On the 28th of May, Brass Band Willebroek made the trip across to pond to once again compete at the All England International Masters International Brass Band Championship in the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering. Following our 4th place result at the Europeans, we only had a short amount of time to rehearse the wonderfull set test-piece, The Torchbearer, by Peter Graham.
After a 9 hour coach drive, once arrived in Kettering and after a quick dinner, the hotel gave us a chance to get a few quick rehearsals before bed. On Sunday, contest day, we were happy with a number 5 draw. After our performance of The Torchbearer, we received terrific feedback from both the audience and the press commenting on the competition. After the appropriate amount of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the results showed us coming in as the runner up, following a great performance by Milnrow. Not to forget the prize for the best instrumentalist, being won by our euphonium player Kevin Van Giel, and the prize for the best trombone player being awarded to Walter Hoeks.
After a great few days in Kettering, it was time to head back to Willebroek. Where the preparation for the World Music Contest in Kerkrade would start the very next rehearsal!
Result:
Test Piece: 'The Torchbearer (Peter Graham) Adjudicators: Stan Lippeatt and Mark Wilkinson
1. Milnrow (Mark Bentham)
2. Brass Band Willebroek (Frans Violet)
3. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)
4. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke)
5. Thundersley Brass (John Ward)
6. Haverhill (Mark Ager)
7. Roche Brass (Garry Cutt)
8. Llywdcoed (Chris Turner)
9. Wantage Silver (David Hirst)
10. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
11. Bilton Silver (David Stowell)
12. Kidlington (Nigel Seaman)
13. Blidworth Welfare (Martin Heartfield)
14. Ware Brass (Phillip Littlemore)
4Barsrest Best Soloist Award: Kevin Van Giel (euphonium) — Brass Band Willebroek Best Trombone: Walter Hoeks (Brass Band Willebroek)