A new name will be engraved on the Swedish National Championship trophy as Gota Brass Band secured a clear victory in Varnamo on the weekend.

Conducted by Christian Schmiedescamp, their performances of the classic set-work, 'Pageantry' by Herbert Howells and their own-choice selection 'Sinfonietta No 3' by Swiss composer Etienne Crusaz, saw them secure victory over former winners Windcorp Brass with defending champion Solna Brass in third.

Celebrations

The band's first ever title win saw brilliant scenes of celebration, as players raced from the audience to the stage to lift the trophy high into the air.

Formed in 2015 they had come third at the contest in the past two years, although the arrival of former Lyngby Taarbaek conductor to direct them for the event inspired them to victory.

There was further good news for the band as euphonium star Birthe Carlsen claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' award, the tubas took the 'Best Section' trophy and MD Christian Schmiedescamp was presented with the accolade for directing the best test-piece performance.

The band will now represent the nation at the 2018 European Championships in Utrecht.

Division awards

In the First Division, Asenhoga Brass Band reclaimed the title from defending champion Lunds Universitets Brassband after producing an excellent account of the set-work, 'Chorale & Variations' by Leighton Lucas under MD and former Eikanger Bjorsvik euphonium star, Patrik Randefalk .

The band's third victory since 2013 was also aided by the 'Best Instrumentalist' winner Johannes Forsberg, with Patrik Randefalk taking the award for directing the best test-piece performance. Third place overall went to Malmo Brass Band.

There was also a new name to be engraved on the Second Division trophy as Immanuel Brass from Stockholm secured victory under MD Ann-Sofie Andersson, whilst BUBB — Bors Ungdomsbrassband took the mini-brass honours.

The band's first ever title win saw brilliant scenes of celebration, as players raced from the audience to the stage to lift the trophy high into the air4BR

Results:

Elite Division:

Adjudicators (test-piece): Kevin Houben, Erik Janssen, Arfon Owen
Adjudicators (own-choice): Kevin Houben, Erik Janssen, Steve Legge
Test/Own Choice = total

1. Gota Brass Band (Chritian Schmiedescamp): 93/95 = 94.00
2. Windcorp Brass Band (Maria Molund): 89/93 = 91.00
3. Solna Brass (Emil Bjorkland): 91/90 = 90.50
4. Uffes Blas Brass Band (Andreas Katz): 88/91 = 89.50
5. Betlehemskyrkans Musikkar (Andreas Lundin): 87/89 = 88.00

Best Section: Tubas (Gota Brass Band)
Best Instrumentalist: Birthe Carlsen (euphonium) — Gota Brass Band
Award to Conductor of the best performance of the test-piece: Christian Schmiedescamp (Gota Brass Band)

Division 1:

Adjudicators: Kevin Houben, Arfon Owen

1. Asenhoga Brass Band (Patrik Randefalk): 93
2. Lunds Universitets Brassband (Roger Andersson): 90
3. Malmo Brass Band (Jan Winborg): 89
4. Sodertorns Brass (Mattias Hjortlinger): 88
5. Halmstad Brass (Mikael Johansson): 87
6. Smyrna Brass (N/K): 86
7. Vasteras Brass (Christer Aberg): 82

Best Section: Percussion (Lunds Universitets Brassband)
Best Instrumentalist: Johannes Forsberg (euphonium) — Asenhoga Brassband
Award to Conductor of the best performance of the test-piece: Patrik Randefalk (Asenhoga Brass Band)

Division 2:

Adjudicators: Erik Janssen, Steve Legge

1. Immanuel Brass, Stockholm (Ann-Sofie Andersson): 91
2. Gnosjo Brass Band: 90
3. Bors Brass Band: 89
4. Jarfalla Brass Band: 88
5. EQ Brass: 87
6. Allianskyrkans Musikkar, Jonkoping: 86
7. Limhamns Brassband: 85
8. Varnamo Missionskyrkas Brass Band: 84
9. Immanuel Brass, Enkoping: 83

Best Section: Percussion (Bors Brassband)
Best Instrumentalist: Johan Hultegard (soprano) — Gnosjo Brassband
Award to Conductor of the best performance of the test-piece: Jan Hultegard (Gnosjo Brassband)

Minibrass:

Adjudicators: Jappie Dijkstra, Steve Legge

1. BUBB — Bors Ungdomsbrassband
2. Habo Small Band
3. Mullsjo-Aneby Brass
4. AYBB — Asenhoga Youth Brass Band
4. Immanuel Minibrass — Enkoping
4. GYBB — Goteborg Youth Brass Band
4. Gnosjo Minibrass
4. Bors Minibrass

Best Section: Trombones (Bors Ungdomsbrassband)
Best Instrumentalist: Martin Friberg (percussion) — Mullsjo-Aneby Brass
Award to Conductor of the best performance of the test-piece: Ulrik Lundquist (Bors Ungdomsbrassband)

Enthusiast of the Year: Agne Jansson (Bankeryd)