Winner: Sky Arts — Battle of the Bands television series
2. Brass Bands England Bandsafe initiative
3. BrassPass.tv Band of the Year
At a time when brass banding in the UK has been starved of informed understanding and appreciation by the national media, the four part Sky Arts series produced by Twofour Group productions came as something of a revelation.
The programmes on Whit Friday, the British Open, National Championship and Brass in Concert emphasised the dedication, commitment and above all else, the excellence of the performers who took part — aided by a light touch of humour and outstanding production values.
It gained 5 winning votes — just 1 ahead of the outstanding Bandsafe initiative pioneered during 2019 by Brass Bands England.
Honourable mentions, and at least 1 preferential winning vote, for the BrassPass.tv Band of the Year competition and the immediate marks made by Malaga Brass Band from Spain, Sydney City Band in Australia and composer Daniel Hall.
The programmes emphasised the dedication, commitment and above all else, the excellence of the performers who took part — aided by a light touch of humour and outstanding production values4BR Editor Iwan Fox
Past Winners:
2018: Thomas Nielsen
2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Thierry Deleruyelle
2015: Dark Arteries — Rambert Ballet and Tredegar Band
2014: The Band of the King's Division
2013: Korpsfiksert! — Eikanger Bjorsvik television series
2012: Brass in Concert
2011: Venezuelan Brass Ensemble
2010: Exit Brass
2009: Lucy Pankhurst
2008: Paul Duffy
2007: Proms Brass Day
2006: English National Championship
2005: Brass Band Aid
2004: The National Children's Band of Great Britain
2003: Emma Farrow
2002: Simon Dobson
Panel:
The Awards Panel consisted of: Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (Chief Contributor); Andrew Wainwright (Writer/Composer/Arranger/Graphic Designer/Journalist); 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); David Hirst (Conductor/Association of Brass Band Adjudicators); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Owen Melhuish (President: North Shore Brass New Zealand); David Gallaher (Director of Air Force Music — Royal New Zealand Air Force Band)
