Midlands Area Brass Band Championships

The Midlands Area Brass Band Championships is one of the most hotly contested competitions in the UK.

Each year, over 80 bands compete in the five sections for the chance to represent the area at the National Finals in London or Cheltenham, and to determine the grading positions for the following year.

We will be competing in the 1st Section and are currently sat comfortably in the middle of the table. Following last year’s 4th place we will be looking to another top result.

Test piece for 2024 (from brassbandworld.co.uk):

SECTION 1
High Peak By Eric Ball 
Published by Studio Music

Commissioned for the Championship Section Final of the British National Championships, this music is for simple enjoyment and much contemplation, as indicated by the score programme note, in which Eric Ball explained that the rhapsody falls into four main sections: Vision portraying the ever-changing light, colour and cloud as one contemplates a great mountain from below it; Aspiration, in which he suggests the opening may remind of the psalm, ‘I will lift up my eyes to the hills’, and that the busier section relates to plans to be discussed and preparations to be made; Ascent –more purposeful at first, followed by alpine effects and a breaking storm; and finally the Attainment of reaching the summit and great joy being unleashed. The composer concludes: ‘Where – or what – the High Peak, and the attainment, the listener must decide for themselves.’