Jersey Brass Band Aims High at National Championships

Jersey Premier Brass will represent the island this weekend at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, held at Cheltenham Racecourse.

It marks the first time since 2006 that the group has reached this stage of the prestigious contest.

Musical director and conductor Jason Mildren said the band was determined to “do Jersey proud.” He added: “From a small island, having a band of this standard is exceptional.”

The ensemble is one of 75 bands competing across four categories. Their chosen piece is Adam Zero, a 1946 ballet-inspired composition by Sir Arthur Bliss, arranged by Robert Childs.

Band chair and cornet player Vanessa Blanchet praised the group’s effort and commitment: “It’s a real team effort. The music has some challenging runs and higher notes than we’d usually play, but we’re excited to rise to the challenge.”

The band has raised around £18,000 to fund the trip.

While winning would be the ultimate prize, Blanchet said the achievement of reaching the national stage was already extraordinary: “Just getting there is such a huge achievement.”