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2003 Scottish Regional Qualifying Championships
Fourth Section - Retrospective
Adjudicators:
Chris Wormald and Philip McCann
Test Piece: Lydian Pictures - Simon Dobson
Before a note had been blown in the 4th Section 8
of the bands that were down to take part had withdrawn from the
contest. This was a major disappointment to the organisers and to
4BR as we had spent a considerable amount of time researching something
each of the bands, but there was an explanation of sorts to the
reason why only six bands made it to the starting gate.
The Scottish Association had printed the names of all the bands
that could have taken part in the contest from each of their regions,
and so that was why there was a large entry list printed. Some bands
or course entered and then decided to drop out for whatever reason,
but some were not going to compete right from the start, so the
failure rate wasn’t as bad as it first appeared. Still it
meant that two judges in the shape of Chris Wormald and Philip McCann
had a pleasant and quite easy days work.
They also had the decision bang to rights as well and even if the
overall quality wasn’t the greatest them it was still a good
contest and the bands that did make it to the stage should be fully
congratulated for their efforts.
Dumfries were the winners with a performance under Gordon Brotherstone
that captured the essence of Simon Dobson’s test piece to
the hilt and gained them a close one point victory over Peebles
in second place under Derek Broadbent. Derek conducted Peebles as
a long-standing favour to the band after their MD had been unwell,
and his experience really showed as he coaxed and encouraged a fine
reading from the players. Both bands did themselves proud and fully
deserved their top two placings.
Third place went to Penicuik under Jim Chamberlain who put in a
strong effort whilst fourth spot was taken by Queensferry High who
were very nearly an all girls band. They too gave a good account
of themselves and will come back stronger next year as the experience
of playing here will have benefited them greatly.
Our pre match favourites Bon Accord Silver B played well to come
5th, whilst Stanraer Youth under Ian Munroe came 6th. Coalburn brought
up the rear in 7th spot.
Although light on numbers the 4th Section showed that there was
plenty of talent – young talent in these bands to ensure that
there is a healthy future to banding at this level in Scotland if
the interest can be maintained. Well done all the bands who made
the effort to take the stage here – it wasn’t easy.
As for 4BR – we only lost two of our predictions due to the
withdrawals but our others did us proud and we managed to get five
of the top six – not difficult with only six bands competing
we hear you say, but we did pick them prior to the contest, so we
are a bit chuffed.
© 4BarsRest
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