ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALS ADJUDICATORS
CHAMPIONSHIP
Phillip McCann, Allan Withington & Luc Vertommen
This year's triumvirate of Championship section adjudicators is a diverse mix of top-class musicians. Phillip McCann is widely regarded as one of the finest cornet players in the history of brass banding, and possesses an incredible wealth of playing & conducting experience with most of the top bands in the UK and beyond. Allan Withington is one of the most sought after brass band conductors in the business, and has produced contest & concert successes with several world-class bands such as Foden's, Stavanger and Grimethorpe Colliery. Luc Vertommen has worked as a freelance trumpet player, cornetist & conductor with several high-profile ensembles, such as Brass Band Buizingen, Brass Band Willebroek, and the Royal Fanfare Band 'De Berthoutzonen' of Hallaar.
Speaking on the appointment of this adjudicating panel, Philip Morris (Managing Director, Kapitol Promotions) stated: "As in previous years, these adjudicators reflect our desire to appoint adjudicators of the highest calibre to judge at the most prestigious brass band competition in the world. These three gentlemen are some of the most well-known & experienced players and conductors in the brass band movement, and we are privileged to have them adjudicate at the 'Finals' this year".
SECTION ONE
John Maines & Alan Morrison
These two vastly experienced musicians possess enormous knowledge of brass banding. John Maines originally came to prominence as a trombonist with top bands such as Black Dyke & Fairey, and is currently an active figure as a performer, conductor, tutor, compere and concert presenter - as well as being part of the Kapitol Promotions Music Panel. Alan Morrison has had an esteemed career in brass banding, and is widely regarded as one of the great cornet players and brass band musicians of the last 30 years. Alan is currently the Chairman of the Associated Board of Brass Band Adjudicators.
SECTION TWO
Alan Fernie & Stephen Sykes
The adjudicators that Kapitol Promotions have chosen for Section Two this year are household names in the brass band community. Alan Fernie works as a freelance musician, finding time to write, teach, conduct, judge, perform and act as compere throughout the UK and beyond, with the music that he has written being played, recorded & published all over the world. Stephen Sykes is considered to be one of the finest exponents of the tuba in the UK, and he now works as a freelance musician & conductor working with some of the best bands in the country.
SECTION THREE
David Childs & Richards Marshall
Compared to the more experienced adjudicators mentioned above, David Childs and Richard Marshall represent the new breed of adjudicators coming through, but are also both regarded as world-class musicians. David Childs needs very little introduction, having forged a reputation as one of the finest brass soloists of his generation. David regularly breaks "new ground" in his performances, and has been instrumental in raising the euphonium's profile in the classical world of music - and has performed to critical acclaim all over the globe. Richard Marshall is currently Principal Cornet of the world famous Black Dyke Band (the "hottest seat in banding"), and is also a cornet tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire, a regular tutor for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the International Brass Band Summer School.
SECTION FOUR
Dr Robert Childs & Gary Davies
In terms of experience, this Welsh duo of adjudicators bring a balance of wisdom and youthful enthusiasm to Section Four this year. Dr Robert Childs is a leading figure in the world of brass music, and has performed at many of the world's most prestigious venues as both player & conductor. Having returned to his homeland of Wales he is now Director of Brass Band Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music after an unprecedented level of success with the world famous Cory Band. Gary Davies has experienced top-level brass banding as both a player & conductor, and having only become an Associate Member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators in 2013, is now quickly gaining experience as an adjudicator in numerous major competitions.
