News Items

2nd July, 2008. Yorkshire Adjudicators for 2009 to be announced

Yorkshire Adjudicators for 2009 have now been announced. Full details available on the Adjudicators Page

5th June, 2008. National test Pieces Announced

The National Final test pieces for sections 1-4 have been announced by the contest organisers Kapitol Promotions. The test pieces are :

Section 1: 'The Saga of Haakon the Good' by Philip Sparke.

Section 2: 'Rhapsodic Variations – My Strength, My Tower' by Dean Goffin, adapted by Brian Bowen.

Section 3: 'Suite for Brass' by John Rutter, arranged by Sandy Smith.

Section 4: 'The Shipbuilders Suite for Brass Band' by Peter Yorke.

The title of the championship section test piece has not yet been released. For further details visit the Kapitol Promotions website

30th April, 2008. Grading Tables and Draft Programme Released

Grading tables and an outline programme for the 2009 championships released.

3rd March, 2008. Results 2008

Results from the 2008 contest are now available.

19th February, 2008. Youth adjudication panel

4Barsrest and Yorkshire have teamed up to set up a children's adjudication panel at the Yorkshire Championships during the third section contest.

The aim is to try and encourage children and their families to enjoy the contest whilst finding out more about the music and how bands approach it on stage.

The four children and their parents selected will have a fantastic day, meeting the composer Paul Lovett-Cooper and adjudicator Bob Childs before the contest who will give them pointers on what to look for during the performances of Paul's evocative test piece the Dark Side of the Moon.

The thoughts of the young adjudicators will also be published on 4Barsrest after the contest.

Full details of how to apply for one of the children's adjudication places are available on 4Barsrest

16th February, 2008. Death of Susan Elsworth

The death has been announced of Susan Elsworth, aged 63.

After a short illness, Susan Elsworth passed away on Wednesday the 13th of February at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, aged 63.

Susan founded Gawthorpe Brass 85 and has provided inspiration for thousands of musicians over the last 23 years. Although not a brass player herself, Susan tirelessly developed and promoted the Gawthorpe Brass organisation, overseeing Mother and Toddler, Funshop and Learner Groups alongside Training Band, Youth Band and two senior Bands.

A typical Gawthorpe week sees hundreds of musicians of all ages and experiences meeting together and this has been due to the 'leading light' of the organisation-Susan Elsworth. Susan also taught piano and music theory to countless students, inspiring and enthusing all who came into contact with her.

She leaves husband John, children Matthew, Rachel and Sarah and grandchildren Bethan, Lily and Joshua. The funeral will be held on Monday the 25th February at 10am at Holy Trinity Church, Ossett and Dewsbury Crematorium at 11.30 am.

14th February, 2008. Errata and New Score for James Cook Circumnavigator

Studio Music, the publishers of the first section test piece 'James Cook Circumnavigator' have produced a corrected score, flugel part and errata sheet. These replacement parts have been sent out to competing bands and the adjudicators involved in the yorkshire first section contest. Bands are kindly asked to acknowledge receipt of the replacement parts.

7th February, 2008. Adjudicator Change for First and Championship Sections

Acting upon information received from Peter Bassano the Yorkshire Region announce an adjudicator section change for the forthcoming Championships on the 1st/2nd March.

Peter Bassano was booked to adjudicate the First Section at Yorkshire with Bob Childs. It then came to the attention of Peter, Musical Director of First Section City of Cambridge Band, that Bob Childs was adjudicating their section at the London and Southern Counties region.

Peter contacted Peggy Tomlinson, Yorkshire Regional Secretary and Contest Controller to declare his interest in this situation. It was mutually agreed that in the interest of all concerned a change of section was necessary.

After discussion with James Scott, James agreed to exchange sections with Peter.

James Scott will now adjudicate the First Section with Bob Childs and Peter Bassano will adjudicate the Championship Section with David Read.

Peggy Tomlinson stated, 'We are indebted to James Scott for his co-operation in resolving this problem and on behalf of all concerned I should like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to him'

21st January, 2008. The Pennine Brass Festival 2008

The Pennine Brass Festival will once again provide a sneak preview of this year's regional test pieces. The event, organised by the Hebden Bridge Band will take place at Halifax Parish Church on Sat 23rd February starting at 6pm.
The festival features the Friendly, Elland, Slaithwaite, Hebden Bridge and YBS Bands who will each play a hymn tune followed by their set test piece. Adjudication and comments will then be given to everyone by Malcolm Brownbill.
Tickets £3 on the door.

20th January, 2008. Further Errata issued for

A further set of errata for the second section test piece 'Three Part Invention' by Kenneth Downie have been issued. The errata have been approved by the composer and have been sent to all bands.

8th January, 2008. Entries and Details for 2008 Contest Announced

A more detailed programme showing draw and start times for the Yorkshire Championships has been released along with the list of bands which have entered the 2008 championships.

2nd January, 2008. Music Panel clarify Xylophone Requirements for the Second Section

The music panel has issued clarification about the requirements for the xylophone part in the second section test piece 'Three Part Invention' by Kenneth Downie. For the purposes of the Regional Contests 2008, the xylophone part will NOT be played. The music panel statement will be sent to all second section bands in Yorkshire.

18th December, 2007. Adjudicator Change for the Championship Section

Due to unforeseen circumstance John Wallace has withdrawn from adjudicating the Championship Section of the Yorkshire Brass Band Championships on Sunday, 2nd March 2008. David Read will now join James Scott in the adjudicator’s box. Commenting on the change Peggy Tomlinson, Regional Secretary, said "We are sorry John Wallace has withdrawn, perhaps he will be available some time in the future. We are most grateful to David Read for stepping in and it will be a pleasure to welcome James Scott and David Read, surely the most experienced adjudicators in banding, to judge the Championship Section for us"

3rd December, 2007. Second Section Testpiece Reprinted

Following complaints, The 2008 Second Section testpiece, Three Part Invention by Kenneth Downie is to be reprinted. Bands are advised to contact their supplier for a new, corrected and reprinted version.

31st October, 2007. Yorkshire Brass back on the screen

Yorkshire Brass, the television programme that followed a year in the life of the Hade Edge Band culminating in their appearance at the 2005 Yorkshire Championships, is to be repeated on ITV Yorkshire. The rerun which features lots of brass band action will be screened on Thursdays at 2330 starting on the 22nd of November.

20th October, 2007. Grimethorpe Triumph at Nationals

Grimethorpe Colliery Band claimed victory in the National Championship Section finals at the Royal Albert Hall. Playing Philip Sparke's testing 'Music for Battle Creek' Grimethorpe triumphed over a strong field. Grimethorpe's principal euphonium player, Michael Dodd, also won the prize for best soloist. Yorkshire's other represntatives also acquited themselves with honours with Black Dyke in 4th, YBS in 5th and Brighouse and Rastick in 6th place with Hepworth in 16th. Congratulations to all involved.