Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth
24-25 November 2012

Blackburn & Darwen

Conductor: Nick Shephard

Nick Shepherd will lead Blackburn on 'The New Jerusalem' - a piece that still takes some playing 20 years after it was used at the National Finals.

They didn't really hit top form here last year in ending 14th, but has enjoyed a solid enough 2012 season.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Sean Houton
Principal Euphonium: Gaz Williams
Soprano: Tom Johnson
Solo Trombone: Rachel Allen
Solo Horn: Tariq Ahmed
Flugel: Rob Speakman
Baritone: Sharon Meredith
Eb Tuba: Richard Cookson
Bb Tuba: Gareth Henderson

4BR Ranking: 65

Last Year: 14th conducted by Nick Shephard

2012 Form:
Regionals: 6th (North West)
Senior Cup: 13th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 14th
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Bo'ness & Carriden

Conductor: Paul Drury

Bo'ness & Carriden are hoping to make an impression under Paul Drury with 'Whitsun Wakes'.

They have shown varied form this year delivering a solid performance at the Scottish Championship but failing to make a mark at the Spring Festival.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Hugh Foster
Principal Euphonium: Scott Cameron
Soprano: Diane Ironside
Solo Trombone: Geoff Turnbull
Solo Horn: Suzanne Robertson
Flugel: Claire McIlreavy
Baritone: Fiona Rodger
Eb Tuba: Toni Pacher
Bb Tuba: David Lapsley

4BR Ranking: 133

Last Year: 16th conducted by Bede Williams

2012 Form:
Regionals: 7th (Scotland)
Senior Cup: 16th
West Lothian Festival: 6th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 16th
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: 12th
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: 17th
2004: DNC
2003: 14th

Dalmellington

Conductor: Archie Hutchison

It will fall to Dalmellington to round off what looks on paper to be a highly enjoyable contest.

The great Archie Hutchison will be looking to see if he can push his band into the top six after coming 8th last year with their selection of Herman Pallhuber’s colourful 'Titan's Progress'.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Graham McCulloch
Principal Euphonium: Billy Whalen
Soprano: David Roxburgh
Solo Trombone: Derick Kirkwood
Solo Horn: Shona Hutchison
Flugel: Elaine Roxburgh
Baritone: Alison O'Donnell
Eb Tuba: Les Henderson
Bb Tuba: Brian Mackie

4BR Ranking: 93

Last Year: 8th conducted by Archie Hutchison

2012 Form:
Regionals: 6th (Scotland)
Senior Cup: 20th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 8th
2010: 11th
2009: 13th
2008: 9th
2007: 8th
2006: 10th
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

EYMS

Conductor: Allan Morrison

The in-form EYMS makes their Scottish Open debut this year under Allan Morrison.

After their recent Bolsover victory and good returns at Butlins and the Senior Cup, they should fancy their chances on 'A Lowry Sketchbook' - perhaps Philip Wilby's most personal, subtly coloured test piece.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Trevor Kendall
Principal Euphonium: Neil Johnson
Soprano Cornet: Kevin Donaldson
Solo Trombone: Mark Unsworth
Solo Horn: Alison Grantham
Flugel: Kathy Newiss
Baritone: John Mathews
Eb Tuba: Gareth Hughes
Bb Tuba: Stephen Gibson

4BR Ranking: 72

Last Year: Did not compete

2012 Form:
Regionals: 4th (North of England)
Butlins Mineworkers Championship: 5th
Senior Cup: 8th
All England Masters: 16th
Bolsover Festival: Winners

Last 10 Years:

2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Felling

Conductor: Stephen Malcolm

Fresh from their experience of performing well at the Royal Albert Hall, Felling will be looking to round off what has been truly memorable season with a possible top six finish.

11th last time around, they pin their hopes this time under Stephen Malcolm on the all bells and whistles of 'Paganini Variations'.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stephen Wilkinson
Principal Euphonium: Jeremy Belton
Soprano Cornet: Dick Stacey
Solo Trombone: Mal Gill
Solo Horn: Trevor Winch
Flugel: Kate Malcolm
Baritone: Caroline Bell
Eb Tuba: Graham Wilson
Bb Tuba: Hayden Raynor

4BR Ranking: 61

Last Year: 11th conducted by Stephen Malcolm

2012 Form:
Brass at the Guild Hall: 3rd
Regionals: Winners (North of England)
Senior Cup: 7th
Wainstones Cup: 4th
National Finals: 17th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 11th
2010: 7th
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Fishburn

Conductor: Huw Thomas

Another band on the up Fishburn have chosen Philip Wilby's British Open set work, 'Vienna Nights'.

Huw Thomas has started to make a real impression with the North of England contenders with solid returns at Land O' Burns and the Dr Martin Wainstone's Cup.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: John White
Principal Euphonium: Richard Wallace
Soprano: Mal Usher
Solo Trombone: Andy Enzo
Solo Horn: Michael Franey
Flugel: Patrick Garner
Baritone: Neil Simpson
Eb Tuba: Ronnie Bannister
Bb Tuba: Keith Hepworth

4BR Ranking: 84

Last Year: 10th conducted by Alan Morrison

2012 Form:
Regionals: 7th
Land O' Burns: 4th
Wainstone's Cup: 3rd

Last 10 Years:

2011: 10th
2010: 10th
2009: 8th
2008: 4th
2007: 7th
2006: 5th
2005: Winner
2004: 16th
2003: 6th

Kingdom Brass

Conductor: Bede Williams

The ambitious Kingdom Brass will certainly be looking to claim their first major piece of silverware, as Bede Williams leads them on the rip roaring 'Music of the Spheres'.

Consecutive top six finishes in the past two years suggests they could well be in the mix, especially if they can build on the form that has seen them post four podium finishes in five contest outings this season.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: David Prentice
Principal Euphonium: Neil Philip
Soprano: Martin Edwards
Solo Trombone: Chris Mansfield
Solo Horn: Peter Richmond
Flugel: Sarah Findlay
Baritone: Colin McCabe
Eb Tuba: Andrew Whitaker
Bb Tuba: Alex Gregory

4BR Ranking: 31

Last Year: 6th conducted by Andrew Duncan

2012 Form:
Regionals: 2nd (Scotland)
Senior Cup: 12th
West Lothian: 2nd
Land O Burns: 2nd
Fife Charities: 2nd

Last 10 Years:

2011: 6th
2010: 4th
2009: 11th
2008: 7th
2007: 9th
2006: 11th
2005: 12th
2004: 7th
2003: 13th

Kirkintilloch

Conductor: Phillip McCann

Phillip McCann will look to carry on the rebuilding work at Kirkintilloch as they seek to claim their first Scottish Open title after coming runner up here three times in the past.

A solid showing at the British Open suggests that they are starting to find their contesting feet again after a bit of a rocky patch, and they show their ambition with Paul Lovatt-Cooper's fast and furious National Finals set work, 'Breath of Souls'.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stephanie Mitchell
Principal Euphonium: Scott Findlater
Soprano: Calum Tonner
Solo Trombone: Helen Douthwaite
Solo Horn: Hayley Tonner
Flugel: Fiona Pitcathley
Baritone: Aaron Barnes
Eb Tuba: Laura McCormick
Bb Tuba: Dave Trusdale

4BR Ranking: 28

Last Year: Did not compete

2012 Form:
Regionals: 4th (Scotland)
West Lothian Festival: 5th
British Open: 14th

Last 10 Years:

2011: DNC
2010: 2nd
2009: 5th
2008: 2nd
2007: 12th
2006: 4th
2005: 2nd
2004: 8th
2003: 5th

Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass

Conductor: Charles Keenan

Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass will look to round off a decent 2012 season that has included podium finishes at both Fife contests.

They will be targeting a good result on their return back to the contest for the first time since 2009 as they perform 'Un Vie de Matelot' under the baton of Charles Keenan.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Hazel Barr
Principal Euphonium: Ranald Rixson
Soprano: Richard Pugh
Solo Trombone: Chris Pugh
Solo Horn: Gemma Gardiner
Flugel: Laura Hall
Baritone: Claire Richardson
Eb Tuba: John Pugh
Bb Tuba: Bob Jarvie

4BR Ranking: 108

Last Year: Did not compete

2012 Form:
Regionals: 8th (Scotland)
Fife: 2nd
Fife Charities: 3rd

Last 10 Years:

2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: 16th
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: 12th
2005: 5th
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Lochgelly

Conductor: Bryan Allen

Lochgelly hope to make a mark at the contest this year with Edward Gregson's British Open set work 'Rococo Variations'.

The band has enjoyed a decent year so far with an excellent performance at the Senior Trophy and solid outings on their domestic travels.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Stewart Hepburn
Principal Euphonium: Iain Davey
Soprano: Ben Hirons
Solo Trombone: Johnny Young
Solo Horn: Ruth Glen
Flugel: Karen Brow
Baritone: Hilary Whitaker
Eb Tuba: John Martin
Bb Tuba: Neil McCormack

4BR Ranking: 86

Last Year: 13th conducted by Bryan Allen

2012 Form:
Regionals: 5th (Scotland)
Senior Trophy: 4th
West Lothian Festival: 4th
Fife Charities: 7th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 13th
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Marsden Silver Prize Band

Conductor: Glyn Williams

The Yorkshire heavyweight of Marsden will certainly be fancying their changes under Glyn Williams, after coming 4th last year.

Impressive contest returns in 2012 include a podium finish at the Masters and a fine showing the Grand Shield, so much will be expected as they tackle Philip Sparke's Cory inspired European showcase 'A Tale as Yet Untold'.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Jason Evans
Principal Euphonium: Emily Braverman
Soprano Cornet: Ian Twiss
Solo Trombone: N/K
Solo Horn: Neil Raisbeck
Flugel: Alanah Moulsdale
Baritone: Michael Cavanagh
Eb Tuba: Matthew Schofield
Bb Tuba: Gavin Brown

4BR Ranking: 29

Last Year: 4th conducted by Glyn Williams

2012 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers Championship: 9th
Regionals: 8th (Yorkshire)
Grand Shield: 7th
All England Masters: 3rd

Last 10 Years:

2011: 4th
2010: DNC
2009: 7th
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Northop

Conductor: Thomas Wyss

The sole Welsh contender this year makes their Scottish Open debut under the baton of Thomas Wyss.

The Senior Cup champion has enjoyed a fine 2012, with their latest victory coming at the North Wales Championship. They opt for the Peter Graham arrow flight inspired 'Montage' as their selection.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet:
Principal Euphonium:
Soprano:
Solo Trombone:
Solo Horn:
Flugel:
Baritone:
Eb Tuba:
Bb Tuba:

4BR Ranking: 37

Last Year: Did not compete

2012 Form:
Welsh Open: 4th
Regionals: 6th (Wales)
Senior Cup: Winners
North Wales BBA: Winners

Last 10 Years:

2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Pemberton Old Wigan JJB

Conductor: Mark Bentham

Pemberton returns to compete in a contest they came close to winning in 2009 but fell away to come 9th last year. They have chosen a stonker in 'From Ancient Times' - a former European Championship set work that is certainly off the top shelf in the hardness stakes.

Mark Bentham led Hepworth to victory in 2004 and he should fancy his chances of pushing for silverware once again with a band that has returned to form with strong performances at the Area and English National in particular.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Joanne Johnson
Principal Euphonium: Nick Birch
Soprano: John Atkinson
Solo Horn: N/K
Flugel: Kirsten Broadhurst
Solo Trombone: David Chapman
Baritone: Ashley Jeffers
Eb Tuba: Steven Parfitt
Bb Tuba: Kieran Higham

4BR Ranking: 26

Last Year: 9th conducted by Mark Bentham

2012 Form:
Brass at the Guild Hall: Winner
Regionals: 5th (North West)
Tameside Whit Friday: 5th
Grand Shield: 11th
English National: 8th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 9th
2010: 3rd
2009: 2nd
2008: 10th
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Regent Brass

Conductor: Alan Duguid

Regent Brass makes the long journey north from London under local lad Alan Duguid as they seek to build on a series of improving contest outings in recent times, including 13th place here last year.

They have opted for 'The Year of the Dragon' - a piece that has lost none of its fire breathing scorch mark qualities even 30 years after being written.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: David Quinlan
Principal Euphonium: N/K
Soprano: Andy Homsby
Solo Trombone: Paul Van Uden
Solo Horn: Martin Pearce
Flugel: Jeanette D'Costa
Baritone: Michael O'Shaughnessy
Eb Tuba: Adrian Parker
Bb Tuba: Ian Whyte

4BR Ranking: 152

Last Year: 12th conducted by Alan Duguid

2012 Form:
DFDS Seaways: 2nd
Regionals: 9th (London & Southern Counties)
scaba: 3rd

Last 10 Years:

2011: 12th
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Co-operative Funeralcare Band

Conductor: Dr Nicholas Childs

No doubting who the favourites will be at the Perth bookies as Co-operative Funeralcare reprise the British Open set work 'Electra' under Dr Nicholas Childs.

The only question mark surrounding a band that has been in excellent form in 2012 is stamina - as they have been a very busy of late - including a high energy outing at Brass in Concert last weekend.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Jim Hayes
Principal Euphonium: Allison Bonner
Soprano: Caroline Tennant
Solo Trombone: Paul Kiernan
Solo Horn: Alison Halls
Flugel: Andrea Casey
Baritone: John Stirling
Eb Tuba: Steve Walsh
Bb Tuba: Andy Smith

4BR Ranking: 9

Last Year: 2nd conducted by Michael Fowles

2012 Form:
Regionals: Winners (Scotland)
European Championships: 6th
West Lothian Festival: Winners
Land O' Burns: Winners
British Open: 7th
National Championship: 6th
Brass in Concert: 9th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 2nd
2010: Winner
2009: 4th
2008: Winner
2007: 2nd
2006: 2nd
2005: 9th
2004: 2nd
2003: Winner

Tertnes Brass

Conductor: Gary Peterson

The dark horse of the contest could well be Norwegian First Division National Champion Tertnes, directed by Gary Peterson, who make the trip over the North Sea armed with Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen's immense 'Seid - Version B'.

'Version A' was used as the set work at the European Championships back in 1996, and although 'Version B' has a much more user friendly ending, it’s still one heck of a piece to conquer.

Still, with no Siddis appearance time has been on their side, so sit back and enjoy.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet:
Principal Euphonium:
Soprano:
Solo Trombone:
Solo Horn:
Flugel:
Baritone:
Eb Tuba:
Bb Tuba:

4BR Ranking: Outside top 200

Last Year: Did not compete

2012 Form:
Norwegian National Championship: Winners of First Division

Last 10 Years:

2011: DNC
2010: DNC
2009: DNC
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: 11th
2003: DNC

Milnrow Band

Conductor: Marieka Gray

Milnrow will be looking to build on their increasingly impressive contesting CV, and with the choice of 'Earthrise' by Nigel Clarke they will give the judges a somewhat unfamiliar piece to use as a marker.

It's all about the famous picture taken by the Apollo astronauts of the earth looking like a tiny coloured marble against the crepuscular back drop of the eternity of space - so plenty to think about then.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Russell Gray
Principal Euphonium: James Emberly
Soprano: Kenny Payne
Solo Trombone: Christopher Binns
Solo Horn: Mick Morris
Flugel: Natalie Beer
Baritone: Michael Thewliss
Eb Tuba: David Hebb
Bb Tuba: Jonny Shaw

4BR Ranking: 40

Last Year: 5th conducted by Marieka Gray

2012 Form:
Regionals: 4th (North West)
Grand Shield: 8th

Last 10 Years:

2011: 5th
2010: 9th
2009: 12th
2008: DNC
2007: DNC
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel

Conductor: David Nesbitt

Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel will be keen to end their First Section days with a bang as they travel north looking to improve on last year’s 7th place finish.

After coming 3rd at the National Finals in Cheltenham, confidence should be high as they tackle 'A Tale as yet Untold'.

Principal players:
Principal Cornet: Alan Fowler
Principal Euphonium: Adrian Nurney
Soprano: John Belton
Solo Horn: Jessica Martin
Principal Trombone: Richard Taylor
Flugel: Neal McNulty
Baritone: Darren Sunderland
Eb Bass: Barry Tufnell
Bb Bass: Neil Stott

4BR Ranking: 42

Last Year 7th conducted by Davis Nesbitt

2012 Form:
Butlins Mineworkers: 3rd in First Section
Regionals: 2nd (Yorkshire) in First Section
Grand Shield: 12th
Wainstone's Cup: 7th
National Finals: 3rd in First Section

Last 10 Years:

2011: 7th
2010: 8th
2009: DNC
2008: 8th
2007: 4th
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC