The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have revealed the line-up of adjudicators for this year's event.
The contest will held in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman at Sage Gateshead on Sunday 15th November.
Judges
It will see Frode Rydland and David Thornton (Quality of Performance), Les Neish (Programme Content), Steve Walker and Captain Andy Gregory (Entertainment and Presentation), and Philip Cobb (Soloists) as the men the competing bands must impress to claim the title.
Delighted
Speaking on behalf of the Brass in Concert Festival, John Woods said: "We are delighted to have secured such a high quality panel of judges for this year's event.
David Thornton and Frode Rydland are, of course, vastly experienced professional musicians and Steve Walker will make a welcome return visit having judged in 2012.
We are delighted that he will be joined by Captain Andy Gregory, Director of Music, Royal Marines Scotland, and their wide range of experience in the world of professional entertainment make them ideal choices as our Entertainment and Presentation judges."
We are delighted to have secured such a high quality panel of judges for this year's eventJohn Woods
Cobb
John added: "Virtuoso tuba soloist, Les Neish, will take on the role of Programme Content judge, while London Symphony Orchestra principal trumpet, Philip Cobb, will determine the outcome of the many solo prizes on offer.
Philip will also appear on stage with Black Dyke Band in the World of Brass in Concert Gala Concert just a few hours earlier. This promises to be another great event, so get there if you can!"
Rothwell out
It was also confirmed that 2015 Grand Shield champion Rothwell Temperance Band is to withdraw from this year's event, choosing to put its available funds into a seven-day tour of Malta in 2016.