*
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    


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

November 20 • A last episode of non-festive brass band music from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge.


Gateshead

Report & Result: 2025 Youth Brass in Concert Championship

November 16 • Wardle Academy Youth Band retains it status as the entertainment leaders of the pack.


katrina

Report & Result: 2025 Brass in Concert Championship

November 15 • The Rite Stuff — Katrina Marzella-Wheeler inspires the cooperation band to a premiere Brass in Concert title success.


Amersham

Amersham ready for rowdy and joyful celebration

November 14 • Amersham Band will join forces with Shri Sriram and friends for a great night of ever inventive jazz inspired fusion fun in London.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Chinnor Silver

November 17 • We are looking to push on having secured promotion to the 1st Section in January and require Tuba and Percussion players to help us.. Rehearsals are on a Wed evening in our own bandroom.. Realistic approach to modern banding at this exciting time.


Epping Forest Band

November 16 • 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


Harlow Brass Band

November 15 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd