The University of Salford recently held its first semester ensembles competition, sponsored by Geneva Instruments Ltd, which has been a partner of the University for the past three years.
Judges
The lunch-time event was held at Peel Hall and was adjudicated by Dan Price, Lecturer of Composition from the Music & Dance Directorate, Bandmaster Michael Robinson from Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Salford Alumni Ben Dixon and Paul Holland, conductor of the University of Salford Brass Band.
The standard continues to improve year on year as students competed for prizes, CDs and the David Horsfield Ensemble Shield, which came with the chance to perform in an ensemble concert in Bury Church on the 11th December.
Successful defence
Successfully defending their title were the trombone group, 'Slipin' Slidin' Sexy Six' led by Matthew Brown (above), who managed to beat off the strong challenge from the Adelphi Cornet Ensemble led by Ryan Broad, with the Adelphi Saxophone Choir led by Peter Bonnebaight in third.
There was also a composition and arranging prize within the competition which was won by Darren Gibson for his original work 'Trailblazer for Antiphonal Trombones'.
Marines host
Meanwhile, the University also played host to the Royal Marines Brass Quintet, Scotland, who visited to take part in the Friday workshop series where they presented an excellent mini concert including five student compositions sent to them the previous week.
Captain Daryl Powell then gave feedback on the compositions in front of the 300 music students, where detailed explanations were given on how the works could be improved for performance and rehearsal.
Successfully defending their title were the trombone group, 'Slipin' Slidin' Sexy Six' led by Matthew Brown4BR
Invaluable exercise
Programme Leader, Dr L Brett Baker told 4BR: "It was an invaluable exercise for all the students present and the University would like to thank the Royal Marines for their co-operation and assistance in a very worthwhile project aimed at enhancing the already high standards of composition taking place in Musical Arts degree at the directorate."
