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2019 4BR Newcomer of the Year

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

Award
  2019 Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Sky Arts — Battle of the Bands television series


2. Brass Bands England Bandsafe initiative
3. BrassPass.tv Band of the Year

At a time when brass banding in the UK has been starved of informed understanding and appreciation by the national media, the four part Sky Arts series produced by Twofour Group productions came as something of a revelation.

The programmes on Whit Friday, the British Open, National Championship and Brass in Concert emphasised the dedication, commitment and above all else, the excellence of the performers who took part — aided by a light touch of humour and outstanding production values.

It gained 5 winning votes — just 1 ahead of the outstanding Bandsafe initiative pioneered during 2019 by Brass Bands England.

Honourable mentions, and at least 1 preferential winning vote, for the BrassPass.tv Band of the Year competition and the immediate marks made by Malaga Brass Band from Spain, Sydney City Band in Australia and composer Daniel Hall.

The programmes emphasised the dedication, commitment and above all else, the excellence of the performers who took part — aided by a light touch of humour and outstanding production values4BR Editor Iwan Fox

Past Winners:

2018: Thomas Nielsen
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 Championship
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); Andrew Wainwright (Writer/Composer/Arranger/Graphic Designer/Journalist); 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); David Hirst (Conductor/Association of Brass Band Adjudicators); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Owen Melhuish (President: North Shore Brass New Zealand); David Gallaher (Director of Air Force Music — Royal New Zealand Air Force Band)

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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


Croy Silver Band

March 30 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet, E-flat Bass and Percussion, but also welcomes enquiries for any section of the band. We rehearse in Croy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm.


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 .


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

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