The growing strength in depth of the top section of Belgian banding was shown in Leuven at the weekend, where Brass Band Buizingen claimed their first National title under the direction of Luc Vertommen.

Podium finishes

After many years of consistent podium finishes at the contest, the band produced a winning performance of John Pickard’s ‘Eden’ that saw them claim the title ahead of Noord-Limburgse Brassband directed by Ivan Meylemans, and with former champions, Brass Band Willebroek in third. Last year’s champion, Festival Brass came fourth.

British line up

The all British line up of judges for the top section of David Read, Malcolm Brownbill (both of whom judged on the piece at the Great Britain Nationals Royal Albert Hall in 2005) and Derek Broadbent remarked on the high quality of the band playing they had heard on the day.

Buizingen, who have created a hard earned reputation for recording excellence over the past few years, have now added contesting excellence to their CV, and will represent Belgium at the European Championships in Linz in Austria4BR

Excellence

The victory means that Buizingen, who have created a hard earned reputation for recording excellence over the past few years, have now added contesting excellence to their CV, and will represent Belgium at the European Championships in Linz in Austria in 2010.

First Section

In the First Section, there was a fifth consecutive National title for Brass Band Heist, who will now gain promotion to the Championship Section. Their two performances of ‘Royal Parks’ and their own choice selection of ‘Sounds’ saw them beat off the challenge of Brassband Zele, who could gain satisfaction after gaining the highest marks on the set work discipline of the contest, and Brass Band Leieland.

Second Section

In the Second Section it was a very close run battle for the title with both Brassband Panta Rhei Gent and Brassband Scaldis ending up on the same overall number of points.

Gent took the title courtesy of the higher overall points gained on the set work, ‘Trittico’ to go with their own choice selection of ‘Purcell Variants’ by Peter Meechan. They will now compete in the First Section in 2010.

Third Section

In a highly encouraging Third Section, victory was claimed by Brassband Gent with performances of the set work, Eric Ball’s ‘Resurgum’ and their own choice selection of Toccata Festiva by Jan Van der Roost.

It was enough to fend off the challenge of Brassband 'De Grensbewoners' Smeermaas who beat Brassband Euterpe Merchtem by virtue of claiming more points on the set work.

Encouraging

The result was a further encouraging sign for Belgian banding as the winners were only formed 6 months ago, whilst the overall standard of the contest surprised many in the hall.

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicators: David Read, Malcolm Brownbill and Derek Broadbent
Set Work: Eden (John Pickard)

1. Brassband Buizingen (Luc Vertommen) — 95
2. Noord-Limburgse Brassband (Ivan Meylemans) — 94
3. Brassband Willebroek (Frans Violet) — 93
4. Festival Brass Band (Manu Mellaerts) — 92
5. Metropole Brass Band (Guy Audenaert) — 89
6. Kortrijk Brass Band (Lieven Maertens) — 87

First Section:
Set Test: John Berryman, Fred Harles and Dirk Lautenbach
Own Choice: David Read, Malcolm Brownbill and Derek Broadbent
Test piece: Royal Parks (George Lloyd) + own choice

1. Brass Band Heist (Bert Van Thienen) – 92
2. Brassband Zele (Bart Van Der Strieckt) — 89.5
3. Brass Band Leieland (Wouter Loose) — 87


Second Section:
Set Test: John Berryman, Fred Harles and Dirk Lautenbach
Own Choice: David Read, Malcolm Brownbill and Derek Broadbent
Test Piece: Trittico (James Curnow) + own choice

1. Brassband Panta Rhei Gent (Paul Voe)t – 89
2. Brassband Scaldis (Erwin Pallemans) — 89

Third Section:
Set Test: John Berryman, Fred Harles and Dirk Lautenbach
Own Choice: David Read, Malcolm Brownbill and Derek Broadbent
Test piece: Resurgam — Eric Ball + own choice piece

1. Brassband Gent (Lieven Dobbelaere) – 88
2. Brassband 'De Grensbewoners' Smeermaas (Danny Aerden) — 85.5
3. Brassband Euterpe Merchtem (Roland Van Buggenhout) — 83.5
4. Kon. Brassband Retie ( Kevin Houben) – 82
5. Brass a Musica (Michael Dils) — 81.5
6. Brassband Hageland (Tim Van Medegael) — 81.5