ConsTest Birmingham Open Victory for Derwent Brass
First prize for Derwent Brass in Birmingham under Jack Capstaff.
May 13, 2026
by Jack Capstaff
Derwent Brass continued its impressive contesting success by winning the 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open. Conducted by Jack Capstaff, the band delivered a confident and compelling performance of Philip Sparke's Music of the Spheres to claim first prize against strong opposition.
The victory follows a series of strong contest results for the band, including qualification for the National Finals and previous success at the Leicestershire Brass Band Association Contest. Speaking after the win, Jack described the result as:
"A springboard towards the Spring Festival and a place in the Grand Shield - and potentially, in the years ahead, the British Open."
The result further underlines Derwent Brass's growing reputation as one of the leading progressive brass bands in the Midlands.