Teh Cooperation Band Crowned Champions at 2025 Brass in Concert Championship
The Cooperation Band, led by Katrina Marzella Wheeler, secured the top prize at the 2025 Brass in Concert Championship, marking a meaningful victory for the ensemble. This win follows recognition of Wheeler as the event’s Winning Conductor, and individual accolades for members of the band.
The annual Brass in Concert Championship, held this year, showcases the diverse talents within the brass band world, attracting performers and audiences from across Europe and beyond. The competition, judged across musical quality, program content, and entertainment value, is a key event for bands seeking to demonstrate artistic excellence and audience engagement. The Cooperation Band’s triumph underscores a commitment to both performance standards and captivating presentation.
Judges florent Didier and Benjamin Haemouts assessed musical quality, with Anne Crookston evaluating programme content. Entertainment and presentation were judged by Al Booth and Sue Collier.The Cooperation Band achieved a total score of 185, surpassing Brighouse & Rastrick (179) and Cory (175) in the rankings.
Beyond the overall championship, individual performers were also celebrated. Alex Ramsay of The Cooperation Band was recognized as Best Principal Cornet, while Stephanie Kennedy earned the title of Best Flugel.Garry Curtin of Foden’s was named Best Soloist, and Paul Richards of Flowers took the award for Best Soprano. Flowers also received accolades for Best Percussion and Best Bass Section.
The audience awarded Foden’s the Audience prize, while Brass Band Schoonhoven was recognized for both highest placement in Programme Content and Entertainment & Presentation, as well as for Best New Composition/Arrangement for “Bring the Bass” by Simon Dobson. The youngest participant, Alava Petra of Kleppe Musikklag, aged 17, was also acknowledged.
