The European Brass Band Association has announced that it has amended the line-up of adjudicators for the forthcoming championships in Utrecht.

In agreement with those involved, the EBBA Music Commission has initiated a swap in roles between Russell Gray and Ian Porthouse.

Russell who was originally chosen for the Championship Section set-test and Challenge Sections will exchange places with Ian Porthouse, who was initially invited to judge the own-choice section of the Championship Section contest.

Inadvertent

Music Commission Chair Paul Hindmarsh explained to 4BR: "Following the announcement of the excellent jury teams for Utrecht, it was pointed out to us that in the possible event of Cory Band winning Championship Section contest, Tredegar Band, of which Ian Porthouse is the Musical Director, would be invited to the 2019 European Championship in Montreux."

He added: "In those circumstances Ian could then be viewed to have been in an unwittingly advantageous position. We are sorry to have put Ian inadvertently in this potentially awkward situation.

The Music Commission is very grateful that he and Russell Gray have agreed to swap positions, as the perception of anonymity is assured when all bands perform the same work."

The Music Commission is very grateful that he and Russell Gray have agreed to swap positions, as the perception of anonymity is assured when all bands perform the same workEBBA Music Commission

Juries

The juries are now:

Championship Section set-test and Challenge Section: Jan de Haan, Dr. Joseph Parisi, Ian Porthouse

Championship Section own-choice: Russell Gray, Blaise Heritier, Erik Janssen