Durham claim first prize, and more, at Unibrass
THE result of the 2021 Unibrass Championship which took place in the open air at the University of Sheffield was a great all round win for Durham University Brass Band who succeeded in winning first prize.
They won the Best Entertainment prize, the Best Percussion and the Best Student Conductor.
They also realised that contest rules must be strictly adhered to and they, unlike the University of Nottingham and University of Huddersfield who paid the penalty for running over the allowed time for the programme, ensured that their programme did not over-run the allocated time.
In second place was the University of Nottingham who played an excellent programme, but because of running over the maximum time given for their programme they had had points deducted from their final score.
The rules stated that 21 minutes was the maximum time for each band’s programme.
Similarly, The University of Huddersfield transgressed with the timing of their programme and they were also deducted points. As a result of the points deducted both bands would have been higher placed in the contest.
However, there were no bad feelings as all accepted that rules are rules and more care would be needed in the future.
The University of Nottingham did win the prize for the Best cornet section and the University of Huddersfield won the prize for giving the best performance of the March.
Bands were given the choice of giving a live performance at the contest or they could have competed in the Virtual Section by sending in a recorded performance.
Two bands decided to do this, but Birmingham University had to withdraw leaving Bristol as the sole competitor.
Bands were judged on their Musicality and their Entertainment, with Musicality tak ing priority.
The full results were as follows:
1st – Durham University who won the prize for Best Student Conductor. The band also gained Best Entertainment Prize and Best Percussion.
Musicality 90 points. Entertainment 48 points = total Points 138points.
2nd – University of Nottingham Kieren Williams, had the Best Cornet Section M. 95. E. 46= 137 (4 points were deducted).
3rd – University of Huddersfield Jonathan Beatty, Prize for Best March, M.94. E.45 = 137 (2 points deducted).
4th – University of York, Sabrina Duxbury
York won the Best Soloist Prize played by their Principal Cornet Emily Roberts who played the solo on the flugel horn. M. 88. E.47=135.
5th – University of Warwick Brass Society
Matt Jackman. M.89. E.43.=132.
6th – University of Sheffield.
Theo Letts, M.87. E.42. = 129.
7th – Cambridge University.
Josh de Gromoboy. M.84. E.40.
8th – Leeds University.
James T. Heaton. M.86. E.41=123(4 points deducted).
The event, despite all the difficulties, was a great success.
Andy Straiton, Unibrass Foundation Trustee, told 4BR: “We are absolutely delighted to have put on a fantistic day in Sheffield.
“As the first ‘in person’ UK Brass Band Contest in over 15 months we have faced numerous challenges in making this happen and it is a testament to the hard work of all involved in Unibrass and the bands that perform that we had a covid safe and thoroughly enjoyable day and we as an organisation are immensely proud.” ( Thanks to 4BR)
Meanwhile, Abertillery Town Band in their 50th Anniversary year will be celebrating the event in November with a concert which will include guest soloist Dan Thomas, who is the Principal Euphonium at the famous
Black Dyke Band. He will also be joined with a Reunion band of invited players who have been involved with the band over the years.
The concert will take place in the Metropole Theatre in Abertillery on the afternoon of Saturday, November 13.
The band has enjoyed some success since the arrival of Musical Director Alun F Williams and will be appearing at the Centour Hall, Cheltenham Racecourse in September to represent Wales in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
There are a couple of seats that need filling for this important contest, namely, Bass Trombone, 2nd Trombone and a bass player.
Contact Chairman Nigel Bard on 07568 504 384 for further details if interested.