*
banner

Report & Result: 2021 Wessex Winter Contest

Verwood Concert Brass leads the way in Poole to secure the Wessex Winter Contest title.

vERWOOD
  Verwood Concert Brass celebrate with their silverware

There was an excellent turn out of bands for the Wessex Brass Band Association Winter Contest held recently at Poole High School.

Confident Verwood

Open to bands in all sections, victory went to a confident Verwood Concert Brass, as the Championship Section band under the baton of Kevin Smith claimed the honours with an exciting performance of 'Blitz'.

It proved good enough to repel the strong First Section challenge of A W Parker Drybrook, as the Gloucestershire band gave a fine account of 'A London Overture', as well as taking the separate March prize for their rendition of 'Army of the Nile'. Euph player Mandy Hamer claimed the 'Best Euphonium' prize.

Third place went to Bournemouth Concert Brass with a vibrant rendition of 'La Forza Del Destino'.

The final top-six places went to Hyde, whose fine principal cornet Jack Grimmett won both the 'Best Instrumentalist' and 'Best Cornet' accolades for his outstanding playing in their performance of 'A London Overture', with Andover in fifth and Verwood Town in sixth.

Overall excllence

Verwood's overall excellence was enhanced by section and individual award winning contributions, including those for 'Best Percussion' and 'Best Basses', with MD Kevin Smith taking the 'Best Musical Director' award. The band also provided a short concert before the announcement of the results.

Writing about their achievements on the day the band stated on their Facebook page that huge credit should go to their MD (who also conducted Verwood Town Band)

"Obviously getting good results such as this makes banding all the more rewarding but however things go on the day the essential thing is for people to enjoy playing and that was evident from all of the bands that played, so well done to all the other competing bands."

They added: "So, that was some day but there is no resting up for any of the bands as it is full steam ahead with rehearsals for the Christmas Concert and lots of carolling gigs."

Verwood's overall excellence was enhanced by section and individual award winning contributions, including those for 'Best Percussion' and 'Best Basses', with MD Kevin Smith taking the 'Best Musical Director' award4BR

Result:


Adjudicator: Chris Davis

1. Verwood Concert Brass
2. AW Parker (Drybrook)
3. Bournemouth Concert Brass
4. Hyde Band
5. Andover Town
6. Verwood Town
7. Ebbw Valley Brass
8. Sherborne Town
9. Poole Borough
10. Alder Valley Brass
11. Denmead Brass
12. New Forest Brass
14. Brighton & Hove
15. Shaftsbury Town

March A: AW Drybrook
March B: Verwood Town

Best Musical Director: Kevin Smith (Verwood Concert Brass)

Best Instrumentalist: Jack Grimmett (Hyde Band)
Best Cornet: Jack Grimett (Hyde Band)
Best Euphonium: Mandy Hamer (AW Parker (Drybrook))
Best Bass Section: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Percussion Section: Verwood Concert Brass
Best Trombone Section: Denmead Brass

Section Winners:
Championship Section: Verwood Concert Brass
First Section: AW Parker (Drybrook)
Second Section: Poole Borough
Third Section: Verwood Town Band
Fourth Section: Shaftesbury Town

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    


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Muriel Newsome

Muriel Newsome funeral details announced

September 16 • The funeral of Muriel Newsome will take place on 24th September.


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

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


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


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd