*
banner

Judges praise Gregson test piece

The three men in the box certainly enjoyed themselves on what was a long day of work — thanks to a very fine test piece it seems...

Symphony Hall
 

The trio of judges at the British Open have told 4BR that they felt that Edward Gregson’s test piece, ‘Rococo Variations’ proved to be a musical treat for them on what turned out to be a long day in the box.

Superb winners

"It was a long day," David Read explained. "However it was a very enjoyable one with such a fine piece and so many very good performances. The winners were superb."

Fellow judge Peter Parkes, who was making his debut in the box this year agreed. "I wasn’t too sure about the piece when I first got it, but it has proved to be a tremendous work. You never grew dull of hearing it."

It was a long day. However it was a very enjoyable one with such a fine piece and so many very good performances. The winners were superbDavid Read

High standard

The judges also felt that the overall standard of playing on the day was exceptionally high, although they had no problems in placing the bands. "They placed themselves really," Peter added.

David also pointed out that they did feel that one of the main problems faced by the competitors was the consistency of approach to the Baroque style at the beginning of the work.

Consistency

"It was something that became very apparent, as some played it in one style only to be followed by other players who did it differently. It needed to be consistent in approach."

The trio of judges also had the benefit of hearing the test piece played before the contest as the organisers had asked the Newstead Band under Duncan Beckley to work on the piece and perform it for them.

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    


Presto CDs

New partnership link for 4BR and Presto Music

June 2 • If you are looking to add to your classical music collections or those linked to the brass world, then you can do it by a click or two...


Denis Wick

Denis Wick Memorial Concert

June 2 • The life of the iconic musician, teacher, mouthpiece designer and businessman Denis Wick will be celebrated at a special concert this week in London.


Brass Cruise

A Brass Band Cruise with a difference

June 2 • You can enjoy a relaxing trip to three port cities accompanied by the sound of brass next year — or you can join in yourself.


Italian Brass Band

STEAM power boosts Italian outreach

June 2 • The Italian Brass Band continues to strengthen its Roman profile with its latest school link.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

June 1 • A highly motivated and talented musician with strong organisational skills is required to lead the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band as the Voluntary Band Instructor. This is a full time paid position (37 hrs pw)


Croy Silver Band

June 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but we always welcome enquiries for any section of the band. We rehearse in Croy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm.


Epping Forest Band

May 31 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn.. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year.. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd