*
banner

Results: West Lothian 1st semi final

Major upset in Scotland as Masters champion beaten in West Lothian challenge semi final by Kingdom Brass.

Kingdom
 

There was a major contesting upset in Scotland on the weekend, where the recently crowned All England Masters International champion, Co-operative Funeralcare Band, were beaten into second place in the first semi final of the annual West Lothian Challenge contest.

Victory

Victory on the night went to Kingdom Brass, conducted by Andrew Duncan, as adjudicators Nigel Seaman and Alan Fernie placed the Fife band just ahead of their rivals.

The adjudicator stated in his remarks that it had been remarkably close between the two bands technically, but Kingdom had won out on pure entertainment value.

The adjudicator stated in his remarks that it had been remarkably close between the two bands technically, but Kingdom had won out on pure entertainment value4BR

Pizzazz

Kingdom overcame a one point deficit in points of music with a three point margin for that ‘pizzazz’ factor to give then a memorable two point winning margin.

Double delught

The third band to compete in the first semi-final was Bon Accord Silver Band who represented Scotland in the recent European Championships at Linz, so it was a double delight for Kingdom, who now took their place in the final at Howden Park in Livingston on the 27th June.

Programme

Kingdom’s inventive programme saw them open with 'A Caledonian Suite', followed by the 'Harry James Trumpet Concerto', 'The Duke of Cambridge March', 'Tonight', 'Keystone Cops', 'Alloway Tales', 'Claire de Lune' and 'Reunion and Finale'.

Reprise

The Masters champion, whose conductor Michael Fowles stated just a week ago that they, 'wouldn't be taking anything for granted' reprised much of their Kettering Gala Concert programme, whilst Bon Accord’s spirited performance was highlighted by a fine performance of ‘Benedictus’ from the ‘Armed Man’ by euphonium player Richard Kidd.

The second semi-final will be held this weekend, when Whitburn, Kirkintilloch and Clackmannan meet to see who joins Kingdom in the final.

Result:
Adjudicators: Nigel Seaman & Alan Fernie
(Music + Entertainment)

1. Kingdom Brass (Andrew Duncan) — (86/46) = 132
2. Co-operative Funeralcare (Michael Fowles) — (87/43) = 130
3. Bon Accord (John Maines) — (84/44) = 128

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Golden Bough

A Golden Bough taste of Christmas

December 24 • The Ensemble of the Golden Bough provide just the right performance to put you in the mood for a reflective Christmas...


Hamonds

Hammonds ready for Christmas broadcast

December 24 • The Hammonds Band had a bit of a successful run out for their Christmas Day broadcast on BBC 1 with a great event at Halifax Minster.


Drum and Brass

Successful beat for Drum and Brass in Cumbria in 2024

December 24 • Its been a year of success for the organisation bringing music making into the heart of rural Cumbria.


Spring Festival

2025 Spring Festival judges announced

December 23 • The team of judges that will make the decisions at the 103rd British Open Spring Festival in Blackpool have been confirmed.


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

December 19 • Current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists. We have recently appointed a new MD and are now looking to fill a few empty seats! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Dobcross Silver Band

December 14 • Looking for a new challenge in the New Year? . Dobcross Silver Band is a progressive and Successful 3rd section band on the lookout for a competent SOLO BARITONE PLAYER. If you are a team player you fit perfectly! Really enjoyable rehearsals here!


Boarshurst Silver Band

December 14 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a talented BBb Bass Player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd