The Brass Band League in association with The School of Creative Arts at Queen’s University Belfast held the 2nd “Festival of Brass” entertainment contest in the Whitla Hall, Belfast on Saturday 24th November 2012

The music adjudicator was Kevin Wadsworth
The entertainment adjudicator was Wendi Kane
The compere was William Caughey

It proved to be a mixed day for the Third Carrickfergus Band having been awarded a joint 1st place and the prize for the best march, William Rimmer’s “Ravenswood”, however, the records will show that the spoils of the day went to C.W.A. Brass due to the marking system in place. Our congratulations go to them and their conductor Robin Clinton on their result.

We also congratulate our Junior Band who achieved a joint 2nd place in the Youth Band Section on the day.

The music played by the band was;

Ravenswood – William Rimmer
Ruby Tuesday – Mick Jagger & Keith Richards arr. Alan Catherall.
I Only Have Eyes For You – Warren & Dubin arr. Alan Fernie. Soloist: Robert Frost – Bass Trombone
Helter Skelter – W. G. Lemon arr. Ray Woodfield. Soloist: Matthew Brown – Xylophone
MacArthur Park – Jim Webb arr. Alan Fernie

Congratulations to all who competed today and also to those who won in their respective sections. A very special mention to Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band’s conductor, Mr Ernie Ruddock, who was conducting the band for the last time today before hanging up the baton in retirement after a lifetime of service to the brass band movement. We wish him a long and happy retirement. Today’s audience marked the occasion with a standing ovation as a tribute.

The full results for the day are noted below.

Youth Bands
1st: 1st Old Boys Association Youth Band
2nd: Joint Laganvale Youth Band *
2nd: Joint Third Carrickfergus Junior Band *
Laureldale Ensemble
Downshire Brass Junior Band
* Tie for 2nd place – The band with the highest music points selected.

Best March: The Villager March, 1st Old Boys Youth Band

5th Grade
1st: 1st Larne Old Boys’ Silver Band

Best March: Our Director, 1st Larne Old Boys’ Silver Band

4th Grade
1st: Dungarvan Brass Band

Best March: Death Or Glory, Dungarvan Brass Band

2nd Grade
1st: Joint C.W.A. Brass *
1st: Joint Third Carrickfergus Band *
* Tie for 1st place – The band with the highest music points selected as winners.

Solo Prize: Jackie Moore – Cornet, C.W.A. Brass
Best March: Ravenswood – Third Carrickfergus Band

Championship Grade
1st: 1st Old Boys Association Silver Band
2nd: Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band
Downshire Brass

Solo Prize: Desmond Neill – Cornet, Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band
Best March: Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band, Army of the Nile