*
banner

Bright and Black start for BTS Day

The British Trombone Society quartet competition got off to a bright start recently — with a win for Black Dyke.

Black Dyke
 

The inaugural British Trombone Society (North-west) Trombone Quartet Competition got off to a bright start recently.

Held at Peel Hall at the University of Salford, the day started off bright and early when the doors opened to the smell of coffee and cookies all generously supplied by the event organisers.

Warmed up

All everyone had warmed up, it was the time for the draw which was posted up in and around the hall. Although originally the event attracted as many as nine quartets, illness and other unforeseen circumstances led to a few last minute withdrawals, although this did not detract from the event and by 11.00am all competitors were ready and waiting to take to the stage.

Black Dyke

First up were the Black Dyke Trombone Quartet. They opted for a work entitled 'Roman Triptych' — a 3 movement work which contained moments of precise ensemble, lyrical solo playing and technical virtuosity — all of which were highly praised by adjudicator Bob Hughes.

The winners and runners up will both get invites to perform at prestigious BTS events throughout the year4BR

Bone Squad

Bone-squad were next to take to the stage, starting out with a very challenging arrangement of the overture from 'The Barber of Seville' which featured some wonderful alto trombone playing by Stephen Haynes. By stark contrast 'A Night in Tunisia' concluded their performance in what was one of the most contrasted programmes of the day.

Otley

The trombone quartet of Otley Brass Band delivered a performance of energy in their reading of 'Mendelssohn for Trombones'. This was the first time the quartet had performed together in this kind of event and from the standard evident, it is hoped it is not the last — it was a very encouraging performance.

Bacchus

Finally the Bacchus Quartet brought the competition to a close. Bacchus's programme included some wonderfully cultured playing of both Mozart and Beethoven classics, especially Beethoven's 'Equali'. Following this, Gabb's arrangement of 'New York, New York' put the gloss on this fantastically performed programme of music.

Masterclass

Before the presentation of awards, the competitors and audience were treated to a masterclass given adjudicator, Bob Hughes.

The masterclass was given in the format of a 'Massed Blow' with everyone from competitors and organisers to audience members taking part. Lasting for an hour the class focused on the basic issues of balance, phrasing and intonation, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Results

After a short break the results and awards were given. The eventual winners were the 'Black Dyke Trombone Quartet' with 'Bone-Squad' coming in at a close second place.

The winners and runners up will both get invites to perform at prestigious BTS events throughout the year, but such was the high standard of all performances, organisers are giving all quartets who took part the chance to perform at a local BTS of their choosing in 2009.

Wonderful success

The day was a wonderful success and is booked in for the same weekend next year (5th December) where it is hoped more quartets will be taking part.

Event organiser Gareth Westwood told 4BR: "I would like to thanks Bob Hughes (BTS President) for adjudicating, Brett Baker (BTS vice-president) for co-organising, and all the competitors and audience members that turned out on that cold Sunday morning to take part."

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    


Amersham

Jackson joins Amersham for free swing in London

October 24 • If you are anywhere near Regent Hall in London this evening and want to enjoy a free night of swing and big band bangers then make sure you get along...


Marshall

Marshall to step down as principal cornet at Black Dyke Band

October 24 • Richard Marshall's outstanding 20 year tenure as principal cornet of Black Dyke Band will come to an end later this year.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section West of England Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd