Championship Section

Derek Broadbent and C. Brian Buckley

Following a career as a military musician Derek Broadbent went on to conduct some of the finest bands in the country. His 10 year association with Brighouse and Rastrick band brought numerous competition successes and also the classic recording of Derek's arrangement of the Floral Dance. C. Brian Buckley enjoyed a successful career as a trumpet and cornet soloist before taking up the baton and leading many bands to contest success. Brian adjudicates widely and is also secretary of the National Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

First Section

Lynda Nicholson and Kevin Wadsworth

Lynda Nicholson has played Principal/Assistant Principal Cornet with The Fodens Band, The Desford Colliery Band (winning the National Brass Band Championships with them in 1991), The Wingates Band and The Black Dyke Band. A highly respected music educator, Lynda was the 1999 recipient of the prestigious Harry Mortimer Medal, for services to youth music. Kevin Wadsworth joined Black Dyke at the age of 14 becoming their youngest ever player. As a tenor horn player Kevin has enjoyed huge success winning 7 National Championships and 6 British Open Championships and has also appeared on stage with some of the world's most famous musicians. Kevin is in high demand across Europe as a conductor and adjudicator.

Second Section

C. Brian Buckley and Steve Pritchard-Jones

C. Brian Buckley also adjudicates the second section. In addition to his conducting and adjudicating Brian is also strong supporter of youth music in his native Wales and also a highly respected consultant in Water Science and Risk Management. Steve Pritchard-Jones studied music at Liverpool and Trinity College of Music before embarking on a career in performing arts as teacher, conductor, player, composer and adjudicator. Steve is in constant demand as a conductor and adjudicator across Europe.

Third Section

Alan Morrison and Lynda Nicholson

Alan Morrison's status as one of the best known principal cornet players in the UK is underlined by the fact that he has recorded seven solo albums. He regularly features on light music recordings for the BBC with various ensembles including big bands and orchestras and is in high demand as a musical director and teacher. In addition to a highly successful playing career, Lynda Nicholson is a highly renowned music educator, steering the St. Helens Youth Brass Band to many successes both on the concert and contest platforms. She is now Music Director of the newly formed Kirkintilloch Imperiam Youth Band.

Fourth Section

Steve Pritchard-Jones and Philip Sparke

Steve Pritchard Jones also adjudicates in the fourth section. In addition to composing, conducting and arranging, Steve is Head of Expressive & Performing Arts and Community Education Department at Belvidere School a Technology College in Shrewsbury leading a large department specialising in art, dance, drama and music. Philip Sparke studied composition, trumpet and piano at the Royal College of music and during this time developed his passion for Brass Bands. His compositions have graced many contest and concert stages and include iconic pieces such as The Land of the Long White Cloud, Music of the Spheres and Saint-Saëns variations, this year's 4th section test piece. Philip has adjudicated at major contests all over the world and in September 2000 he was awarded the Iles Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.