The Poulton Band has taken the opportunity to congratulate its Musical Director Gareth Westwood on his recent success in the 'Kirklees Award for Composition' run in conjuction with the University of Salford.

Record number

The contest attracted a record number of entrants and required each competitor to submit a 5 minute concert work for brass band which was in turn, performed by the University Brass Band in front of a public audience and the judging panel.

Visions!

The panel, made up of Prof. Peter Graham, Dr. Mick Wilson and Graham Horsfield deemed Gareth's work 'Visions!' (formally 'Kirklees Fantasy') as the work most deserving of the coveted award which will see the piece published by Kirklees music and performed at the University of Salfords final concert in May.

It feels great to have my work aclaimed in this way by a truely esteemed panel of musiciansGareth Westwood

Delighted

Gareth told 4BR: "I am delighted to have won the award. There was such a strong field of composers involved this year, I really didn't think I'd stand a chance! It feels great to have my work aclaimed in this way by a truely esteemed panel of musicians.

He added: "It has certainly given me the confidence I need to start getting my other pieces performed and I cannot wait to hear the University of Salford Brass Band and Howard Evans give it a full rendition at their concert later in the year."