*
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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd