*
banner

2024 4BR Lower Section Band of the Year

All of the fantastic work being undertaken by bands below the elite level this year these were the three that stood out for our panel.

Lower Section
  The standard bearers of Lithuanian banding are our deserved award winners

Winner: Brass LT


2. Regent Brass

3. Smoras Skolemusikk

In a close battle between the top three nominations, it is the 2024 European Championship Challenge Section Champion, LT Brass from Lithuania that is the '4BR Lower Section Band of the Year'.

Formed in 2019 they were the standard bearers for the nation and performed magnificently in claiming the title under Russell Gray.

The groundwork though had been done by Piet Visser, an equally inspirational figurehead who also led them to the Lithuanian Championship title and has been the catalyst behind their musical maturity.

The scenes of their celebrations in Palanga were memorable to say the least and could well mark the catalyst for the banding movement in the country. They gained 5 first choice nominations and five other top three nominations.

Regent Brass, a band with an inventive looking musical vision is runner- up, gaining 4 first choice nominations and three others from the panel for their adventurous concert and contest repertoire choices and performances. They gained 4 first choice nominations and three top three nominations.

Third place goes to last year's winner Smoras Skolemusikk, who once again in defending their European showed levels of musical maturity way beyond their tender years. They gained 3 first choice nominations and four other top three nominations.

Panel:

The Awards Panel consisted of: Iwan Fox (4BR Editor); Malcolm Wood (4BR); Chris Thomas (4BR & BBW); Gordon Simpson (brass band statistician); Anne Crookston (conductor/adjudicator); Sarah Groarke-Booth (conductor/adjudicator); Alexander Zwann (conductor/journalist); Jess Tredrea (conductor/musician); Tim Mutum (brass band historian); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Michael Franz (Editor Brass Band News Switzerland); Henk Van Loon (Editor CU Brass); Stein Skorpholm (broadcaster/musician); Camila Soderstrom Tveit (musician/adjudicator); Philippa Edwards AOM (conductor/performing arts producer)

Formed in 2019 they were the standard bearers for the nation and performed magnificently in claiming the title under Russell Gray4BR

Past Winners:

2023: Smoras Skolemusikk
2022: Campbeltown Brass
2021: Youth Brass 2000
2020: Tewit Silver Band
2019: Wardle Academy Youth
2018: Oldham Band (Lees)
2017: BD1 Brass
2016: Youth Brass 2000
2015: Ebbw Valley
2014: Manger Skulemusikklag
2013: National Children's Band of Great Britain
2012: National Youth Band of Great Britain
2011: Bjorsvik Brass
2010: Hazel Grove Band
2009: Oldham (Lees) Band
2008: Smithills Schools Senior Band
2007: Sellers International Youth Band
2006: Pennine Brass
2005: Marsden Riverhead Brewery Band
2004: Smithills School Senior Band
2003: Smithills School Senior Band
2002: St. Dennis Band
2001: Peter Hawke Garages Lindley Band

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


John Wallace

National treasure honoured by RPS

August 26 • John Wallace CBE has joined a very exclusive list of Honorary Members of the Royal Philharmonic Society.


New PR link to freshen National Championship strategy

August 24 • Kapitol Promotions enters into new partnership with PR Marketing agency Mobius Industries as they also add to their board of directors.


Brass in Concert

Major changes at Brass in Concert Championship

August 24 • Details are released of a strengthening in the governance and running of the Brass in Concert Championship with Brass Bands England.


mUSIC

Mixed news for music provision following exam results

August 24 • The numbers studying GCSE Music shows an encouraging rise, but those taking A Level exams falls.


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 29 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND would love players to join us at our next rehearsal on Monday 1st at 11am in our own bandroom.. It's just an extra chance for a friendly blow with cake,coffee and good company.. Does not affect allegiance to your main band


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

August 24 • Principal Cornet. Due to planned retirement. Own band room (no shifting gear between rehearsals), S75 3RF, less than 5 mins fromJ37 M1. Yamaha Zeno cornet for your use. Regular 20+ every rehearsal. Monday & Thursdays 1930-2130. MD GEOF BENSON. .


wantage silver band

August 22 • Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm (both times flexible depending on person).


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd