*
banner

Report & Results: 2021 Great Brummie Solo Contest

65 entrants from nine different countries focused their musical gaze on Birmingham for the first Great Brummie Solo Contest.

Brumme
  The event attracted entrants from nine different countries across the world

A worldwide audience has enjoyed the performances from the talented online competitors taking part in 'The Great Brummie Solo Contest'.

Organised by Leyland Band solo baritone player Bethan Brown it attracted 65 entrants from nine different countries — from the UK to the USA, Europe to the Far East, who helped to raise £320 the charity Cancer Research UK.

Super standard

There was a super standard on show in the Under 14 Slow Melody category with each of the entrants impressing adjudicator Brendan Caddy with their lyrical interpretations.

The winner was 11 year old Michael MacDonald who gave a wonderfully mature rendition of 'Song of the Night' by Christopher Bond to claim the winner's certificate, gold medal and a lesson with the adjudicator.

There were also fine performances from the other contenders, especially runner-up, 13 year old Jennifer Richardson with Christopher Bond's 'A Pacific Melody' and third placed Ciaran Rieff-Marganiec, with a special mention to youngest competitor Ivy Pannell on cornet who played 'The Last Rose of Summer'.

Outstanding winner

The outstanding young Norwegian cornet player Frederik Englesen aged 16 took the Under 18 Slow Melody title. He claimed the first prize of certificate, gold medal and lesson with Ian Porthouse with an outstanding performance of Edward Gregson's 'Before the Cross'.

There were also high quality performances for adjudicator David Taylor to enjoy from the other competitors, especially runner-up Natalie Colgrove and third placed, Harry Porthouse.

Another victory

Tredegar Band's solo euphonium star Yu-Han Yang claimed the Blue Riband Open Slow Melody title to add further success to his CV which has seen the Besson artist win the prestigious Jeju International Brass Competition and be crowned 2020 4BR Player of the Year.

He told 4BR: "It a great honour to win 'The Great Brummie Solo Contest'! I was delighted to enter alongside my accompanist Hanami Oda, and to support a great, well organised event by Bethan for a wonderful charity."

In another high class competition, the runner up was tenor horn player Samantha Ford from Filton Concert Band with William Neave in third.

Praise

Speaking about the event, adjudicator Ian Porthouse was full of praise for organiser Bethan Brown as well the quality of the performances in all three categories.

"This has been a very difficult period for the brass band movement, but it is great to see a new generation of talented, committed players such as Bethan wishing to put something back by organising such a fine event and supporting such a worthwhile charity.

My congratulations go to her and especially to all the 65 players who took the time to enter. The enthusiasm, dedication and quality was something that should give us all hope for the future of banding."

Meanwhile, organiser Bethan Brown also thanked those who took part as well as the sponsors of the event.

The enthusiasm, dedication and quality was something that should give us all hope for the future of bandingIan Porthouse

Results:
Under 14s Slow Melody:


Adjudicator: Brendan Caddy

1. Michael MacDonald
2. Jennifer Richardson
3. Ciaran Rieff-Marganiec
4. Amber Croft
5. Isaac Grant
6. Archie Pannell

Under 18s Slow Melody:


Adjudicator: David Taylor

1. Frederik Englesen
2. Natalie Colegrove
3. Harry Porthouse
4. Christopher Oddy
5. Daniel Hohm
6. Ciaran Reiff-Marganiec

Open Slow Melody:


Adjudicator: Ian Porthouse

1. Yu-Han Yang
2. Samantha Ford
3. William Neeve
4. Della Pearce
5. Archie McVicar
6. Ethan Hall

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    


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Cheltenham

Runners and riders confirmed for Cheltenham

September 10 • The official list of competing bands and their conductors for the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals has been released by Kapitol Promotions.


Linz

European Soloist Competition open for entries

September 10 • If you want to be crowned the 10th European Solo Champion then you need to submit a video entry to be considered for the trip to Linz in 2026.


Youth Champs

Registration now open for Youth Championships

September 10 • If you are a band or ensemble wishing to take part in a fantastic day of music making in Birmingham next year, then sign up now.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd