The final of the West Lothian Challenge will be between Whitburn and Kingdom Brass this year, after Frank Renton led the former Scottish champion to victory in the second semi final in Livingston on the weekend.

Varied

Their varied concert programme saw them beat off the challenge of rivals Kirkintilloch conducted by Allan Ramsay and Clackmannan directed by Paul Kiernan, to claim their place in the final to be held on 27th June.

Their varied concert programme saw them beat off the challenge of rivals Kirkintilloch conducted by Allan Ramsay and Clackmannan directed by Paul Kiernan4BR

Impressed

Adjudicator Nigel Seaman was impressed by Whitburn’s programme, which saw them open with the upbeat Faniculi-Faniculi Rhapsody arranged by Brass Band of Central Florida’s former MD, Michael J. Garasi.

The Billy Strayhorn number, ‘Chelsea Bridge’ and ‘Scat ‘from’ Cats Tales by Peter Graham followed, whilst ‘Libertango’ provided the band with their new arrangement feature, courtesy of the MD, and Alex Phillip was the classy trombone soloist on ‘My Funny Valentine’.

A further taste of Americana was provided by ‘Hunting Wabbits’ and the finale, ‘Duel of the Fates’ from the Star Wars franchise of films.

Result:
Music/Entertainment

1. Whitburn (Frank Renton) 90/47= 137
2. Kirkintilloch (Allan Ramsay) 88/46= 134
3. Clackmannan (Paul Kiernan) 85/45 = 130