*
banner

Judges amazed by standard

The judges who delberated over the Senior Solo Final to find the British Open Solo Champion for 2008 were amazed by the overall standard.

tameside council
 

Major Peter Parkes and David Read, the two men who deliberated over the Senior Solo Final to find the British Open Solo Champion for 2008 on Sunday were amazed by the overall standard of playing.

Never heard better

I've been doing this for quite a long time and I can say to you in all sincerity that I've never heard a group of soloists as good as theseMajor Peter Parkes

Prior to the announcement of the results, both men spoke about what they had been listening to. Major Peter Parkes said 'I've been doing this for quite a long time and I can say to you in all sincerity that I've never heard a group of soloists as good as these. They're terrific. What I'd like to say to the soloists is someone is going to be first and someone is going to be ninth. The one at the bottom could have won in some of the one's I've been to. Thank you very much, it's been excellent and what a shame, there's not people here to listen to them, they should be here shouldn't they?'.

Best ever

The Major's colleague, David Read concurred with what was said when he also gave his thoughts 'that's the finest playing we've heard in the final ever. You all ought to be congratulated. We've had to place them one-to-nine because that's our task' The judges managed to seperate the players with David saying 'the difference between them was so tiny. The standard was so high. The playing was so assured, so musical and the technique was absolutely fantastic with all of the performances but some were slightly better then others'.

David also praised the pianists who made the performances before adding 'we're all privileged to have heard this final tonight. I can't speak too highly for the performers, everyone of the nine performers was superb. We were amazed, everyone that came on was such a high standard'.

Glen's win

When the results were announced, Glen van Looy, the 17 year old euphonium player from Brass Band Heist took the title from Harmen Vanhoorne in second and Iain Culross in third.

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    


Rodney Newton

80th birthday concert celebration for Newton

July 19 • Rodney Newton will enjoy a musical celebration of his birthday this weekend in Cambridge.


jhs instruments

JHS Ltd set to close

July 19 • The leading independent distributor and suppliers of Odyssey instrument brand set to close after 60 years of trading.


FodensLovatt

Lovatt joins Foden's for Regent Hall pre-National concert

July 19 • Trumpet star Mike Lovatt will reconnect with Foden's Band for their pre-National preview concert at Regent Hall.


Rooms for groups

Sold out signs up in Cheltenham

July 19 • Hotel demand from National qualifiers mean sold out signs are posted in Cheltenham.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


NORTH LAKES BRASS

July 20 • North Lakes Brass are seeking a CONDUCTOR with the drive to take our friendly band into the 2nd section. . We are different from most contesting bands as we rehearse just once a week (Wed), have 2 full band concerts & 4-5 contests per year.


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd