*
banner

Judges full of praise for winners – and runners up

Adjudicators delighted with standard of performances – but bemoan lack of opportunity for top two to gain European entry.

David Read
 

The trio of adjudicators at Preston, David Read, Nigel Boddice and Chris Wormald have told 4BR that they were deeply impressed by the overall standard of playing at this year’s contest, with the top two bands, Grimethorpe and Black Dyke, particularly ‘outstanding’. The difference between the winners and runners up was what was described as ‘emotional concept’.

Weighted

In addition, both David and Chris took the opportunity to publicly state that they felt that it was perhaps appropriate for the qualification process for the European Championships to be ‘weighted’ so that both the winners and runners up this year could represent England at future events.

Nigel Boddice meanwhile told the audience that he felt composer Robert Redhead had delivered a ‘beautiful piece of music’ for the bands to play on the day, and that the was in the opinion of the judges, some ‘very fine music making form the competing bands.’

Nigel Boddice meanwhile told the audience that he felt composer Robert Redhead had delivered a ‘beautiful piece of music’ for the bands to play on the day4BR

Difficult

Nigel also went on to pinpoint the areas in which he felt the bands had been tested the most. The opening he said ‘ …was full of hymn tune playing that bands find so difficult’, whilst the Scherzo saw a number of ‘brave sopranos’, many of whom they felt were ‘exceptional’.

Taxing

Some bands though found this section ‘technically taxing’, whilst the following reflective episodes featuring both flugel and soprano came under ‘close scrutiny’.

The ‘Fun Section’ of Latin inspired dance was at times ‘easy to compare’, although they fet that there were a number of occasions when the ‘fun was lost’. The ending, was in his words, ‘just as difficult as the opening’ as tested tired bands in particular.

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    


Amersham

Jackson joins Amersham for free swing in London

October 24 • If you are anywhere near Regent Hall in London this evening and want to enjoy a free night of swing and big band bangers then make sure you get along...


Marshall

Marshall to step down as principal cornet at Black Dyke Band

October 24 • Richard Marshall's outstanding 20 year tenure as principal cornet of Black Dyke Band will come to an end later this year.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section West of England Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd