The draw for the 2009 Brass in Concert Championship has been made.

Far and wide

12 top ranked bands will compete at the event at The Sage, Gateshead later this year, with reigning champion, Cory, joined by bands from as far as the USA in the shape of USA Open champions Fountain City Brass and Norway, with Manger Musikklag.

The bands to drop out filled three of the bottom four places at the 2008 contest – YBS, Whitburn and Hepworth, meaning that there will be no Scottish challenge for the first time since 19844br

Closer to home

Closer to home, Yorkshire provides a string challenge in the shape of Grimethorpe, Brighouse & Rastrick, Carlton Main Frickley and debutants, Rothwell Temperance, who get a spot at the contest following their successful 2009 season.

The North West sends the equally strong trio of Fodens, Fairey and Leyland, with the Midlands sole representative coming in the shape of Desford.

Reg Vardy retains the contest’s local flavour by maintaining its ever-present record at the contest.

Dropped out

The bands to drop out this year filled three of the bottom four places at the 2008 contest – YBS, Whitburn and Hepworth, meaning that there will be no Scottish challenge for the first time since 1984.

Raised eyebrows

There will be some eyebrows raised that Reg Vardy remains at the contest despite its recent poor record, whilst Rothwell’s deserved inclusion has also followed a high profile bit of lobbying as well as excellent contest results of late.

There was some disquiet following Whitburn’s result last year – a matter that 4BR understands resulted in discussion between both organisers and the band, and although there has been no public statement over the alleged concerns there is no Scottish representative this year.

Draw:

1. Carlton Main Frickley
2. Rothwell Temperance
3. Fountain City Brass
4. Manger Musikklag
5. Cory
6. Desford Colliery
7. Leyland
8. Reg Vardy
9. Foden’s
10. Brighouse & Rastrick
11. Fairey
12. Grimethorpe Colliery