*
banner

2020 4BR Awards: 4BR Special Award

The 4BR Special Award goes to Brass Bands England.

aWARD
  The 4BR Special Award for 2020 goes to Brass Bands England

This year the 4BR Special Award goes to Brass Bands England.

Having everyone agree with everything you do is a recipe for hubris. Equally, having everyone disagree is a recipe for irrelevance.

It is therefore a fine line of argument and action that an organisation engenders and undertakes that fuels the sense of purpose that ultimately leads to long term success.

Plaudits and criticism

In 2020 Brass Bands England enjoyed plaudits and criticism. It was an organisation that spilt opinion; proactive, bold and ambitious to some, contentious, autocratic and covetous to others.

Without doubt though, in 2020 it became the reference point of leadership for bands at all levels in England.

They have certainly ruffled feathers and upset people along the way — sometimes with misplaced, arguably misinformed reaction, yet their commitment to take the lead in tackling difficult areas of concern has been strong and decisive.

That has certainly been seen with the issues surrounding Covid-19.

Meanwhile, they have not shied away from tackling other urgent issues such as equality, diversity and inclusion, child protection, safeguarding and youth development amongst others — vital long term catalysts for securing a future where brass banding is seen as both relevant and beneficial within the local communities they are based.

Effective use

Throughout the past year BBE has made effective use of on-line technology to reach out to a wider audience through its popular webinar series of seminars and masterclasses.

It has also spearheaded a number of fund raising campaigns — including the recent Save our Brass Bands initiative which has helped participating bands to the tune of over £100,000.

They have strengthened links to other organisations, raised their profile with Arts Council England and have reinvigorated the National Youth Championships (despite its cancellation).

Membership is now over 550 bands, new full and part time job opportunities have been established, and the challenges faced by brass bands have started to be featured more regularly on regional radio and television media.

That is also the hallmark of a confident organisation — one clear in its own mind about its mission, aims and objectives4BR

Significant achievements

These are significant achievements, backed by the hard work to secure long term funding as a National Portfolio Organisation (in 2014 it had under £9,000 to its name). In October 2020 BBE was successful in gaining a further £227,000 to provide further support for their ongoing work to March 2021.

It has not all be plain sailing and there remain questions to be asked about how and where their funding is spent. However, to their great credit, when asked directly, they give a direct answer back.

Confident

That is also the hallmark of a confident organisation — one clear in its own mind about its mission, aims and objectives.

You may not agree with all that Brass Bands England has done in 2020 (4BR amongst them) but there is little doubt their achievements in the past year have been as impressive as they have been as significant to the banding movement.

4BR Special Award:

2019: Lito Fontana
2018: Allan Withington
2017: Paul Hindmarsh
2016: Carole Crompton
2015: Philip Wilby
2014: Mike Shenton
2013: John Berryman
2012: Howard Snell
2011: Philip Sparke
2010: Scottish Brass Band Association
2009: Ian Williams
2008: Norwegian Band Federation
2007: Peter Roberts
2006: Markus Bach
2005: David Gallaher
2004: David Read
2003: Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd
2002: Frank Hodges
2001: Alan Jenkins

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd