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European Countdown: 4 days to go

It's all about being popular in Europe...

Sparke
  Philip Sparke has notched up more performances on more pieces than anyone elese

Thanks to Gordon Simpson for providing these great facts from the European contest for us today…

Here's the top-10 most popular own-choice selections made at the European Championships...

16 — Music of the Spheres (Philip Sparke)
15 — Contest Music (Wilfred Heaton) — last played in 2009
14 — Harmony Music (Philip Sparke) — 2010
13 — Pageantry (Herbert Howells) — 1997
13 — Connotations (Edward Gregson) — 1998
13 — Dances and Arias (Edward Gregson) — 2000
12 — Blitz (Derek Bourgeois) — 1998
12 — Revelation (Philip Wilby) — 2012
10 — Paganini Variations (Philip Wilby) — 2001
10 — Montage (Peter Graham) — 2011

And here are the most popular composers and the number of times their pieces have been performed...

79 — Philip Sparke (14 different pieces)
47 — Philip Wilby (7)
40 — Edward Gregson (8)
36 — Gilbert Vinter (7)
36 — Peter Graham (9)
22 — Derek Bourgeois (3)
17 — Wilfred Heaton (2)
14 — Herbert Howells (2)
12 — Thomas Doss (5)
11 — Eric Ball (4)

To find out more about the stats of brass banding go to: http://www.brassstats.com/

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Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Elgar International Festival

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire set to welcome Elgar International Festival of Brass

February 28 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke Band, Flowers, Foden's and David Childs headline the musical attractions for a day of the very best brass band music making in June.


First Old Boys

Youth fly musical flag for Old Boys

February 28 • A trio of talented young players from 1st Old Boys Band will be making their mark with different representative ensembles later this year.


York Barbican

National Finals to move to York

February 27 • The Section 1-4 National Finals will be held York Barbican this year as the contest heads north from Cheltenham.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

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