The Aalborg Music Festival was recently held at the Nørresundby Gymnasium in the picturesque Danish town, where a record 15 bands took part in three separate sections.

Respected duo

The highly respected adjudication team of Reid Gilje of Eikanger Bjørsvik Musikklag and Philip Harper, MD of Cory Band also played an interactive role throughout the weekend, leading highly enjoyable masterclasses.

Fourth win

An exciting Section A contest was eventually won for the third consecutive time by Skanderborg Brass Band directed by Henrik Lützen, who just pipped 2011 champion Frederikshavn FDF Brass Band with Hjørring Brass Band in third.

There was an equally thrilling contest in Section B, where Brovst Pigegarde claimed the title for a fourth time by repelling the challenge of newly promoted Frederikshavn Talentband with Aalborg Brass Band in third.

Local favourites Aalborg Garden, who were competing for the first time in the festival, claimed the Section C title.

Herbert Møller Prize

The prestigious Herbert Møller Prize given for the for a special contribution to Danish brass bands went to Carsten Højen and Ellen Ræbild, teachers associated with the Frederikshavn Talent Band.

Aalborg Music Festival Chairman Henrik Juul-Pedersen told 4BR: "It has given us great pleasure to see that the competition is growing again this year.

A great deal of hard work has paid off and we even though we had a record entry this year we can still welcome another 10 bands who we are sure will enjoy the experience."

He added: "This year we had around 400 musicians at the event and we would love to have more.

Århus Brass Band gave a wonderful gala concert with soloists Mads Nielsen on trombone and cornet star Stig Mærsk."

It has given us great pleasure to see that the competition is growing again this year Aalborg Music Festival Chairman Henrik Juul-Pedersen

Results:

Section A:
1. Skanderborg Brass Band — 95
2. Frederikshavn FDF Brass Band — 94
3. Hjørring Brass Band — 92
4. FDF Århus Musikkreds — 90
5. Frederiksberg Brass Band — 89
6. Copenhagen Brass Band — 88

Best Soloist: Nikolaj Langgaard, Hjørring Brass Band
Best March: Frederikshavn FDF Brass Band
Conducting Prize: Henrik Lützen (Skanderborg Brass Band)

Section B:
1. Brovst Pigegarde — 89
2. Frederikshavn FDF Talentband — 88
3. Aalborg Brass Band — 87
4. Sejs Blæserne — 86
5. Hjemmeværnsdistrikt Nordjyllands Musikkorps — 85
6. Tordenskiold Garden — 84

Best Soloist: Michael Ræbild Højen Jensen (Frederikshavn FDF Talentband)
Best March: Brovst Pigegarde
Conductors Prize: Steffen Mærsk (Frederikshavn Talentband)

Section C:
1. Aalborg Garden — 81
2. Brønderslev Superblæsere — 78
3. Løgstør Garden — 77

Best Soloist: Rasmus Arentoft Schiemann (Aalborg Garden)
Best March: Aalborg Garden
Conductors Prize: Rikke Øland (Aalborg Garden)

Best new work: Martin Brunn (Brønderslev Superblæsere)