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2018 4BR Newcomer of the Year

It was a close battle between the newcomers this year before the result was settled...

tHOMAS nIELSON
  Young cornet star Thomas Nielsen takes the Newcomer of the Year award

Winner: Thomas Nielsen

2. Brass Bands England Artistic Development Programme
3. Felix Geroldinger

The supremely talented and engagingly modest young cornet player Thomas Nielsen is the deserved winner of the Newcomer of the Year accolade.

2018 saw him claim the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award with a thrilling performance at the RNCM in Manchester, as well as take his place on the front row at the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army.

He further enhanced his growing reputation as principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain as well as a performer of steely nerve when featured alongside Black Dyke at the British Open Gala Concert and in giving a brace of guest solo spots at the Cheltenham National Finals.

Some player — so catch him now before he surely finds his way into the professional orchestral ranks.

In what was a very close battle for the award, he gained 3 first choices preferences from the panel and four podium votes.

Excellent work

The excellent work of Brass Bands England revitalising grass roots artistic development by sending Philip Harper out around the country on popular workshop days saw them gain 2 first preference choice votes (BBE CEO Kenny Crookston abstained from the vote) and 2 podium votes.

Splendid fashion

A fine third place with 2 first choice preferences went to the remarkable young Austrian baritone player Felix Geroldinger who won the European Solo Competition title in Utrecht in splendid fashion in May.

Some player — so catch him now before he surely finds his way into the professional orchestral ranks4BR

Past Winners:


2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Thierry Deleruyelle
2015: Dark Arteries — Rambert Ballet and Tredegar Band
2014: The Band of the King's Division
2013: Korpsfiksert! — Eikanger Bjorsvik television series
2012: Brass in Concert
2011: Venezuelan Brass Ensemble
2010: Exit Brass
2009: Lucy Pankhurst
2008: Paul Duffy
2007: Proms Brass Day
2006: English National Championships
2005: Brass Band Aid
2004: The National Children's Band of Great Britain
2003: Emma Farrow
2002: Simon Dobson

Panel:

The Awards Panel consisted of : Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (Chief Contributor); Steven Mead (euphonium soloist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine); Kenny Crookston (CEO, Brass Bands England); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/soprano cornet Bjorsvik Brass); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist).

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Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


The Hepworth Band - A Mother's Day Gala Concert with HD9 Youth Brass

Sunday 30 March • The Civic, Holmfirth HD9 3AS


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Bedford Town Band

March 30 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

March 30 • Principal trombone player position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Shirley Band

March 29 • The Shirley Band (First Section) has a vacancy for a Percussionist, principally for mallet/timpani, with opportunity to cover kit if desired. If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

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