Senior Trophy Champions 2016!

Following a performance of Gilbert Vinter's dramatic and cinematic James Cook: Circumnavigator, which adjudicators Dr David Thornton and Sandy Smith described as 'a clear winner', 'a real stamp of quality' and 'a really stylish performance full of detail', Filton Concert Brass were crowned champions of the British Open Senior Trophy contest at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. 

This invitational contest is the first stage of the Spring Festival qualifying series for the British Open Championship, which is widely regarded as the most prestigious 

contest in the brass band movement. The band's commanding victory will see them promoted to the Senior Trophy competition, where they will be only a single qualification place away from the famous Grand Shield contest and competing against some of the most historic names in brass banding. 

​The adjudicators praised the stylish approach to the music of MD Tom Davoren as well as the band's natural sound, quality of balance, intonation and dynamic contrast. They were also quick to highlight the impressive quality of Filton's principal players. 'James Cook' is a work which requires solid, subtle and stylish contributions from many of the bands soloists; including Martin Britt - soprano cornet, Kevin Darby - principal 

cornet, Ali Robbins - repiano cornet, Tim Malpass - flugel horn, Stewart Crawford - tenor horn, Phil James - baritone, Anthony Smith - euphonium (who was awarded the prize of best soloist in the contest), Andrew Norman - trombone and the bass section of the band, Paul Sidney, Gareth Jones, Jon Daw and Tom Fox. 

​Filton Concert Brass would like to congratulate Goodwick Brass, Oldham (Lees) Band and Backfield (Alcock Reisen) Band on their fellow qualification after achieving  a top four result.

1. Filton Concert Brass (Tom Davoren)* 
2. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)* 
3. Oldham (Lees) (John Collins)*
4. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford)*
5. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill) 
6. Unison Kinneil (Colin McKenzie) 
7. Roberts Bakery (Simon Stonehouse) 
8. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Stephen Crooks) 
9. Drighlington (John Roberts) 
10. Bo'ness & Carriden (Andrew Duncan) 
11. SPAL Sovereign Brass (Trevor Jones) 
12. Tylorstown (Gary Davies) 
13. Longridge (Mareika Gray) 
14. Dalmellington (Richard Evans) 
15. Medway (Melvin White)** 
16. 1st Old Boys (Stephen Cairns)** 
17. City of Bradford (Lee Skipsey)** 
18. Felling (Chris Bentham)**
19. Foresters Brass 2000 (Jack Capstaff)** 
20. Leicester Co-operative (Graham Jacklin)** 
​
Best Instrumentalist: Anthony Smith (euphonium) - Filton Concert
*Promoted to Senior Cup
**Must re-qualify