Sunday 7 December 2008 saw the inaugural British Trombone Society (North-West) trombone quartet competition held at Peel Hall, University of Salford.

The day started off bright and early at 10.00am, when the doors opened to the smell of coffee and cookies all generously supplied by the event organisers, after which the draw was posted up in and around the hall. Although originally the event attracted as many as nine quartets, illness and other unforeseen circumstances led to a few last minute withdrawals. This did not detract from the event however and by 11.00am all competitors were ready and waiting to take to the stage.

First up were the Black Dyke Trombone Quartet. Black Dyke opted for a work entitled Roman Triptych. The piece, in three movements, contained moments of precise ensemble, lyrical solo playing and technical virtuosity which were all highly praised by adjudicator Bob Hughes.

Bone-squad were next to take to the stage, starting out with a very challenging arrangement of the overture from The Barber of Seville, which featured some wonderful alto trombone playing by Stephen Haynes. By stark contrast, A Night in Tunisia concluded their performance, in what was one of the most contrasted programmes of the day.

The trombone quartet of the Otley Brass Band delivered an energetic performance in their reading of Mendelssohn for Trombones. This was the first time the quartet had performed together in this kind of event and from the standard evident, it is hoped it is not the last. A very promising future lies ahead, based on this performance.

Finally, the Bacchus Quartet brought our competition to a close. Bacchus' programme included some wonderfully cultured playing of both Mozart and Beethoven classics, with the organiser delighted to hear the Beethoven Equali being played. Following this, Gabb's arrangement of New York, New York put the gloss on this well performed programme of music.

Before the presentation of awards, the competitors and audience were treated to a masterclass given by the day's adjudicator, BTS President Bob Hughes. The masterclass was given in the format of a massed trombone ensemble, with everyone from competitors and organisers to audience members taking part. Lasting for one hour, the class focused on the basic issues of balance, phrasing and intonation, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

After a short break, the results and awards were given. The eventual winners were the Black Dyke Trombone Quartet, with Bone-Squad coming in at a close second place. The winners and runners-up will both receive invitations to perform at prestigious BTS events throughout the year, but such was the high standard of all performances that organisers are giving all quartets who took part the chance to perform at a local BTS event of their choosing in 2009.

The day was a wonderful success and is booked in for the same weekend next year (5 December 2009), when it is hoped more quartets will be taking part.

Event organiser Gareth Westwood would like to thanks Bob Hughes (BTS President) for adjudicating, Brett Baker (BTS vice-president) for co-organising and all that turned out on that cold Sunday morning to take part or spectate.