The UniBrass Championships, which will be held at the University of Warwick on the weekend has announced its line-up of adjudicators for the event.

Official judges

Les Neish and Richard Jones will undertake the official adjudicating duties, with the contest also linking up once again with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (ABBA) ‘Trainee Adjudicator’ initiative to give two aspiring adjudicators valuable contesting experience.

Richard is a graduate of the training scheme himself, having gained experience at the UniBrass Championships last year, whilst Les is well known around the banding world having judged at events as diverse as the BBC Radio 2 Brass Soloist of the Year and the Tasmanian Band League State Championships.

Trainees

ABBA Secretary David Hurst, told 4BR: “We thank the organisers of UniBrass, and their enlightened approach is very much appreciated in allowing Cliff Parker and Jonathan Pippen to participate.”

Cliff Parker has vast experience as a player and conductor, especially in the Midlands region and has for the past decade or more been the successful MD of the Langley Band.

Meanwhile, Jonathan has just finished his tenure at the Central Band of the RAF, and is rightly regarded as one of the country’s leading trombone performers. He is currently the MD of the Staines Band.

Les Neish and Richard Jones will undertake the official adjudicating duties, with the contest also linking up with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (ABBA) ‘Trainee Adjudicator’ initiative4BR

Showcase

UniBrass Chair Alex Parker added: “It’s very important for UniBrass to take part in the ABBA training scheme. We are a showcase for the next generation of banding talent — players and judges alike."