This weekend’s First Section victory at the recent Wychavon Festival of Brass was the perfect start to a new partnership of conductors for Foresters Brass 2000.

New team

Alwyn Green continues as the band’s Resident Conductor, but the contest saw the podium return of Peter Collins as Musical Director, a year after he stepped down to concentrate on his studies.

Real tribute

Peter told 4BR: "Alwyn and I have worked very closely over the past few months and the weekend’s result is a real tribute to all that effort. I chose a programme of predominantly new music, which the adjudicator said he really appreciated.

"We included a brand new arrangement by Alwyn of 'Sorcerer’s Apprentice', specially commissioned for the contest, which went down tremendously well with the players, the audience and the adjudicator."

Alwyn and I have worked very closely over the past few months and the weekend’s result is a real tribute to all that effortPeter Collins

Fantastic

Alwyn Green added: "It’s fantastic working with Foresters, they’re a great bunch and never fail to surprise me with their commitment and their enthusiasm. It’s wonderful having Pete back too – he works the players at an incredible rate and they respond so well to his work ethos."

Winning contribution

Band Chairman Gemma Kiddy added: "We think Pete’s return, coupled with Alwyn’s work — not just as resident conductor but also utilising his considerable skills as an arranger — are a winning combination.

This weekend was certainly a good start to the new partnership and we’re all delighted with the outcome."