarks from Dr. Michael Ball, David Read and Malcolm Brownbill on the bands who came in the top six at the Royal Albert Hall. Find out exactly what they thought.
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — The Hat Trick Club
October 12, 2004
Can Fairey FP (Music) become the latest member of a very elite club. 4BR looks at those who have made it onto the select club membership list and those who have just missed out.
National Championships of Great Britain — The 10 Greatest Winning Performances
October 4, 2004
We had to think long and hard about our top ten for this, especially as in reality any band that has actually won the title could in theory say they won it with a "great performance".
National Championships of Great Britain — The Luck of the Draw: 1968-2003
October 4, 2004
We've been trawling through the record books once more and have updated those types of details that keep your Band Secretary awake at night with nightmares. Yes – the draw.
National Championships of Great Britain — The 1,000 Guinea Trophy
October 4, 2004
David Caldwell looks at the intriguing history of perhaps the most famous trophy in the history of the brass band movement, which today resides in the Museum of Welsh Life near Cardiff.
National Championships of Great Britain — 105 Useless facts and figures
October 4, 2004
You never know – there may be something in here to get you boring your friends (if you have any) down the pub after practice. Just wait for the first remark of "... get a life". 105 facts and figures - 1 for every year since 1900
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — The conductors records
October 12, 2004
Here's the list they don't like you looking at. Each of the 20 conductors will have some sort of form at the Royal Albert Hall – some good, some nearly great and more than a few with entries that list them as making up the numbers.
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — Test Piece Review
October 12, 2004
"…all the flowers of the mountain…"
by Dr. Michael Ball
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — The Adjudicators
October 12, 2004
We take a closer look at the three men in box for this year's Nationals.
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — The Competitors
October 12, 2004
The 2004 National Finals sees 20 bands once more try and win the coveted title of Champion Brass Band of Great Britain.
2004 National Championships of Great Britain — Introduction
October 4, 2004
Royal Albert Hall, London
16 October 2004
2004 British Open Championships — Contest Retrospective
September 23, 2004
4BR looks back at the 19 performances that made up the 152nd British Open and tries to decide why come results time the image of Nicolae Ceaucescu came to mind.
2004 British Open — A contest within a contest proves not to be a contest at all
September 23, 2004
John James looks at the bare stats from the 2004 British Open and tries to explain how and why it all worked out as it did.
2004 British Open Championships — Foden's triumph of spirit over adversity
September 23, 2004
4BR looks at the spirit of the Foden's Richardson Band which was the defining hallmark of their 10th British Open title.
2004 British Open Championships — The Adjudicators' Comments
September 22, 2004
If you want to know what the three men in box thought of the top six performances then read on. 4BR has the official adjudications from the Open.
British Open Championships — The Top 10 Most Successful MDs at the Open
September 7, 2005
We have once again trawled through the record books to find out who have been the most successful Musical Directors (or conductors as they should really be called) at the British Open since the first contest in 1853 to the 153rd this year.
British Open Championships — William Halliwell (1864 - 1946)
September 10, 2003
Allan Littlemore profiles the story of William Halliwell, the most successful conductor at the British Open Championships in the 20th Century. 17 times he was a winner over a 26 year period. Will anyone beat that in the next 100 years?
British Open Championships — The Lottery of the Draw
September 7, 2005
4BR has further updated its stats file to reveal what are the best draws to gain a win for the bands at the Open. Guess what? You won't be suprised at what we've found.
British Open Championships — The Grand Shield Qualifiers
September 7, 2005
4BR updates the record of how the qualifiers from the Grand Shield Contest have done at the Open since 1972. It makes sobering reading.
British Open Championships — 153 Useless Facts and Figures
September 8, 2005
4BR has updated our useless facts and figures again to give you 153 pieces of absolutely pointless pieces of trivia (one for every year) to bore the pants off your friends down the pub (if you really have any left that is).
2004 British Open Championships — The Test Pieces and the Composers
September 16, 2004
4BR looks at the three test pieces for the bands this year, and finds out a little more about the composers who wrote them.
2004 British Open Championships — The Conductors Track Records
September 15, 2004
4BR looks at the track records of the 19 men who will take to the stage this year to try and get their name on the most famous trophy in the banding world.
2004 British Open Championships — The Runners and Riders
September 14, 2004
4BR looks at the 19 contenders from the UK and New Zealand, who will be trying to put their names on the famous Gold Trophy for all eternity.
2004 British Open Championships — Preview and Predictions
September 14, 2004
4BR previews the 152nd British Open Championships and the issues it has once more brought to the fore. All that and then we give our predictions as well.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Fourth Section retrospective
September 22, 2004
Iwan Fox looks back at the Fourth Section where the Londoners of Potters Bar took the honours in what was a very difficult and stressful days work for the vast majority of the competitors and their MDs.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Third Section Retrospective
September 21, 2004
John James looks back over the Third Section and two superb performances from bands that took the subject matter of Darrol Barry's test piece and made it an easy days work for the judges.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Second Section retrospective
September 21, 2004
Malcolm Wood looks back at the contest when Michael Ball's "Chaucer's Tunes" gave plenty of the bands problems to get to grips with - except the sexy bits of course!
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — First Section retrospective
September 21, 2004
Malcolm Wood looks back at the First Section, where Rodney Newton's "Elfland" Fantasy proved a test piece too far, for far too many.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Overall Retrospective
September 21, 2004
4BR takes an overall look back at Harrogate 2004 and declares it a success (with a couple of reservations of course).
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Test Piece Reviews
September 9, 2004
4BR looks at each of the set works for this years contests. Some great works and some very descriptive writing is one offer for the payers and the audience alike to enjoy.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Our Dodgy Predictions
September 9, 2004
4BR has made its scientifically proved, state of the art predictions of who we think is going to win in Harrogate on the weekend. Not even the jockey Keiran Fallon could pick more winners than us could he?
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Adjudicators
September 7, 2004
We take a closer look at the men in box for this year's Nationals in Harrogate.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Fourth Section
September 6, 2004
Band by band analysis of all the competitors battling it out for the crown of Fourth Section Champions of Great Britain 2004.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Third Section
September 6, 2004
Band by band analysis of all the competitors battling it out for the crown of Third Section Champions of Great Britain 2004.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Second Section
September 6, 2004
Band by band analysis of all the competitors battling it out for the crown of Second Section Champions of Great Britain 2004.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — First Section
September 6, 2004
Band by band analysis of all the competitors battling it out for the crown of First Section Champions of Great Britain 2004.
National Championships 2004 - Harrogate — Introduction
September 6, 2004
Harrogate Conference Centre, Harrogate, Yorkshire, 11-12 September 2004.
Masterclass number 1 — by Roger Webster
September 22, 2004
Roger Webster starts his series of masterclasses on the topics of Preperation, Practice and Performance as a taster for his forthcoming study book.
Soapbox opinions — Number 2: Dave Payn
September 17, 2004
Dave Payn, Principal Cornet of the Fulham Brass Band and conductor of the Merton Concert Band gets on his soapbox and gives his fourpenneth worth on adjudication at lower section contests.
In Crocodile Dundee Territory — Andrew Snell
September 17, 2004
In the second of her series of "Brits Down Under", Amanda Casagrande catches up with Andrew Snell, ex Grimethorpe Bass Trombone, 3500km in the Outback.
Astley Youth Band — 10th Anniversary Tour
August 13, 2004
Alpe d'Huez, France
18th - 26th July 2004
Conducting Technique — by James McFadyen
August 10, 2004
Young composer and conductor James McFadyen explores the art of conducting technique.
Banding downunder — Peter Younghusband
August 5, 2004
Amanda Casagrande continues her look at the brass band scene in Australia with a profile of one of the many "ex pats" who has been making a name for himself out there - Peter "Monkey" Younghusband.
Soapbox opinions — Number 1: David Ashworth
August 5, 2004
The start of a new series from 4BR sees different people in the brass band world given the chance to air their opinions about the big questions of the day. We start off with David Ashworth giving his two penny worth.
Advert: Time for an Oil Change? — by Roger Webster
July 26, 2004
Roger Webster has brought out a brand new range of Eco-lube instrument lubricants.
An overview of brass banding in Australia — by Amanda Casagrande
July 25, 2004
Amanda Casagrande gives a personal overview of the current brass band scene in Australia, where size really does matter!
Tour de France — Carlton Brass style
July 25, 2004
The Midlanders have just returned from a very enjoyable tour of France. This is their very personal account of the trip to enhance the "Entent Cordiale" between our two great nations.
My Australian Diary - Part 3 — by Katrina Marzella
July 20, 2004
The Australian National Band Championships 2004 – Launceston, Tasmania. Katrina Marzella sends us the third part of her Aussie experience.
My Australian Diary - Part 2 — by Katrina Marzella
July 20, 2004
"Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Brett...":
Katrina Marzella sends us the second part of her Aussie experience.
Euphonium Masterclass with David Thornton — No1. Back to Basics
July 13, 2004
Black Dyke's David Thornton starts his new series of masterclasses on the art of euphonium playing. It all starts with Back to Basics.
2004 West Lothian Festival of Brass Final — Retrospective
June 30, 2004
27th June 2004
Howden Park Centre
Livingston.
2004 Whit Friday March Contest — Retrospective
June 9, 2004
Our man Malcolm Wood was out and about on the longest and most enjoyable day of contesting in the brass band calendar.
Thanks for the Memory No 10 — Arthur Laycock
June 8, 2004
Legends in Brass: Arthur Laycock
"…Trumpeter - what are you sounding now…"
By Chris Helme
2004 All England Masters Championship — Adjudicators Concise Remarks
June 5, 2004
Find out what Messers Newsome, Read and Scott thought of the performances of the prize-winning bands.
2004 All England Masters Championship — Retrospective
June 4, 2004
4BR looks back on a day when YBS sunk the opposition on Harrison's Dream
2004 All England Masters Championships — Test Piece Review
May 25, 2004
We look at Peter Graham's fine set work for this years contest - Harrison's Dream.
All England Masters Championships — 50 Facts you need to know
May 25, 2004
4BR updates its 50 facts about the All England Masters. You will be surprised what we have come up with - honestly!
All England Masters Championship — The Records
May 25, 2004
All the records you need to know about the All England Masters Contest this weekend. It's anorak heaven.
2004 All England Masters Championship — The Dedicated Service Award - John Berryman
May 26, 2004
4BR pays its own tribute to John Berryman, who is the recipient of the 2004 All England Masters Dedicated Service Award. A tremendous musician and a very fine man to boot.
2004 All England Masters Championship — The Conductors Records
May 25, 2004
We cast our beady eye over the men in charge this weekend to see which of them have done well here, and those who haven't quite hit the heights.
2004 All England Masters Championships — Band by Band Analysis
May 25, 2004
4BR casts its eye over the 19 contenders for the Masters Crown. Who will travel in hope and who will travel with real expectations.
2004 All England Masters Championships — Introduction and dodgy predictions
May 25, 2004
4BR looks at the forthcoming 2004 Masters in Cambridge and take a bit of a punt on who we think might well come up trumps on Sunday.
2004 Spring Festival — Retrospective - Senior Trophy
May 16, 2004
John James gives his own retrospective view on the Senior Trophy and wonders if he was the only one who got things wrong.
2004 Spring Festival — Retrospective - Senior Cup
May 16, 2004
4BR looks back at the Senior Cup contest and the win from the dreaded number 1 spot for Ransomes on a day when only one other band really pushed them close.
2004 Spring Festival — Retrospective - Grand Shield
May 16, 2004
4BR looks back on a Grand Shield which saw Sellers, Rothwell and Desford make it out of the contesting scrum and to Birmingham and the British Open.
2004 Spring Festival — Live: Senior Trophy
May 8, 2004
Live band by band coverage from Blackpool's Winter Gardens
2004 Spring Festival — Live: Senior Cup
May 8, 2004
Live band by band coverage from Blackpool's Winter Gardens
2004 Spring Festival — Live: Grand Shield
May 8, 2004
Live band by band coverage from Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
2004 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy - Band by band analysis
May 6, 2004
4BR casts its eye over the bands trying to get one of the four promotion places up for grabs in the Senior Trophy. These are the 19 bands taking part on Saturday.
2004 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy - Introduction and dodgy predictions
May 6, 2004
The most junior of the Spring Festival contests, the Senior Trophy returned to the fold in 2002 and provides ambitious bands the first opportunity to climb up the ladder towards the British Open Championships.
2004 Spring Festival — The test pieces
May 6, 2004
4BR take a closer look at this year's test pieces. They are Les Préludes, Liszt, arranged Bram Gay (second edition); Journey into Freedom - Eric Ball and Concerto for Band - John Golland.
2004 Spring Festival — The adjudicators
May 5, 2004
Six men will make the decisions that will make or break the bands this weekend. Nice to see some fresh new faces to add to the undoubted experience of the likes of Roy Newsome, James Scott, Geoffrey Whitham and Derek Broadbent.
Spring Festival — Grand Shield - How the Open qualifiers have performed
May 5, 2004
4BR takes a look at how the qualifiers from the Grand Shield to the British Open have done since 1991.
Spring Festival — Grand Shield - Time line
May 5, 2004
The Grand Shield came into being in 1921 and has a history and heritage that is inextricably linked with the British Open Contest and the Belle Vue Gardens in Manchester.
2004 Spring Festival — Senior Cup - Band by band analysis
May 5, 2004
4BR casts its eye over the bands trying to get one of the four promotion places up for grabs in the Senior Cup. These are the bands taking part on Saturday.
2004 Spring Festival — Senior Cup - Introduction and dodgy predictions
May 5, 2004
The Senior Cup should prove to be a very interesting competition. Plenty of good bands and a great test piece to listen to. This is what we think may happen.
2004 Spring Festival — Grand Shield - Band by band analysis
May 5, 2004
We cast our eye over the 22 bands on show this Saturday in Blackpool. Plenty of talented players, determined MDs and lots and lots of pure unbridled ambition to get to Birmingham.
2004 Spring Festival — Grand Shield - Introduction and dodgy predictions
May 5, 2004
This Saturday sees the 84th running of the Grand Shield Contest - the hardest brass band contest in the world to win. 22 bands will be trying to book a place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham in September, and we will be there to report on how they do.
2004 European Championships — Retrospective - First Section
May 12, 2004
An enjoyable First Section Contest provided further evidence that the European brass band movement is alive and well, but just needs a little bit of a helping hand.
2004 European Championships — European Soloist Competition and Concert
May 12, 2004
We have a quick look back on the evening when three tremendous solo players gave us a feast of quality playing and Stavanger showed us how to entertain.
2004 European Championships — EBBA Open Forum - Nigel Boddice
May 12, 2004
Our man John James was on hand to hear the very interesting presentation given by Nigel Boddice. Here are his thoughts.
2004 European Championships — Kenneth Downie - St. Magnus
May 12, 2004
John James was on hand to hear the illuminating talk given by the composer of St. Magnus, Kenneth Downie.
2004 European Championships — Retrospective - Championship Contest
May 12, 2004
4BR looks back at the Championship Contest, which saw victory go once more to the Yorkshire Building Society Band and Professor David King
2004 European Championships — Live: Own Choice test pieces
May 1, 2004
Live coverage of the own choice pieces from Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall. Regular band by band updates.
2004 European Championships — Live: Set test piece
April 30, 2004
Live coverage of the set test piece St. Magnus, by Kenneth Downie, from Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall. Regular band by band updates.
European Championships — First section results archive
April 25, 2005
Results archive for the First Section contest
2004 European Championships — First section championships
April 29, 2004
The Europeans is not just about the very best bands slugging it out against each other. Since 1994, there has been a First Section Contest, primarily set up to encourage and develop brass banding in countries that did not have a strong historical base.
2004 European Championships — YBS - Player by player
April 26, 2004
4BR looks at the men and women of the current European Champions, the Yorkshire Building Society Band, with a little self deprecating help from the players commenting on each other.
European Championships — Aragorn - The forgotten test piece
April 26, 2004
What does the 1991 European Championships in Rotterdam have in common with the British National Championships of 1973? Well the answer is that both contests rejected the original choices of test pieces that were made for them for that year.
European Championships — The First European Championships
April 26, 2004
Royal Albert Hall, London
Sunday 8th October 1978
European Championships — Five best and the five worst moments
April 26, 2004
The European Championships like any other institution has had its memorable moments. We have therefore cast our very selective memory over events since 1978 and picked the 5 best and the 5 worst moments.
European Championships — Facts and figures
April 26, 2004
4BR has updated our useless facts and figures for you to cast an eye over and inwardly digest. You can amaze your friends with all the trivia here (if you have any left that is).
2004 European Championships — Own choice selections
April 26, 2004
Over the years this has proved to be the most fascinating aspect of the contest as bands have tried to "showcase" their talents to impress the judges. Sometimes though the music loses out as the bands try to bring the house down.
European Championships — The Records
April 26, 2004
4BR has updated all those records that are so essential to bore the pants off your friends down the pub. Here's the full list of who has won what and how many times, who was in the box etc - we can hear some people starting to yawn already.
European Championships — Frozen in Time
April 26, 2004
4BR has delved into the archives to unearth three photos of winning bands from three different decades. These would have laid gathering dust until we did our Lord Caernavon/Howard Carter impression and did a bit of music archaeology.
2004 European Championships — St. Magnus - Set Test Piece
April 26, 2004
Kenneth Downie has decided to test the bands at the European Championships with a set work entitled "St. Magnus" Variations for the European. It is available from SP&S publihsers. Study scores will be available on the day of the contest.
2004 European Championships — The Adjudicators
April 26, 2004
Six men (no women) will this year make the decision to choose the 27th European Champions. No notes will be produced to scrutinise afterwards, so clear heads and lots of musical experience will count.
2004 European Championships — Band by band analysis
April 26, 2004
4BR casts it eye over the bands who will be locking horns at the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall on the weekend. This year there is a fantastically strong line up of bands from around Europe who will compete to become the 27th Champion Brass Band of Europe.
2004 European Championships — Introduction and dodgy predictions
April 26, 2004
4BR starts its coverage of the 27th European Brass Band Championships with a look at the fair city of Glasgow and then a look at who we think may come out on top on the weekend itself.
