*
banner

Tuba trophy finally returns home

A 'Best Basses' trophy has finally returned home after being won by the triumphant tuba team at Verwood Concert Brass.

Verwood best  basses
  The best basses of Verwood Concert Brass finally claimed their pesonal ambition

Verwood Concert Brass enjoyed a successful day at the recent Wessex Brass Band Association contest.

Not only were they crowned champions but conductor Kevin Smith took the prize for 'Best Musical Interpretation of the score', whilst principal cornet Elaine Close also won the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Best Bass Section

However, it was the presentation of the Arthur Spencer Trophy to the 'Best Bass Section' of Nigel Tiller, Mike Dunnings, Duncan Smith and Jane Cottee that perhaps meant most of all, as it was originally donated to the Association in 2005 in memory of Arthur Spencer, who was such an important part of the Verwood Concert Brass throughout his life.

Such was his commitment and dedication to the brass band movement, and especially of the band, that in 1995 he opened the new Verwood Band Hall with its main hall named the 'Spencer Room' in his, and his family's, honour.

Since 2005 we have seen other bands winning this trophy so it became an ambition to bring it home to the 'Spencer Room' in our band hallTuba player Nigel Tiller.

Ambition

Bass player Nigel Tiller told 4BR: "Since 2005 we have seen other bands winning this trophy so it became an ambition to bring it home to the 'Spencer Room' in our band hall. Now we have done it, and it has made it all the more special by the connection to Arthur."

He added: "We are sure Arthur would have been delighted with Verwood's recent rise back up to the Championship section and extra pleased that we have finally won his trophy!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd