The 2009 Brass Band League Spring Festival Contest took place in Strabane on Saturday 4th April, at the Alley Theatre, Strabane. The adjudicator Alan Fernie
1st Old Boys won with an excellent account of the George Lloyd test piece 'English Heritage' and it paid of in spades. Adjudicator, Alan Fernie said that one band stood out.
Mark Bingham from the band stated: "The band played off a number two draw and we new that the 'Old Boys' had given a good performance so when the results were announced, we where over the moon."
Laganvale who gave a very good performance of Gilbert Vinter's 'Spectrum' were runners up.
Stephen Cairns, the 1st Old Boys MD picked up the Conductors Prize and this was the 2nd year in a row the band has won the contest. 1st Old Boys were also crowned Band of the Year 2009. This is a culmination from winning the 2008 Spring Festival, coming runners up in the 2008 Irish Championships and winning all senior sections in the 2009 solos & quartet contest.
Championship Section:
1. 1st Old Boys' — 93
2. Laganvale Metal Technology Band — 91
3. Strabane Concert Brass — 90
4. Murley Silver — 89
5. Arklow Silver — 88
Conductor Prize: Stephen Cairns (1st Old Boys)
BBL Band of the Year: 1st Old Boys
Best Soloist: Mark Ruddock, Soprano, Laganvale Metal Technology Band
Percussion Prize: Strabane Concert Brass
Second Section
1. St.Joseph's Brass — 88
2. Downshire Brass — 87
3. Ballyduff Silver — 86
4. Third Carrickfergus — 83
5. Roughan Silver — 82
Conductor Prize: N.Barr (St Joseph's)
Best Soloist: Mark McKnight, Cornet, Ballyduff Silver
Third Section
1. Newtownards Silver — 79
2. Comber Silver — 76
3. St Mark's Silver — 74
4. Wellington Memorial Silver — 73
Fourth Section
1. St Mary's Silver — 76
2. Warrenpoint Silver — 74
3. Poyntzpass Silver — 73
