The Whitla Hall in Belfast saw a fine turn out of bands competing at the 2013 Festival of Brass on the weekend, presented by the Brass Band League (NI) in association with the School of Creative Arts at Queen’s University Belfast.

Enjoyed

Cory MD Philip Harper certainly enjoyed himself and was thoroughly impressed by the standard of playing throughout by the 15 bands that competed across five sections, whilst the organisers were delighted to be able to welcome newcomers Dynamic Brass to their first entertainment contest.

Successful debut

It proved to be a highly successful debut too, as they claimed the Fifth Grade title ahead of rivals 1st Larne Old Boys Silver, with bass trombonist Allistair Crawford claiming the ‘Best Soloist’ prize for his performance of ‘Wandering Star’.

Under new conductor Boris Pinto, Dungannon Silver claimed the Fourth Grade first prize ahead of Letterbreen Silver, taking the awards for entertainment and best march along the way, whilst CWA Brass claimed the Third Grade title ahead of Comber Silver with Wellington Memorial Silver in third.

Photo finish

Third Carrickfergus were the winners of the Second Grade event taking the entertainment and march prizes, whilst there was a photo finish battle for the Championship honours which initially resulted in a three way points tie between Downshire Brass, Laganvale (Metal Technology) and 1st Old Boys Association Silver.

However, the music adjudication marks proved crucial as Downshire Brass eventually claimed the honours, with the entertainment prize going to 1st Old Boys and the Best Soloist award won by John Murdock of Laganvale.

Gala concert

After the contest excitement it was the turn of the recently crowned Brass in Concert champion Cory to entertain a packed audience in the gala concert – including an almost inexhaustible supply of encores that were demanded by the thrilled listeners.

Sunday saw three talented youth band go head to head 1st Old Boys Youth Band taking first place ahead of Third Carrickfergus Junior Band and Downshire Brass Youth.

After a short break, principal players of the Cory Band performed several recitals and led the rehearsal of a massed band of some 50 players of all ages from across Northern Ireland.

Thanks

A BBL spokesperson told 4BR: "The Brass Band League would like to thank all of the bands who took part in the Festival, compere William Caughey, Vice Chancellor — Professor Tony Gallacher and staff of Queen’s University for their support, and all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success. Roll on 2014!2

there was a photo finish battle for the Championship honours which initially resulted in a three way points tie between Downshire Brass, Laganvale (Metal Technology) and 1st Old Boys Association Silver4BR

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Downshire Brass: 10/8 = 18*
2. Laganvale (Metal Technology): 9/9 = 18*
3. 1st Old Boys Association Silver: 8/10 = 18*
4. Murley Silver: 7/7 = 14

* Music adjudication mark takes precedent

Entertainment Prize: 1st Old Boys Association Silver
Best March: Murley Silver Band (Wo Unsere Fahnen Weht)
Best Soloist: John Murdock (Laganvale)

Second Grade:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Third Carrickfergus: 10/10 = 20
2. Lourdes Brass: 9/8 = 17*
3. Roughan Silver: 8/9 = 17*
4. Ballyduff Silver: 7/7 = 14

* Music adjudication mark takes precedent

Entertainment Prize: Third Carrickfergus
Best March: Third Carrickfergus (Stars & Stripes)
Best Soloist: Ashley Elliott (Roughan)

Third Grade:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. CWA Brass: 10/10 = 20
2. Comber Silver: 9/9 = 18
3. Wellington Memorial Silver: 8/8 = 16

Entertainment Prize: CWA Brass
Best March: Comber (Star Lake)
Best Soloist: Phil McCurrie (CWA Brass)

Fourth Grade:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Dungannon Silver: 10/10 = 20
2. Letterbreen Silver: 9/9 = 18

Entertainment Prize: Dungannon Silver
Best March: Dungannon (True & Trusty)
Best Soloist: Mike Tarrant (Letterbreen)

Fifth Grade:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Dynamic Brass: 10/10 = 20
2. 1st Larne Old Boys Silver: 9/9 = 18

Entertainment Prize: Dynamic Brass
Best March: 1st Larne O.B. (Monia)
Best Soloist: Allistair Crawford (Dynamic Brass)

Youth:
Adjudicator: Chris Thomas
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. 1st Old Boys Association Youth: 10/10 = 20
2. Third Carrickfergus Junior: 9/9 = 18
3. Downshire Brass Youth: 8/8 = 16

Entertainment Prize: 1st Old Boys Association Youth
Best March: 1st Old Boys Youth (Blaze Away)