The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have been reflecting on a successful contesting weekend at The Sage in Gateshead.

Most successful

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The Brass in Concert Championship enjoyed arguably its most successful day since its move to The Sage Gateshead six years ago, with the standard of playing and programming being particularly high."

They added: "There were no less than 27 new compositions or arrangements featured by the 11 competing bands, with Matthew Hall‘s ‘Nightingale Dances’ winning the Cyril Beere Memorial Trophy as the ‘Best New Composition’."

Popular tasters

The organisers were especially pleased with the response to the popular ‘Taster Sessions’ and Workshops, where over 60 participants worked with tutors towards a thrilling mini concert in front of a large audience in the main auditorium with Rochdale Borough Youth Band.

With a well received Gala Concert on the Friday evening which featured the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army and Brass Band of Central Florida, the organisers stated that the weekend was a stunning success.

The organisers were especially pleased with the response to the popular ‘Taster Sessions’ and Workshops, where over 60 participants worked with tutors towards a thrilling mini concert in front of a large audience in the main auditorium4BR

Audience thanks

Brass in Concert organisers Paul and Jackie Beere reserved special thanks to the audiences that poured into The Sage all weekend.

"We have an amazingly loyal audience at Brass in Concert," Paul told 4BR.

"They have seen some significant changes since the move here, not least the increase in ticket prices. We are mindful that in these times of austerity, this is not a cheap day out, but we think we provide value and fun through the programmes presented by the bands, all brought together by Frank Renton in his inimitable style.

We’d like to thank our audience for their loyalty and of course we hope to see them again next year."

Fantastic support

Paul added: "We are also mindful of the fantastic support we receive from our sponsors, without whom we would not be able to hold the event in such a prestigious venue. Our partnership with Yamaha, which commenced last year, has been particularly rewarding.

They totally underwrote the costs associated with our workshop programme this year, and it’s great to see Yamaha investing in the future of brass banding in this way.

We’d particularly like to thank Ian Frankland and Chris Dunkley for their personal interest and support, as well as British Bandsman, FESA, Kettering Textiles, The Banks Group, The Musician’s Union and Action Research."

2012

Paul confirmed that next year’s Brass in Concert event will take place over the weekend of 17/18 November.

"We anticipated yet another high class field of bands taking part and plans are already well advanced for what promises to be another memorable event."