*
banner

4BR Awards: 2020 Player of the Year

The winner is...

Player of the Year
  Yu-Han Yang has made a huge impression this year around the globe

2020 Winner: Yu-Han Yang

The closest category of all this year, with six players gaining at least one first preference choice from the panel.

There was just one point in our countback system eventually separating both the winner from second place, and second from third.

Congratulations then to 2020 Player of the Year winner Yu-Han Yang, who studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and plays with Welsh champion, Tredegar.

He has made a huge impression both in the UK and abroad in the last year, being an integral part of Tredegar's early season contest and concert performances.

He then went on to win the prestigious Jeju International Brass Competition in Korea against 58 worldwide competitors, and lead his Taiwanese Euphonium Ensemble to victory at the Tokyo International Youth Music Competition.

The Besson star is also developing an acclaimed reputation as a teacher and advocate for new euphonium repertoire.

He gained three first choice preferences from the panel, plus three other podium nominations to pip fellow euphonium star Gary Curtin by a point.

Podium finishers

Gary, who claimed the 'Solo CD of the Year' title, also gained three first choice preferences and two podium nominations to end a point ahead of fellow Foden's player John Barber in third. The multi-talented trombonist has been a wonderfully eclectic presence during lockdown and also gained three first choice preferences and two podium nominations.

There were also first choice preference choices for Steven Mead, Harmen Vanhoorne and Richard Marshall.

He then went on to win the prestigious Jeju International Brass Competition in Korea against 58 worldwide competitors, and leadi his Taiwanese Euphonium Ensemble to victory at the Tokyo International Youth Music Competition4BR

Panel:


The Awards Panel consisted of: Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (4BR Chief Contributor); Andrew Wainwright (Composer/Arranger/Graphic Designer); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine/4BR contributor); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/ Bjorsvik Brass); David Hirst (Conductor/Adjudicator); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Owen Melhuish (President: North Shore Brass New Zealand); Chris Wormald (Conductor/Adjudicator/Arranger); Steve Jack (photographer/4BR, BBW contributor); Stein Skopholm (Broadcaster/presenter)

Past Winners:


2019: Tom Hutchinson
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

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    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd