Congratulations to Andy Wareham and Peter Koval who's compositions have been placed 1st in each category of The British Bandsman March Composition Contest.

The Marches are titled 'The Volunteer' in Category 1 and 'Fort Drake' in Category 2

The pieces will be recorded by Fodens who are kindly donating their fee to the Whit Friday organising committees, there will also be a donation for each sale of the Marches which are being published by Pennine Music.

More details on the release of the music will be out soon and a recording date with Fodens will also be set soon.

Thank you to all the composition entries and also to the panel, Paul Hindmarsh, Michael Fowles and Aidan Smith.

Andy said ' Naturally, I am absolutely thrilled that ‘The Volunteer’ has achieved first prize for Category 1 in the British Bandsman March Contest!

Writing a contest march was a very different challenge but one I really enjoyed. I am delighted that my work will raise money for such a good cause, namely in the support of the Whit Friday organising committees. Without their hard work and dedication one of the greatest events in the brass band calendar simply wouldn’t be possible. The icing on the cake is that the march will be recorded by the world class Foden’s Band and published by Pennine Music!

A huge thank you to adjudicators Michael Fowles, Paul Hindmarsh and Aidan Smith as well as the British Bandsman for running the contest. I hope that all of the bands who try out ‘The Volunteer’ will enjoy performing it. '

Peter said 'My friends had been urging me to write a contest march for years. The British Bandsman contest march competition gave me the final impetus and I did so. I am honoured to have written the winning entry in Category 2. I hope that this will become a lasting contribution to the Brass Band literature and that it will be a meaningful dedication to the Whit Friday organising committees'