What had become a title winning road less travelled by in the seven years since they last enjoyed victory at the Royal Albert Hall, once again became a journey of triumph for Cory and Philip Harper as they were crowned National Champion.

An absorbing contest had held the possibility that the final destination of the famous silver trophy could detour to a number of potential winning destinations.

Final destination

But whilst audience opinions varied, it was Cory's late draw rendition of Philip Sparke's test -piece that for the ticket inspectors of adjudicators Rob Wiffin OBE, Ray Farr and Alan Morrison determined that its final stop would be in Wales.

And although close, it was a clear victory ahead of podium finishers Aldbourne and Foden's according to Alan. He later told 4BR that although not completely error free, Cory's outstanding performance of 'A Road Less Travelled By', had made their task "fairly straightforward".

Speaking on stage as the players started their celebration with their MD, he said: "It was close but clear. We noted a couple of moments, as we did with the best bands today, but it had such a musical assuredness in the approach that stood out."

He did however reveal that there was a "discussion" between second and third, whilst "much more time" was taken with Black Dyke and Desford Colliery over the final pre-qualification place on offer ahead of Flowers in sixth.

Open echo

Alan's explanation added insight to those made in the pre-results address by adjudication panel Chairperson, Prof Rob Wiffin OBE — ones that also had a distinct echo of what had been noted by Martyn Brabbins about the performances of another Sparke work ('Music of the Spheres') at the British Open.

Philip Sparke's "craft of his scores is second to none", he said, before tellingly adding that whilst "there was also some room for interpretation" the judges were happy to "accommodate that, as long as you didn't distort the facts".

And as the "the composer's advocates", that he said included the use, or misuse of mutes in sections of very quiet writing, as well as "directional playing", when performers stood up or to played straight at the box. The key though was the ability to retain the 'essential integrity' of the 'Nocturne' and "the musical lines and everything that spread out from it" — adding that, "there had to be logic to it — and that's what we were listening for."

Not heard before

Further endorsement came with the collective written opinions — Rob Wiffin summing up his remarks by saying Cory had, "revealed many things not heard before" as well as praising the "brilliant soloists" and "great direction". Alan meanwhile called it a performance "of the highest musical integrity from all around the band not least the MD", whilst Ray Farr succinctly described it as "fabulous".

Speaking to 4BR after the celebrations started to die down, Philip Harper (who has now won a fifth National with his band) said: "We're all absolutely delighted. The history of a band like Cory is always palpable whenever we're at the bandroom or in the stage 'reds', and it's humbling for us all to be able to play a small part in adding to that with this 10th win.

We've had some challenges in recent years, but we've kept going, through thick and thin. We know what our band values and principles are, and for me it's always about a firm commitment to musical excellence. We now have a new generation of players at Cory and in a way this feels like winning a first major with a new band!"

He added: "I've been Philip Sparke's number 1 fan since I wrote to him aged 14. These last two months, with his music as test-pieces for both the Open and the Nationals have been simply fantastic. It's so easy to inspire your players when the music is of this quality. For me, he is simply the best."

That compliment was returned by the composer in his thanks to the MD who then invited Philip Sparke to be part of the official celebratory stage photograph.

Aldbourne progress

The progress along the road of elite level travel now undertaken by Aldbourne and MD Glyn Williams since taking the baton at the Wiltshire band in 2021 was further shown as they came runner- up — their highest finish at a major championship event.

As at the recent British Open, the confident consistency in producing performances inspired by their conductor's informed insight is finding admirers both in and out of the adjudicator's box.

Here it occurred again; Rob Wiffin calling it a "highly coloured and vividly executed performance", whilst Alan Morrison said it was a rendition, "that explored the whole range of tonal colour, dynamic contrast and musicality" led by a master musician."

And whilst Ray Farr did note that the final section was "too fast for this acoustic", he did add that overall, it was "impressive playing in every way".

Foden's close

For Foden's, hopes of securing a 'Double' after their British Open win just fell short despite another late draw. Following Cory as the penultimate band of the day, Russell Gray once again drew out rich textures and detailed balances from his cultured take on the score.

However, moments of individual unease and intonation issues were enough to deny a 17th title with an account summed up as being, "a very fine performance" by Ray Farr and, "a very commendable effort with very few errors and only minor blemishes" by Rob Wiffin. Alan Morrison concurred, saying that it had been a rendition "of great stature but not without small elements that broke the accuracy".

As Alan revealed, the judges took their time with the final placings, adding that was little to choose between Black Dyke (who claimed the final pre-qualification place) in fourth and defending champion Desford Colliery in fifth, with a small group of "good performances" a close match behind, led by Flowers in sixth.

Dyke, Desford and Flowers admirers

Black Dyke, who followed Aldbourne just before the halfway comfort break, drew admirers with their performance under Prof Nicholas Childs of cultured framing — described by Ray Farr as "brilliant" in his summing up, and by Rob Wiffin as "by any measure, a convincing performance full of detail and control expressed confidently." Alan Morrison said it was a rendition, "that so often lifted the music off the page."

For Desford, their impressive title defence off an early draw dispatched any lingering conspiracy theories over their 2025 win to the Albert Hall dustbins, as MD David Morton drew an emotive account from his experienced team.

Summed up by the judges as containing "so much good music and playing, "a really fine performance" and "a joy to listen to" it arguably deserved greater reward.

For many, so too Flowers, after Paul Holland drove them along a 'road' of Sparke speed awareness that matched their renowned technical virtuosity with expressive musicality. The European champion was back to its best though.

Just occasional moments of imbalance and "minor blemishes" were noted in the box in what was described as "a very performance" and "a very musical reading from the MD".

Welcome return

Others too impressed on Philip Sparke's accessible, but deceptively difficult work, which for many listeners brought a welcome return to hearing musical nuance and informed stylistic consideration rather than all too familiar explosions of bombast, shock and awe.

And whilst audience numbers were perhaps on a par or just above from last year, it was noticeable that more people stayed in the hall to listen to multiple performances.

The draw may have helped, but time and again conversations, (many from overseas visitors), spoke of the enjoyment that came with being able to appreciate creative music making rather than mere displays of technical brilliance.

Start to finish

It was the case throughout the day — from the cooperation band's fine number 1 draw performance to end seventh (the highest No.1 finish since 2013) all the way through to NASUWT Riverside to close.

Whilst the Scots faced a long trek back to Ayrshire to perform in a concert the following day, the players of a delighted Zone One Brass could celebrate locally long into the night as they secured a third top-10 finish in four years under Richard Ward — aided by a 'Most Outstanding Player' cameo gem contribution from LSO principal trumpet James Fountain on solo cornet (the principal work was played by Jake Humphrey).

Mixed midfield

Behind them the midfield finishers were something of a mix and match bag for the judges.

A memorable weekend for a back to form Grimethorpe saw them come ninth (after playing to an Albert Hall audience packed like sardines on the Friday night) with a performance that still had that a fair amount of 'Brassed Off' adrenaline in its veins. The final top-10 slot went to GUS Band as they impressed with their considered approach under Christopher Bond.

Elsewhere, KNDS Fairey, Whitburn, Tredegar, debutants Derwent, NASUWT Riverside and Hepworth were left in various degrees of positivity or disappointment, whilst debutants Sandhurst Silver, Verwood Concert Brass, EverReady and Kirkintilloch performed with merit against a strong field of rivals.

For Kapitol Promotions the challenges of the road ahead remain — although with the fine choice of test-piece, the excellent running of the contest day and increased marketing awareness (as well as the Trivergence ensemble pre-results mini-concert), the positive feedback received will fuel their determination to overcome them.

Iwan Fox

Result:

Test piece: A Road Less Travelled By (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Ray Farr; Alan Morrison; Prof. Rob Wiffin OBE

1. Cory (Philip Harper)*
2. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams)*
3. Foden's (Russell Gray)*
4. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs)*
5. Desford Colliery (David Morton)
6. Flowers (Paul Holland)
7. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler)
8. Zone One Brass (Richard Ward)
9. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington)
10. GUS Band (Christopher Bond)
11. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk)
12. Whitburn (Chris Shanks)
13. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
14. Derwent Brass (Jack Capstaff)
15. NASUWT Riverside (Richard Marshall)
16. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins)
17. Sandhurst Silver (Joshua Ruck)
18. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith)
19. EverReady (Stephen Roberts)
20. Kirkintilloch (Christopher Binns)

*pre-qualify for 2027 National Final

Best Instrumentalist: James Fountain (cornet) — Zone One Brass
James Shepherd Memorial Award to Principal Cornet of Winning Band: Kyle Lawson (Cory)

Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the action and discuss the issues ahead of the Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall.

They look forward to hearing 20 bands tackle Philip Sparke's 'A Road less Travelled By' in their bid to be crowned Champion Band of Great Britain.

They also look back at the British Open and the National Finals at York to ask if the result at Symphony Hall gives a form guide as well as how long will bands still actually travel the road to Kensington Gore in the years to come given rising costs and the success of the recent Section 1-4 Finals move to York.

Snell tribute

All this and we pay tribute to the great Howard Snell who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and also pinpoint a couple of things to look and listen out for in the coming weeks from David Childs at the Cymnock Festival and Regent Brass dipping yet again into the pot of rarely heard contemporary music.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has launched it new John Gillam Young Composers' Competition.

The 2027 edition is open to young composers aged 30 and under to create a new work, with the winning composition to be performed by the NYBBGB under Philip Harper.

John Gillam

The third competition is named after the late John Gillam, whose contribution to the NYBBGB spanned more than five decades. Supported by the Garrick Charitable Trust, it asks for an original work of up to five minutes for standard brass band instrumentation, with entries closing on 31st December.

The entries will be considered by Errollyn Wallen CBE, Master of the King's Music; NYBBGB President Martyn Brabbins and Philip Harper, who becomes the NYBBGB's Director of Artistic Planning in 2027.

Performance

The winning composition will be performed at the two Youth Band Summer Concerts in August 2027.

The winner will receive a £900 cash prize, mentoring and the opportunity to hear their work developed, rehearsed and performed. The runner-up will receive £300 and a one-to-one coaching session with a member of the judging panel.

The competition will incorporate an extensive practical development stage, giving shortlisted composers the opportunity to work directly with the NYBBGB and develop their music before final judging.

Workshopped

The judging panel will select three compositions to be workshopped by the NYBBGB on Sunday 16th May at the University of Birmingham. Shortlisted composers will be expected to attend in person.

Each will take part in a 45-minute open session in which their piece will be rehearsed, explored and developed in collaboration with the conductor and young musicians. Following the workshops, composers will have the opportunity to revise and resubmit their scores, accompanied by an explanation of any changes they have made.

NYBBGB musicians will also have an input into the process, with the final decision resting with the official judging panel. The winner will be announced by 31st May.

Something more

Speaking about the opportunity it offers, Philip Harper said: "As a composer, I know there is nothing quite like hearing your music brought to life by musicians for the first time.

This competition offers something more than a performance though: it gives young composers the opportunity to work with the NYBBGB, hear what works in practice, exchange ideas with the musicians and develop their piece before it reaches its final form."

He added: "I'm particularly looking forward to discovering the individuality and imagination of the composers who enter. I hope young composers from all musical backgrounds will see this as an invitation to enter."

Musical legacy

Those sentiments were echoed by NYBBGB, CEO, Mark Bromley who added: "2027 will also mark our 75th anniversary, and this competition is a wonderful example of how we can celebrate an extraordinary musical legacy while continuing to invest in the future.

John Gillam believed passionately in young people and in musical excellence. It therefore feels particularly fitting that our Young Composers' Competition should carry his name."

He added: "We are very grateful to the Garrick Charitable Trust for supporting the 2027 competition and helping us create this opportunity for the next generation of composers."

How to enter:

The competition is open to composers aged 30 or under on 1st January 2027.

Entries must be submitted by 31st December 2026. Works must be new, unpublished, not previously publicly performed, written for standard brass band instrumentation and last no more than five minutes.

Entrants must also be available to attend the shortlisted composers' workshop at the Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham, on Sunday 16th May, should their composition be selected.

More information

Full competition rules, instrumentation guidance, sample scores and details of how to enter are available from The NYBBGB website.

Competition information and applications: www.nybbgb.org.uk/­whats-on/­competitions/­young-composers-competition-2027

A brand new award will be presented at the Royal Albert Hall Championship Section National Final this weekend in memory of one the greatest cornet players in the history of the brass band movement.

James Shepherd

The James Shepherd Memorial Award, in the form of the echo cornet he played on, has been donated by his daughter, Claire Chalk, and bears the name of the legendary former Black Dyke principal cornet on its base. It will be presented to the principal cornet of the winning band.

It is fitting that the award will be made at the Royal Albert National Final, the venue that saw him lead Black Dyke to the 1972 'Double' on Eric Ball's 'Kensington Concerto' — a work that opens with its famous cornet solo.

The former hat-trick winning Champion Soloist of Great Britain he was principal cornet of Black Dyke for 10 years, a period that saw the band not only become National Champion but also British Open winners and World Champion.

High Peak

His renowned solo playing saw him gains accolades and fans across the world — his famous image found on the cover of the 'High Peak' LP album. He later set up the famous James Shepherd Versatile Brass ensemble which gained further legendary status, but was also an inspirational teacher.

He died in June 2023, aged 86, with The Daily Telegraph newspaper describing him as: 'The outstanding cornet player of his generation.'

Black Dyke Band's performance at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend will mark the final contest appearances in the famous black and gold uniforms of Jon and Tim Hammond.

The duo have been playing solo cornet for the Queensbury ensemble for the past decade and more, becoming an integral part of its success on and off the contest stage.

Tributes

Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs and colleagues paid their own tribute to the duo at their recent pre-National open rehearsal at Ossett Town Hall where presentations were made.

A spokesperson stated: "Jon has given 10 years of service to Black Dyke, while Tim has been with us for an incredible 12 years. As Saturday will be their final contest performance we presented both with a small token of our appreciation for everything they have contributed to the band over the years.

We off our huge thanks and we wish them all the very best for the future."