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2014 4BR Awards — Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year

So many bands had a 2014 to remember — so which one deserves the accolade as Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year?

The nominations from the 4BR team for consideration are...

Ebbw Valley

Ebbw Valley

The remarkable Gwent valleys contest juggernaut shows no sign of slowing down in its bid to reach its ultimate Championship Section destination.

Along the way they continued to pick up first prizes at just about every contest they entered in 2014 (9 more) - including the most commanding of Third Section National Championship victories at Cheltenham (adding to their 2013 Fourth Section success) under their inspirational MD, Gareth Ritter, and yet another Welsh League title.


Manger

Manger Skulemusikklag

Proof positive that the Norwegians really do know how to produce a brilliant youth band - and one even more remarkably, which gains all its players from just one school.

They produced a stunning performance set in winning the Development Section of European Youth Competition in Perth under MD, Thorgeir Thunstveit, with a display of mature musicality that was way beyond their tender years.


Beaumaris

Seindorf Beaumaris Youth

Welsh banding is certainly enjoying a purple period of success, but it is not just the ensembles of South Wales that are coming up with the title winning goods.

Packed to the rafters with talent and led by an inspirational MD, this is a band with a voracious appetite for hard work and musical excellence.

That was both seen and heard in winning the Action Research Entertainment title, the Newtown and North Wales contests - and most defiantly in wowing the crowds with their concerts at the Brass in Concert Championship.


Tullis Russell Trophies

Tullis Russell Mills Intermediate

If you are looking for a blueprint for long term banding success then you won’t go far wrong by copying what the Tullis Russell organisation is doing.

Clear headed thinking, achievable aims and objectives, hard graft and a musical ethos of enjoyment, permeate everything - and their shining gem in 2014 was their Intermediate Band.

They may have played in seven contests and won one - the Scottish Championship - but that wasn’t the sole reason for them taking to the stage. Others wanting to do things properly with youth development please take note. What a future beckons.


YOuth Brass

Youth Brass 2000

Talking of things to come - what fantastic playing futures have already been created for his remarkable young players over the last decade or more by Chris Jeans.

2014 saw them claim yet another Butlins Youth Championship title, gain victory at the British Open Brass at the Guild Hall contest and capture first prize in the Championship Section of the National Youth Championships.  Just the Action Research title eluded them - but what a year - and what a cracking band.



Contest: North of England Regional Championships

Sunday 23 March • 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA


The Hepworth Band - Glossop Band Club

Sunday 23 March • Glossop Band Club, Derby Street, Glossop SK13 8LP


Longridge Band - Longridge Youth Band Concert

Sunday 23 March • St. Lawrence's Church, Chapel Hill, Longridge PR3 2YD


Dobcross Silver Band - Ashton Band

Sunday 23 March • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Friday 28 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Ocean Brass

March 23 • Ocean Brass (2nd section) are seeking a new Musical Director, due to a change in personal circumstances of our previous MD. We rehearse on Thursdays 8-10pm, at Banister Park Bowls Club, Stoneham Lane, Southampton SO50 9HT.


Chinnor Silver

March 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets on a Monday and would welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed rehearsal with coffee and cake.Its just a chance for an extra blow that doesn't affect you affiliation to your existing bands.


Hebden Bridge Brass Band

March 21 • Hebden Bridge Band require the following to complete our line for 2025.. PRINCIPAL CORNET, BACKROW CORNET, TENOR TROMBONE & PERCUSSION. We have an exciting line up planned, including Buxton contest, Whit Friday and local concert series, plus a good local!


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

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