French champions, Brass Band Aeolus left the All England Masters on Sunday totally delighted, as well as a little surprised, after their stylish performance of ‘Malcolm Arnold Variations’ saw them take third place and with it £1,000 in prize money.

Added bonus

In addition there was an added bonus as their principal cornet player Clement Saunier won the 4BR ‘Best Instrumentalist Award’ and £250 for his efforts in helping the band to perhaps their finest result in their short history.

I am of course very happy to have won the prize, but it even more so for the band. I love playing the cornet and we all enjoyed the music and the chance to play here4BR Winning Soloist, Clement Saunier

Right choice

After being unable to raise sufficient funds to make the trip to represent their country at the European Brass Band Championships in Stavanger, Brass Band Aelous concentrated their efforts and came away delighted that they had made the right choice.

Thrill

Conductor Bastien Still told 4BR: "It’s been a thrill for us. To come here and play is special. The prize is a bonus, but the experience of playing against these bands is so much greater."

Bastien also felt that the decision to play here will have a great effect on their future plans. "We could not afford to make the trip to Stavanger, so we concentrated on coming here. We really enjoyed the piece and the chance to play against so many good bands. The experience will be good for us and we hope to come again and try to win next time."

Soloist delight

As for their winning soloist, he too was delighted. "I am of course very happy to have won the prize, but it even more so for the band. I love playing the cornet and we all enjoyed the music and the chance to play here."

Worth every Euro

The band now hope to return next year and possibly play at the European Championships in Ostend too if they can afford both trips. The £1,000 though is already spent, but the experience of the Masters has been worth every last Euro.