Winner: Chris Thomas (Cory)
2. Tom Hutchinson (Cory)
3. Glen Van Looy (Valaisia Brass Band)
It was a bit of battle between two Cory stars this year for the prestigious Player of the Year accolade.
In the end it went to Chris Thomas, the superb solo trombone of the Cory Band — who picked up 5 first choice preferences and 3 podium votes from the panel.
Like a fine wine he seems to get better with age (and he's still young enough to win this award many more times to come in the future) and in 2018 he was simply outstanding on every contest, concert and recording platform.
The individual solo accolades he picked up for his performances on the televised Band Cymru competition, the National Championships of Great Britain and Brass in Concert were also richly deserved.
Superb year
Just behind him with 3 first choice preference votes and 3 podium votes came Cory principal Tom Hutchinson, who also enjoyed a superb year — and which also included the release of his critically acclaimed solo CD, 'This Way'.
Remarkable talents
Former winner Glenn Van Looy was third this year (he was runner-up in 2017), reminding everyone once again of his remarkable talents wherever he went — and also including his own acclaimed CD release, 'Lost Treasures Volume 2'. He gained 1 first preference choice and 3 podium votes.
Like a fine wine he seems to get better with age (and he's still young enough to win this award many more times to come in the future) and in 2018 he was simply outstanding on every contest, concert and recording platform4BR
Past Winners:
2017: David Morton
2016: Helen Williams
2015: David Childs
2014: David Childs
2013: Glenn Van Looy
2012: Steve Stewart
2011: Glen Van Looy
2010: David Childs
2009: Mark Wilkinson
2008: Peter Moore
2007: Hans Gansch
2006: Katrina Marzella
2005: David Childs
2004: David Childs
2003: Martin Winter
2002: Morgan Griffiths
2001: Peter Roberts
Panel:
The Awards Panel consisted of : Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (Chief Contributor); Steven Mead (euphonium soloist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine); Kenny Crookston (CEO, Brass Bands England); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/soprano cornet Bjorsvik Brass); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist).
