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2018 4BR Player of the Year

There were some pretty remarkable players on our list this year — but one stood out from the rest.

Thomas
  Chris Thomas of Cory has been on fantastic form all year

Winner: Chris Thomas (Cory)

2. Tom Hutchinson (Cory)
3. Glen Van Looy (Valaisia Brass Band)


It was a bit of battle between two Cory stars this year for the prestigious Player of the Year accolade.

In the end it went to Chris Thomas, the superb solo trombone of the Cory Band — who picked up 5 first choice preferences and 3 podium votes from the panel.

Like a fine wine he seems to get better with age (and he's still young enough to win this award many more times to come in the future) and in 2018 he was simply outstanding on every contest, concert and recording platform.

The individual solo accolades he picked up for his performances on the televised Band Cymru competition, the National Championships of Great Britain and Brass in Concert were also richly deserved.

Superb year

Just behind him with 3 first choice preference votes and 3 podium votes came Cory principal Tom Hutchinson, who also enjoyed a superb year — and which also included the release of his critically acclaimed solo CD, 'This Way'.

Remarkable talents

Former winner Glenn Van Looy was third this year (he was runner-up in 2017), reminding everyone once again of his remarkable talents wherever he went — and also including his own acclaimed CD release, 'Lost Treasures Volume 2'. He gained 1 first preference choice and 3 podium votes.

Like a fine wine he seems to get better with age (and he's still young enough to win this award many more times to come in the future) and in 2018 he was simply outstanding on every contest, concert and recording platform4BR

Past Winners:


2017: David Morton
2016: Helen Williams
2015: David Childs
2014: David Childs
2013: Glenn Van Looy
2012: Steve Stewart
2011: Glen Van Looy
2010: David Childs
2009: Mark Wilkinson
2008: Peter Moore
2007: Hans Gansch
2006: Katrina Marzella
2005: David Childs
2004: David Childs
2003: Martin Winter
2002: Morgan Griffiths
2001: Peter Roberts

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.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

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