Matthew Pollard was declared the victor of the National Association of Brass Band Conductor’s Conducting Competition, held at Unity College, Northampton on Saturday 21st June.

Praise

A former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and a graduate of Huddersfield University and Sussex University, Pollard won the unanimous praise of adjudicators Roy Newsome and Geoffrey Brand for his performance of the second and third movements of Philip Wilby’s 'Lowry Sketchbook', the work from a selection of three he was drawn to conduct shortly before the commencement of the contest.

Pollard won the unanimous praise of adjudicators Roy Newsome and Geoffrey Brand for his performance of the second and third movements of Philip Wilby’s 'Lowry Sketchbook'4BR

Prize

He carried off a cheque for £1000 in addition to the Roy Newsome Challenge Shield.

Runners up

In second place Paul Jenkins, Musical Director of the Pontardulais Town Band took home a cheque for £500 following his reading of Derek Bourgeois’ 'Diversions', whilst third place went to Jef Sparkes, Musical Director of the United Co-op (Crewe) Band for a dynamic reading of Robert Redhead’s 'Isaiah 40'.

Indefatigable

Throughout the day the six finalists had the opportunity of working with the indefatigable Virtuosi GUS Band, with Virtuosi Musical Instruments also providing sponsorship for the event, including providing the £1000 first prize.

Stamina

The band had enough stamina left after the evening performances to give a short concert prior to the announcement of the results under the direction of John Berryman.

A full report will follow on 4BR in the coming days.