Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Saturday 1st September
Seindorf Beaumaris
Conductor: Gwyn M Evans
Open Record:
The North Wales band makes its debut at the British Open this year – the first North Wales band at the contest since Point of Ayr in 1994.
Make Open debut thanks to claiming runner up qualification place at Grand Shield in Blackpool off the number 1 draw.
They will be directed on their debut by long term MD Gwyn Evans.
Player to listen out for:
Jos Harris – a very accomplished and classy trombone soloist and section leader.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Nicholas Hughes
Principal Euphonium: Glen Van Looy
Soprano Cornet: Bari Gwilliam
Solo Trombone: Jos Harris
Solo Horn: Bronwen Evans
Flugel: Chris Williams
Baritone: Nicola Williams
Eb Tuba: Gavin Saynor
Bb Tuba: Owen Davies
Current Ranking: 17
2012 Form:
Regionals: 5th (Wales)
Grand Shield: 2nd
All England Masters International: 13th
Appearances: Debut
Debut: 2012
Open Record:
N/A
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 3rd in Senior Trophy (G. Evans) (prom)
2010: Winners of Senior Trophy (G. Evans) (prom)
2009: 5th in Senior Trophy (G. Evans)
2008: 11th (G. Evans)
2007: DNC
2006: Withdrew
2005: 11th in Grand Shield (G. Evans)
2004: 11th (M. Hansen)
2003: 6th (G. Evans)
2002: 12th (G. Evans)
2001: 2nd Senior Cup (G. Evans) (prom)
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr Nicholas Childs
Open Record:
A record like no other band in the world.
This will be the Queensbury band’s 109th appearance boasting a record of 29 wins, 24 runners up and 12 third places – although you do have to go back to 2006 for their last success.
Missed a historic hat trick in 2007 by the narrowest of margins. Nicholas Childs conducts the band for the 13th time this year – and has never yet failed to gain at least a top six finish.
Player to listen out for:
Sheona White – the horn player has added an extra sheen of class to a revitalised and reinvigorated middle of the band.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Richard Marshall
Principal Euphonium: Gary Curtin
Soprano: Paul Duffy
Solo Trombone: Brett Baker
Solo Horn: Sheona White
Flugel: Zoe Hancock
Baritone: Katrina Marzella
Eb Tuba: Joseph Cook
Bb Tuba: Matt Routley
4BR Ranking: 1
2012 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: Saddleworth champions
European Championship: Winners
English Nationals: Winners
Appearances: 109th time
Debut: 1856
Open Record:
29 Wins: 1862, 1863, 1871, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1891, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1902, 1904, 1908, 1914, 1935, 1957, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1995, 2005, 2006
24 Seconds: 1877, 1887, 1888, 1900, 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1917, 1922, 1934, 1938, 1971, 1978, 1984, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2009, 2011
12 Thirds: 1868, 1873, 1884, 1894, 1916, 1937, 1953, 1958, 1963, 2002, 2003, 2010
8 Fourths: 1890, 1912, 1919, 1921, 1936, 1970, 1979, 1989
5 Fifths: 1864, 1920, 1936, 1952, 1966
4 Sixths: 1947, 1962, 2004, 2008
25 times unplaced
1 disqualification: 1865
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (12)
2010: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (13)
2009: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (16)
2008: 6th (Nicholas Childs) (1)
2007: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (15)
2006: Winners (Nicholas Childs) (11)
2005: Winners (Nicholas Childs) (13)
2004: 6th (Nicholas Childs) (6)
2003: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (11)
2002: 3rd (Nicholas Childs) (3)
2001: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (14)
2000: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (15)
1999: 2nd (James Watson) (22)
1998: 8th (James Watson) (7)
1997: DNC
1996: 14th (James Watson) (1)
Brighouse & Rastrick
Conductor: Professor David King
Open Record:
It is now over thirty years since Brighouse last took home the British Open title to West Riding. That performance of ‘Benvenuto Cellini’ still remains fresh in the minds of supporters though – especially as it denied Black Dyke a double hat trick.
Symphony Hall hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds to date. This is David King’s fourth attempt with the band as they seek a first podium finish since 1998.
Player to listen out for:
Kevin Crockford – the most decorated soprano player in banding history remains at the very top of his game
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stuart Lingard
Principal Euphonium: David Thornton
Soprano: Kevin Crockford
Solo Trombone: Danny Brooks
Solo Horn: Leah Williams
Flugel: Lucy Murphy
Baritone: Ciaran Young
Eb Tuba: Mick Morris
Bb Tuba: Jon Beaumont
4BR Ranking: 6
2012 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: 2nd in Saddleworth
Appearances: 72nd time
Debut: 1890
Open Record:
6 Wins: 1929, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1978
3 Seconds: 1965, 1977, 1983
5 Thirds: 1939, 1940, 1973, 1976, 1998
7 Fourths: 1942, 1943, 1961, 1964, 1984, 1999, 2002
6 Fifths: 1960, 1971, 1987, 2003, 2009, 2011
5 Sixths: 1938,1944, 1959, 1986, 1995
39 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 5th (David King) (10)
2010: 10th (David King) (2)
2009: 5th (David King) (8)
2008: 8th (Alan Morrison) (16)
2007: 11th (Alan Morrison) (7)
2006: 12th (Ian McElligott) (16)
2005: 7th (James Gourlay) (6)
2004: 11th (James Gourlay) (5)
2003: 5th (Major Ian McElligott) (17)
2002: 4th (Major Ian McElligott) (12)
2001: 8th (Allan Withington) (8)
2000: 12th (Allan Withington) (8)
1999: 4th (Allan Withington) (14)
1998: 3rd (Allan Withington) (15)
1997: 10th (Allan Withington) (4)
1996: 20th (Allan Withington) (18)
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Conductor: Phillip McCann
Open Record:
A bit of an up and down existence at the Open since their return in 2003, (they didn’t compete in 2005), but the band ended 40 years of hurt last year by claiming their first podium finish since 1972.
Phillip McCann returns again to make his third successive appearance at the helm.
Player to listen out for:
Toni Howden – one of the most solid performers in the major contest stages around. A major asset for Carlton’s chances of success.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Kirsty Abbotts
Principal Euphonium: Toni Howden
Soprano: Gary Bates
Solo Horn: Neil Raisbeck
Flugel: Anna Spedding
Solo Trombone: Becky Lundberg
Baritone: Heather Law
Eb Tuba: Paul Davies
Bb Tuba: Adrian Clarke
Current Ranking: 11
2012 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 8th
Regionals: 4th (Yorkshire)
All England Masters International: 4th
Appearances: 65th time
Debut: 1921
Open Record:
2 Wins: 1922, 1958
5 Seconds: 1941, 1957, 1959, 1969, 1972
4 Thirds: 1948, 1950, 1956, 2011
3 Fourths: 1928, 1944, 1963
2 Fifths: 1927, 1946
2 Sixths: 1923, 2006
46 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 3rd (Phillip McCann) (5)
2010: 8th (Phillip McCann) (11)
2009: 16th (Russell Gray) (9)
2008: 7th (Russell Gray (12)
2007: 12th (Russell Gray) (11)
2006: 6th (Russell Gray) (19)
2005: DNC
2004: 18th (Brian Grant) (7)
2003: Winners of Grand Shield (W. Rushworth) (prom): 18th (W. Rushworth) (14)
2002: 19th (William Rushworth) (17) (rel)
2001: 17th (John Hinckley) (6)
2000: 9th (John Hinckley) (21)
1999: Winners of Grand Shield (J. Hinckley) (prom): 14th (John Hinckley) (11)
1993-1998: DNC
Cory
Conductor: Philip Harper
Open Record:
It took Cory 78 years after their Open debut to register their first victory, but since their Millennium year triumph they have been the most consistent band at the contest, with five victories to their name, all directed by Dr Robert Childs.
Never outside the top six since 1999, Philip Harper directs the band for the first time this year after leading Tongwynlais at the contest in 2011.
Player to listen out for:
Matthew White – taken over from David Childs and a performers with unlimited potential.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Tom Hutchinson
Principal Euphonium: Matthew White
Soprano: Steve Stewart
Solo Trombone: Chris Thomas
Solo Horn: Owen Farr
Flugel: Joanne Childs
Baritone: Stephen Kane
Eb Tuba: Simon Howell
Bb Tuba: Fraser Bish
4BR Ranking: 2
2012 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Wales)
European: 5th
Appearances: 50th time
Debut: 1922
Open Record:
5 Wins: 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2011
4 Seconds: 1950, 2004, 2005, 2006
3 Thirds: 1972, 2001, 2008
3 Fourths: 1951, 1975, 1976
2 Fifths: 1974, 2010
2 Sixths: 1999, 2003
30 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: Winners (Robert Childs) (9)
2010: 5th (Robert Childs) (1)
2009: Winners (Robert Childs) (6)
2008: 3rd (Robert Childs) (11)
2007: Winners (Robert Childs) (16)
2006: 2nd (Robert Childs) (17)
2005: 2nd (Robert Childs) (16)
2004: 2nd (Robert Childs) (2)
2003: 6th (Robert Childs) (13)
2002: Winners (Robert Childs) (16)
2001: 3rd (Robert Childs) (20)
2000: Winners (Robert Childs) (22)
1999: 6th (Jeremy Wise) (10)
1998: 13th (Jeremy Wise) (19)
1997: 7th (Jeremy Wise) (16)
1996: 19th (Melvin White) (6)
Desford Colliery
Conductor: Nigel Seaman
Open Record:
Although it seems inconceivable that Desford has never won the Open – especially during the early 1980's, they have come close under a variety of conductors.
Nigel Seaman returns to conduct the band for a fourth time this year having last appeared with the band in 2008.
The draw hasn’t been too kind to them here – last year was the fourth in a row that they picked out a single digit ball from the velvet bag.
Player to listen out for:
David Smith – a chance to hear one of the classiest cornet players around on his return to these shores from the Far East.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: David Smith
Principal Euphonium: Brendan Wheeler
Soprano: Richard Evans
Solo Horn: Billy Rushworth
Flugel: Simon Platford
Solo Trombone: Thomas Berry
Baritone: Kate Williams
Eb Tuba: Nick Etheridge
Bb Tuba: Simon Gresswell
4BR Ranking: 27
2012 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 7th
Regionals: Winners (Midlands)
Appearances: 40th time
Debut: 1970
Open Record:
1 Second: 1979
2 Thirds: 1980, 2006
2 Fourths: 1982, 2007
2 Fifths: 1984, 1986
2 Sixths: 1983, 1987
30 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 7th (Nigel Seaman) (6)
2010: 7th (Martin Winter) (7)
2009: 7th (James Gourlay) (1)
2008: 14th (Nigel Seaman) (3)
2007: 4th (Frans Violet) (10)
2006: 3rd (Nigel Seaman) (12)
2005: 16th (Peter Parkes) (1)
2004: 3rd at Grand Shield (Peter Parkes) (prom): 7th (Peter Parkes) (17)
2003: DNC
2002: DNC
2001: 19th (Peter Parkes) (12) (rel)
2000: 20th (Peter Parkes) (19)
1999: 13th (Roy Newsome) (3)
1998: 16th (Frank Renton) (2)
1997: 15th (Frank Renton) (6)
1996: 15th (Frank Renton) (16)
Foden's
Conductor: Allan Withington
Open Record:
The 2008 champion is a band with a fine pedigree at the contest – with 11 wins in total since their first way back in 1909.
Consistency has been the name of the game with just the 13th place of 2006 the only time they have been outside the top 10 since 1993.
Allan Withington returns for the second time as he looks to break his British Open duck.
Player to listen out for:
Mark Wilkinson – 20 years on the end and still one of the very best in the banding world.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Mark Wilkinson
Principal Euphonium: Glyn Williams
Soprano: Richard Poole
Solo Horn: Lesley Howie
Flugel: Helen Williams
Solo Trombone: John Barber
Baritone: Natsumi MacDonald
Eb Tuba: Stewart Baglin
Bb Tuba: David McGlynn
4BR Ranking: 4
2012 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (North West)
Whit Friday: Tameside winners
English Nationals: 3rd
Open Record:
11 Wins: 1909, 1910, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1964, 2004, 2008
6 Seconds: 1911, 1916, 1952, 1987, 1998, 2002
7 Thirds: 1914, 1925, 1957, 1970, 1981, 1985, 2007
6 Fourths: 1958, 1965, 1986, 1991, 2010, 2011
8 Fifths: 1918, 1953, 1968, 1972, 1988, 1996, 1999, 2000
5 Sixths: 1917, 1984, 1994, 2005, 2009
29 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 4th (Allan Withington) (15)
2010: 4th (Howard Snell) (17)
2009: 6th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2008: Winners (Garry Cutt) (10)
2007: 3rd (Garry Cutt) (3)
2006: 13th (Garry Cutt) (9)
2005: 6th (Garry Cutt) (18)
2004: Winners (Garry Cutt) (12)
2003: 7th (Thomas Wyss) (3)
2002: 2nd (Bramwell Tovey) (8)
2001: 7th (Bramwell Tovey) (3)
2000: 5th (Bramwell Tovey) (9)
1999: 5th (Nicholas Childs) (4)
1998: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (18)
1997: 9th (Nicholas Childs) (13)
1996: 5th (Phillip McCann) (3)
Grimethorpe Colliery
Conductor: Garry Cutt
Open Record:
Just the four wins so far for Grimethorpe – but four memorable wins, with a brace for the great George Thompson and one each for Geoffrey Brand and Frank Renton.
The last time they celebrated victory though was in 1991, so a fifth win is long overdue.
Garry Cutt directs the band for a fourth time as he looks to add to his superb personal tally of four Open victories.
Player to listen out for:
Roger Webster – still the daddy.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Roger Webster
Principal Euphonium: Michael Dodd
Soprano: Andrew Bannister
Solo Trombone: Andreas Kratz
Solo Horn: Danny Powell
Flugel: Andy Holmes
Baritone: Michael Wells
Eb Tuba: Shaun Crowther
Bb Tuba: Adrian Raven
4BR Ranking: 9
2012 Form:
Regionals: 5th (Yorkshire)
Appearances: 66th time
Debut: 1935
Open Record:
4 Wins: 1967, 1969, 1984, 1991
4 Seconds: 1945, 1963, 1973, 2008
11 Thirds: 1960, 1961, 1968, 1971, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1994, 2000, 2009
3 Fourths: 1972, 1998, 2001
7 Fifths: 1976, 1981, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2007
3 Sixths: 1946, 1980, 1985
33 times unplaced.
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 9th (Garry Cutt) (16)
2010: 9th (Allan Withington) (15)
2009: 3rd (Allan Withington) (3)
2008: 2nd (Allan Withington) (6)
2007: 5th (Allan Withington) (4)
2006: 9th (Allan Withington) (4)
2005: 12th (Allan Withington) (4)
2004: 9th (Frank Renton) (9)
2003: DNC
2002: 14th (James Gourlay) (10)
2001: 4th (Garry Cutt) (13)
2000: 3rd (Garry Cutt) (20)
1999: 18th (Andreas Sporri) (7)
1998: 4th (Major Peter Parkes) (17)
1997: 5th (Major Peter Parkes) (7)
1996: 7th (Major Peter Parkes) (20)
Hepworth
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Open Record:
Hepworth has claimed its Open place by twice winning the Grand Shield – once in 2005 and again in 2012 and has recorded two top 10 finishes in their seven appearances so far.
Russell Gray led them back to Symphony Hall at the Spring Festival and the experienced Michael Fowles becomes the fifth conductor to lead them at the contest this year.l
Player to listen out for:
James Fieldhouse – the multi talented euphonium player is a real star performer on his day
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Alan Hobbins
Principal Euphonium: James Fieldhouse
Soprano: Paul Shafi
Solo Horn: Hannah Drage
Flugel: Katherine Betham
Solo Trombone: Peter Moore
Baritone: Charmian Gott
Eb Tuba: Ian Tiffany
Bb Tuba: Mike Everett
4BR Ranking: 14
2012 Form:
Regionals: 10th (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: 4th in Saddleworth
Grand Shield: Winners
English National: 5th
Appearances: 8th time
Debut: 2005
Open Record:
No wins
7 times unplaced:
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 15th (Michael Bach) (rel) (8)
2010: 15th (Brian Grant) (5)
2009: 11th (Ian Porthouse) (14)
2008: 9th (Ian Porthouse) (17)
2007: 8th (Mark Bentham) (13)
2006: 11th (Mark Bentham) (6)
2005: Winners of Grand Shield (Mark Bentham) (prom): 8th (Mark Bentham) (2)
Kirkintilloch
Conductor: Paul Holland
Open Record:
Kirkintilloch had notched up an impressive record of achievement at the Open since they made their debuts in 2001, but a disastrous last place in 2010 saw them relegated back to the Grand Shield.
However, they have bounced straight back to make their 12th appearance in a row, with Flowers MD, Paul Holland making his debut with the band this year.
Player to listen out for:
Stephanie Mitchell – one of the very best rising stars of Scottish banding.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stephanie Mitchell
Principal Euphonium: Scott Findlater
Soprano: Calum Tonner
Solo Trombone: Helen Douthwaite
Solo Horn: Allan Wardrope
Flugel: Fiona Pitcathley
Baritone: Christopher Robertson
Eb Tuba: Laura McCormick
Bb Tuba: Dave Trusdale
4BR Ranking: 25
2012 Form:
Regionals: 4th (Scotland)
West Lothian Festival: 5th
Appearances: 12th time
Debut: 2001
Open Record:
1 Fourth: 2004
1 Fifth: 2008
9 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 16th (Luc Vertommen) (3)
2010: 17th (Garry Cutt) (10) (rel): 2nd at Grand Shield (Garry Cutt) (prom)
2009: 9th (Selmer Simonsen) (2)
2008: 5th (Selmer Simonsen) (15)
2007: 18th (Nigel Boddice) (2)
2006: 7th (Steve Bastable) (2)
2005: 13th (Steve Bastable) (8)
2004: 4th (Steve Bastable) (16)
2003: 11th (Frank Renton) (16)
2002: 12th (Frank Renton) (6)
2001: Winners of Grand Shield (A. Ramsay) (prom): 16th (Allan Ramsey) (19)
1996 - 2000: DNC
Leyland
Conductor: Michael Bach
Open Record:
Leyland returned after five years in the Blackpool wilderness in 2008 and came 4th two years in a row.
They made their Open debut back in 1948 lasting to 1961, but returned in style (white jackets and all) after winning the Grand Shield in 1981 under Richard Evans.
The Swiss conductor Michael Bach leads the band for the first time this year, although he made his Open debut in 2011 with Hepworth.
Player to listen out for:
Chris Doran – the leader of a very impressive bass end and a solo performer of rare class.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Iain Culross
Principal Euphonium: Lewis Musson
Soprano: John Doyle
Solo Trombone: Daniel Brooks
Solo Horn: Rebecca Landon
Flugel: Romana Hallstead
Baritone: Hannah Platt
Eb Tuba: Chris Doran
Bb Tuba: Bill Carter
4BR Ranking: 7
2012 Form:
Regionals: Winners (North West)
Whit Friday: 3rd in Tameside
English Nationals: 2nd
Appearances: 40th time
Debut: 1948
Open Record:
1 Win: 1994
3 Seconds: 1981, 1990, 1992
3 Thirds: 1989, 1991, 1996
4 Fourths: 1985, 1988, 2008, 2009
1 Fifth: 1993
2 Sixths: 1982, 1998
25 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 10th (Jason Katsikaris) (11)
2010: 12th (Philip Harper) (6)
2009: 4th (Jason Katsikaris) (13)
2008: Winners of Grand Shield (J. Katsikaris) (prom): 4th (Jason Katsikaris) (4)
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: 14th (Peter Bassano) (5) (rel)
2002: 11th (Garry Cutt) (5)
2001: 9th (Brian Grant) (5)
2000: 10th (Howard Snell) (10)
1999: 8th (Richard Evans) (17)
1998: 6th (Richard Evans) (5)
1997: 8th (Richard Evans) (14)
1996: 3rd (Richard Evans) (13)
Reg Vardy
Conductor: Ray Farr
Open Record:
The band made its first appearance at the Open in 1966 as Craghead Colliery and changed their name to Ever Ready by the time of the 1969 contest.
They have been known as Reg Vardy since 2004 here and returned in 2011 after winning the Grand Shield for a second time.
Ray Farr directs the band for a ninth time as they seek a first top six finish since 1987.
Player to listen out for:
Liz Cook – a wonderful performer and a huge asset to any contest performance.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Michael Lumsden
Principal Euphonium: Liz Cook
Soprano: Tom Glendinning
Solo Horn: Steve Hardy
Flugel: Joanne Behan
Solo Trombone: Kevin Chisholm
Baritone: Fiona Casewell
Eb Tuba: Jen McCausland
Bb Tuba: Dan Knott
4BR Ranking: 19
2012 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (North of England)
English Nationals: 6th
Appearances: 34th time
Debut: 1966
Open Record:
No Wins:
No Seconds:
No Thirds:
1 Fourth: 1987
2 Fifths: 1977, 1982
No Sixths:
30 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: Winners of Grand Shield (Nicholas Childs) (prom): 13th (Ray Farr) (4)
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: 13th (Ray Farr) (6) (rel)
2006: 17th (Ray Farr) (7)
2005: 9th (Ray Farr) (17)
2004: 8th (Ray Farr) (19)
2003: 8th (Ray Farr) (4)
2002: 15th (Ray Farr) (11)
2001: 12th (Ray Farr) (11)
1996 - 2000: DNC
Rothwell Temperance
Conductor: David Roberts
Open Record:
The 18th appearance at the British Open for Rothwell, with their first as long ago as 1927.
They returned to the contest in 2004 only to rather controversially be relegated in 2008.
Won the Grand Shield in 2009 to return once more under the baton of their MD David Roberts.
Player to listen out for:
Michael Howley – an all round musician and performer of outstanding quality.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Tim Hammond
Principal Euphonium: Michael Howley
Soprano: Jonathan Hammond
Solo Horn: Catherine Roberts
Flugel: Vikki Holland
Solo Trombone: Andy White
Baritone: Andy Padgett
Eb Tuba: Edward Hodkin
Bb Tuba: Steve Malcolm
4BR Ranking: 16
2012 Form:
Regionals: 3rd (Yorkshire)
Whit Friday: 5th in Saddleworth
Appearances: 18th time
Debut: 1927
Open Record:
1 Fifth: 2005
2 Sixth: 1928, 2010
14 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 12th (David Roberts) (7)
2010: 6th (David Roberts) (9)
2009: Winners of Grand Shield (David Roberts) (prom); 15th (David Roberts) (11)
2008: 17th (Dave Roberts) (2) (rel)
2007: 9th (David Roberts) (1)
2006: 14th (David Roberts) (10)
2005: 5th (David Roberts) (12)
2004: 2nd at Grand Shield (David Roberts) (prom): 15th (David Roberts) (14)
1996 - 2003: DNC
Co-operative Funeralcare Band
Conductor: Allan Ramsay
Open Record:
The then Scottish Co-op (they have played here under five different names) returned to the Open in 2003 and have secured the one podium finish since in 2004.
There has been many a top class name associated with their Open efforts over the years, but also some less well known ones too – including one Kazuyoshi Uemura in 2000.
Allan Ramsay takes the baton for the third time, looking to better the 4th place finish under his direction in 2006.
Player to listen out for:
Jim Hayes – looks and plays like a million dollars.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Jim Hayes
Principal Euphonium: Allison Bonner
Soprano: Caroline Tennant
Solo Trombone: Paul Kiernan
Solo Horn: Alison Halls
Flugel: Andrea Casey
Baritone: John Stirling
Eb Tuba: Steve Walsh
Bb Tuba: Andy Smith
4BR Ranking: 15
2012 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Scotland)
European Championships: 6th
West Lothian Festival: Winners
Land O’ Burns: Winners
Appearances: 25th time
Debut: 1956
Open Record:
3 Thirds: 1993, 1997, 2004
1 Fourth: 2006
20 times unplaced:
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 14th (Michael Fowles) (13)
2010: 11th (Michael Fowles) (16)
2009: 8th (Michael Fowles) (12)
2008: 11th (Andrew Duncan) (9)
2007: 14th (Allan Ramsay) (5)
2006: 4th (Allan Ramsay) (15)
2005: 10th (Frank Renton) (15)
2004: 3rd (Ian McElligott) (13)
2003: 2nd at Grand Shield (Nicholas Childs) (prom): 13th (James Scott) (12)
2002: 16th (John Hinckley) (4) (rel)
2001: 12th (James Gourlay) (4)
2000: 11th (Kazuyoshi Uemura) (16)
1999: 9th (Howard Snell) (9)
1998: 12th (Howard Snell) (20)
1997: 3rd (Howard Snell) (5)
1996: 8th (Howard Snell) (15)
Fairey Band
Conductor: Russell Gray
Open Record:
Only Black Dyke can claim more victories at the British Open than Fairey, with the band from Stockport winning at least once per decade from 1940 to the end of the 20th century.
They have yet to add to their 16 victories this Millennium, although they came close in 2010.
Russell Gray directs the band for the third time this year as he looks to win his first British Open as a conductor.
Player to listen out for:
Mike Eccles is a wonderful performer on flugel horn – secure and very artistic.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: James McCabe
Principal Euphonium: Roland Srocher
Soprano: Ben Richeton
Solo Trombone: Ryan Watkins
Solo Horn: Julie Meechan
Flugel: Mike Eccles
Baritone: Sarah Lenton
Eb Tuba: Jon Davies
Bb Tuba: Mark Evans
4BR Ranking: 5
2012 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (North West)
Whit Friday: 2nd in Tameside
English Nationals: 4th
Appearances: 69th time
Debut: 1938
Open Record:
16 Wins: 1941, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1956, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1979, 1987, 1993, 1998
14 Seconds: 1943, 1946, 1948, 1953, 1960, 1967, 1975, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2010
5 Thirds: 1969, 1977, 1984, 1992, 1999
6 Fourths: 1959, 1971, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005
2 Fifths: 1985, 2006
7 Sixths: 1951, 1957, 1970, 1978, 1990, 2001, 2002
18 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 11th (Russell Gray) (17)
2010: 2nd (Russell Gray) (12)
2009: 12th (Philip Chalk) (7)
2008: 15th (Philip Chalk) (8)
2007: 7th (Philip Chalk) (12)
2006: 5th (Simon Stonehouse) (8)
2005: 4th (Simon Stonehouse) (9)
2004: 12th (Allan Withington (11)
2003: 4th (Allan Withington) (9)
2002: 6th (Allan Withington) (19)
2001: 6th (Howard Snell) (2)
2000: 4th (James Gourlay) (17)
1999: 3rd (James Gourlay) (12)
1998: Winners (James Gourlay) (16)
1997: 2nd (James Gourlay) (10)
1996: 4th (James Gourlay) (10)
Tredegar
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Open Record:
The 18th appearance for Tredegar, who remain the only band ever to win the Grand Shield and British Open titles in the same year.
They were runner up at the Open in 1996, but were relegated in 2005.
Ian Porthouse conducts the Welsh band for the third time.
Player to listen out for:
Byron Newton – the New Zealander has become one of the most accomplished and fearless euphonium players around.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Dewi Griffiths
Principal Euphonium: Byron Newton
Soprano: Lewis West
Solo Trombone: Steve Turton
Solo Horn: Chris Davies
Flugel: Danny Winder
Baritone: Geraint Chamberlain
Eb Tuba: Jacob Pritchard
Bb Tuba: Andy Russell
Current Ranking: 3
2012 Form:
Welsh Open: Winners
Regionals: 3rd (Wales)
All England Masters International: Winners
Appearances: 18th time
Debut: 1976
Open Record:
1 Win: 2010
1 Second: 1996
2 Sixths: 1997, 2011
13 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 6th (Ian Porthouse) (14)
2010: Winners of Grand Shield (Ian Porthouse) (prom); Winners (Ian Porthouse) (8)
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: 18th (Thomas Wyss) (5) (rel)
2004: 19th (Russell Gray) (15)
2003: 9th (Russell Gray) (18)
2002: 8th (Steve Bastable) (18)
2001: 13th (Steve Bastable) (17)
2000: 8th (Steve Bastable) (12)
1999: 7th (James Scott) (20)
1998: 7th (James Scott) (11)
1997: 6th (James Scott) (3)
1996: 2nd (Nicholas Childs) (9)
Virtuosi GUS
Conductor: John Berryman
Open Record:
The Virtuosi GUS Band has performed under many guises at this contest since making their debut in 1934.
They have won twice – famously off the number 1 spot under Stanley Boddington in 1954 as Munn & Felton, and then as Rigid Containers under Bram Tovey in 1988.
They returned to the contest after a six year absence in 2009. John Berryman takes the helm once more.
Player to listen out for:
Thomas Fountain – a real gem of a performer on flugel – and still only a teenager.
Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Peter Collins
Principal Euphonium: Mark Giles
Soprano: Martin Britt
Solo Horn: Nathan Waterman
Flugel: Thomas Fountain
Solo Trombone: Chris Jeans
Baritone: Jo Stephenson
Eb Tuba: Linda Hobbs
Bb Tuba: Mike Smith
Current Ranking: 23
2012 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 2nd
Regionals: 3rd (Midlands)
All England Masters International: 10th
English National: 7th
Appearances: 41st time
Debut: 1934
Open Record:
2 Wins: 1954, 1988
1 Second: 1980
5 Thirds: 1946, 1952, 1974, 1982, 1986
2 Fourths: 1983, 1995
3 Fifths: 1948, 1949, 1964
3 Sixths: 1950, 1953, 1969
24 times unplaced
Last 16 Years:
Conductor and draw
2011: 8th (John Berryman (1)
2010: 13th (John Berryman) (14)
2009: 2nd at Grand Shield (J. Berryman) (prom): 14th (John Berryman) (15)
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: 15th (Major Peter Parkes) (1) (rel)
2002: 17th (Brian Grant) (15)
2001: 10th (Frank Renton) (1)
2000: 7th (Melvin White) (6)
1999: 10th (Melvin White) (23)
1998: 21st (Melvin White) (1)
1997: 17th (John Berryman) (12)
