Scotland is gearing up for the first big brass weekend of the year, which takes place at Livingston’s Howden Park Centre on 5th/6th February, when it hosts the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships.

Competitions

Saturday begins at 9.30am with the Junior (12 and under) Quartet and Solo finals. The Intermediate (16 and under) and Youth (21 and under) finalists will follow in what promises to be an action packed first day. All competitors will have pre-qualified from one of five Area Association contests that are being run this month.

Ace judges

Sitting in judgement will be euphonium virtuoso David Childs and tuba ace Les Neish.

Les is no stranger to SBBA run events and is a huge fan of these championships as he told 4BR: "The fact that there is such a wide range of age and ability makes for a great event, which is so well run. The very young players are made to feel so relaxed and welcome, that it’s a pleasure to be a judge."

The fact that there is such a wide range of age and ability makes for a great event, which is so well runLes Neish

Gala Concert

Those young players will be able to hear solo playing at its very best from David and Les in the gala concert that follows on Saturday night, where the duo will be joined by the West Lothian Schools under the direction of Nigel Boddice MBE.

Euro flavour

It will be a great night for Kingdom Brass, Scotland’s representative the European Championships as they perform in preparation for their Montreux adventure.

Spokesman John Todd told 4BR: "We are delighted to have received this invitation from SBBA and West Lothian Council before heading to Montreux. The trip is obviously costing the band a lot of money, so all this assistance is most welcome."

New associate

The concert sees Kingdom’s new Associate Conductor, Anne Crookston, make her debut in front of the band.

"Anne has worked with our Junior Band over the past two years," John Todd continued. "We’ve all been very impressed with her commitment to that role, so she was an obvious choice to assist MD Andy Duncan in developing the band further."

Possible duet

While Les Neish has entertained the Scottish Open audience before, David Childs is making his first appearance.

"David and I have not had the opportunity to work together very much in the past," Les observed, "…but now that we are both Besson artists, the chance will come more often, and you never know, we might even play a duet!"

Open and Ensembles classes

Sunday is devoted to the Open Ensemble and Solo classes.

The Ensemble composition is open to any group from the UK up to quintet, performing an 8-minute programme, while the hotly contested Solo competitions (Open and Open Slow Melody) are judged on the basis of a 6-minute piece or programme. Joining Les Neish in the judge’s hot seat, will be the young Faroese trombonist Davur Magnussen, principal trombone of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

In a unique move, SBBA has added separate competitions for both percussion ensembles and soloists.

Entry forms

Entry forms can be downloaded from the SBBA website or from SBBA Secretary, Tom Allan on 07881 920361 or tom.allan@ntlworld.com.

Howden Park Centre
Livingston
West Lothian

Junior Solo and Quartets

Saturday 5 February, 9.30am to 6pm
Tickets: £4 or £2 payable at the door

Gala Concert
Saturday 5 February, 8pm
Tickets: £10 or £7.50 concession

Open Solo and Ensembles
Sunday 6 February, 10am

Tickets: £4 or £2 payable at the door

Booking on line: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk/events/music and follow the links.

Box Office: 01506 777666