Winner: Tom Hutchinson (Cory)
2. Isobel Daws (Friary Brass)
3. Katrina Marzella (Black Dyke)
A very clear and very well deserved winner.
Tom Hutchinson is the commanding totem of playing excellence that leads the world's number 1 ranked band to success after success.
A player of outstanding musical gifts, he has matured into a world class performer who has total command of his skill sets as a cornet player — from the lyrically sublime to the technically ridiculous.
He was a joy to listen to on any type of performance platform all year.
He gained 8 first choice preferences and was mentioned in dispatches by twelve of the panel. That says it all.
A special mention for Isobel Daws, whose playing will surely be enjoyed by a new legion of fans in the orchestral world for years to come. Her playing was noted by ten judges including 3 first choice preference votes), whilst 2006 winner Katrina Marzella ensured that her fans will be hoping she makes a quick return from her maternity 'retirement' in coming third.
A player of outstanding musical gifts, he has matured into a world class performer who has total command of his skill sets as a cornet player — from the lyrically sublime to the technically ridiculous4BR Editor Iwan Fox
Past Winners:
2018: Chris Thomas
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); 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)
