Held in the Howden Park Centre, Livingston, at the beginning of February, the Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships, sponsored by Besson, witnessed over 100 competitors in 11 categories.
Impressive
In an impressive youth event, top honours were distributed right across the nation, while the traditional giants of the Scottish brass band community from the central belt, Co-operative FuneralCare and Exchange Communications Whitburn, dominated the open prizes.
Judges
Adjudicators David Childs and Les Neish were also guest soloists in the event's gala concert, which was an impressive evening's entertainment shared by West Lothian Schools Brass Band (Nigel Boddice) and Kingdom Brass (Anne Crookston).
Having such wonderful guests as David and Les really gives them something to aspire to, and it is hoped that, with a slight change of format, we will be able to accommodate even more finalists next year4BR
Proud
Speaking after the event, SBBA Development Officer, Alan Edmond commented: "The young players in Scotland have again dome themselves proud this weekend. Having such wonderful guests as David and Les really gives them something to aspire to, and it is hoped that, with a slight change of format, we will be able to accommodate even more finalists next year."
Results
Junior Ensembles (12 and under):
1. Carnoustie High
2. Hawick Saxhorn Youth
3. Bellsquarry Primary
Junior Solos:
1. Harry Marshall (Hawick Saxhorn)
2. Jordan Robertson (Carnoustie)
3. Leighton Griffin (Loanhead)
Intermediate Ensembles (13-16):
1. Carnoustie B
2. Dalmellington A
3. Carnoustie A
Intermediate Solos:
1. Erin McSporran (Campbeltown)
2. Joanne Frier (Carnoustie)
3. Christopher Robertson (Kinneil)
Youth Ensembles (17-21):
1. James Young High School
2. Carnoustie High
Youth Solos:
1. Joe Walters (Carnoustie)
2. Ian Mundy (Dalkeith and Monktonhall)
3. Rachael Neil (Whitburn)
Percussion Solos:
1. Ian Christie (Menzies High)
2. Ruaridh Neil (Buckhaven)
3. Liam McKay (St. John's High)
Best Intermediate: Ian Christie
Best Junior: Kieran Adamson (Kingdom Percussion Academy)
Open Ensembles:
1. Co-operative FuneralCare — 95
2. Kirkintilloch Kelvin — 90
Open Slow Melody:
1. Rachael Neil (Whitburn) — 92
2. Iain Fleming (Whitburn) — 91
3. Susannah Downs (Whitburn) — 90
Open Solos:
1. Iain Fleming (Whitburn) — 94
2. Rachael Neil (Whitburn) — 93
3. Susannah Downs (Whitburn) — 92
Best Horn: Iain Fleming (Whitburn)
Best Cornet: Susannah Downs (Whitburn)
Best Trombone: Charlie Farren (Co-operative FuneralCare)
Best Bass: Graham Fraser (Whitburn)
Adjudicators: David Childs, Les Neish, Alastair Sinclair and Elspeth Rose (percussion)
