The French National Championship, sponsored by Besson, were recently held in the city of Amiens where the growing number of brass bands competed in the various sections at the Park Convention & Exhibition Centre.

High class

In a high class Championship Honours Division, the French title was won by the exceptional talents of Paris Brass Band conducted by Florent Didier.

They produced a stunning account of the set work, ‘Earthrise’ by Nigel Clarke as well as an equally impressive performance of their own choice selection ‘From Ancient Times’ by Jan van der Roost.

Title

This gave them the title and the qualification invitation to the European Championships from adjudicators Luc Vertommen, Bruce Fraser and Philippe Wendling.

Behind them came Aeolus Brass Band directed by Bastien Still, who performed ‘Music of the Spheres’ in addition to the set work, whilst third place went to Brass Band du Nord Pas de Calais directed by Russell Gray, who performed ‘On the Shoulders of Giants’.

In a high class Championship Honours Division, the French title was won by the exceptional talents of Paris Brass Band conducted by Florent Didier4BR

Excellence

Two bands performed in the Excellence Division, where the honours were claimed by Brassage Brass Band conducted by Mathias Charton, ahead of Brass Band de Toulose directed by Jean-Guy Olive.

The winner’s own choice performance of ‘Paganini Variation’ in addition to the set work ‘Isaiah 40’ by Robert Redhead gave them the title by the narrowest of 0.5 margin.

First Division

Orchestra de Cuivres d’Amiens took the First Division title ahead of Burgundy Brass Band.

Their twin performances of ‘The Plantagenets’ and ‘Voyage of Discovery’ by Goff Richards saw them triumph in a closely fought contest directed by Eric Brisse.

Second and Third Divisions

Brass Band de Champs-sur-Marne took the Second Division title ahead of Brass Band en Seine, with a fine performance of ‘Adventures in Brass’ to go with the set work, ‘Variations on Laudate Dominum’, whilst Brass Pearl took the Third Division award ahead of Brass Band de la Cote Picarde.

They performed ‘Music for a Festival ‘ to go with the set work, ‘Vizcaya’ by Gilbert Vinter.

Results:

Honours Division:
Adjudicators: Luc Vertommen, Bruce Fraser, Philippe Wendling

Set Work: Earthrise (Nigel Clarke)

1. Paris Brass Band (Florent Didier) – 19.0
2. Aeolus Brass Band (Bastien Still ) – 17.5
3. Brass Band du Nord Pas de Calais (Russell Gray) – 16.5

Excellence Division:
Adjudicators: Luc Vertommen, Bruce Fraser, Philippe Wendling

Set Work: Isaiah 40 (Robert Redhead)

1. Brassage Brass Band (Mathais Charton) – 16.5
2. Brass Band de Toulouse (Jean-Guy Olive) – 16.0

First Division:
Adjudicators: Luc Vertommen, Bruce Fraser, Philippe Wendling

Set Work: The Plantagenets

1. Orchestra de Cuivres d’Amiens (Eric Brisse) – 16.5
2. Burgundy Brass Band (Maxime Pitois) – 16.0

Second Division:
Adjudicators: Luc Vertommen, Bruce Fraser, Philippe Wendling

Set Work: Variations on Laudate Dominum (Edward Gregson)

1. Brass Band de Champs-sur-Marne (Philippe Legris) – 17.0
2. Brass Band en Seine (Pascal Piedefer) – 13.0

Third Division:
Adjudicators: Luc Vertommen, Bruce Fraser, Philippe Wendling

Set Work: Vizcaya (Gilbert Vinter)

1. Brass Pearl (Isabelle Binet) – 17.0
2. Brass Band de la Cote Picarde (Philippe Lottin) – 16.0