*
banner

Brass in Concert — the numbers game

It's all about numbers at Brass in Concert on the weekend — from zero to 12,000 plus...

Sage
 

It's all about numbers at any brass band contest, and Brass in Concert is no exception.

These are some that have featured over the years....

0 – The number of non English bands that have won the contest since its inception in 1977.

1 – The numbers of times Fred Partlett (1977), David James (1986), Alan Exley (1995) and James Gourlay (1996) were winning conductors.

2 – The number of times a tenor horn player has been the winning soloist.

12150 — The difference in prize money won between Grimethorpe Colliery (£12,350) and Reg Vardy (£200) in prize money so far this year4BR

3 — The number of different venues the contest has been held at.

5 – The number of competing bands (Grimethorpe, Fodens, Desford, Cory, Brighouse & Rastrick) that if results go their way could end up as leading prize money winners of the 2008 season.

7 – The number of times Alan Morrison won the ‘Best Principal Cornet’ Award.

8 – The number of times Richard Evans has conducted a winning band at the contest.

12 – The number of bands that have competed since 1977 and no longer exist.

14 – The most number of bands that took part in the contest – 1979.

32 – The number of times Brass in Concert has been held.

49 – Number of bands who have competed since 1977 (some under different names)

60 – The number of entertainment marks available to be won from the two entertainment judges.

157.30 – The difference in ranking points between Fodens (ranked 1) and Cory (ranked 3) going into this contest. Any one of Fodens, Grimethorpe or Cory could end the end as the number 1 ranked band in the world depending on results here at the weekend.

200 – The maximum number of marks for actual playing.

215 – Lowest points awarded to a competing band at the contest – Strabane Concert in 1982.

236 – Highest points awarded to a band finishing last at the contest – Mount Charles in 2004.

246 – Lowest points awarded to a winning band (out of a maximum of 260) – Grimethorpe in 1994.

258 – Highest points awarded to a winning band (out of a maximum of 260) – Grimethorpe in 2001.

1158.15 – The number of 4BR/World of Brass ranking points of the current number 1 ranked band in the world – Fodens, going into Brass in Concert.

4000 – The amount in pounds of the top prize this year.

10600 – The amount of prize money paid out last year.

12150 – The difference in prize money won between Grimethorpe Colliery (£12,350) and Reg Vardy (£200) in prize money so far this year.

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    


Marsden

Williams and Tynan to lead Marsden top flight return

August 15 • Glyn Williams and Tommy Tynan will form the new new musical partnership at the helm of Marsden Silver Prize Band.


Murtagh

Murtagh takes baton at Lostock Hall Memorial

August 15 • Joe Murtagh is the new Musical Director at Lostock Hall Memorial Band


Joey Wong

Wong takes baton at Blackley

August 15 • Joey Wong has become the new MD at Blackley Band.


Fiona Bishop

Bishop appointed at Knottingley

August 15 • Fiona Bishop becomes the new MD at Knottingley Silver Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

August 14 • Waterbeach Brass are a friendly and ambitious 2nd section band just north of Cambridge, looking for Tutti cornet, Eb bass and Tuned percussion to complete their lineup.. . Rehearsals on a Monday night- 7:45-10pm at Waterbeach Barracks.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd