The ever increasing number of Scottish youth bands has meant that the demand for places at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships has resulted in a major expansion of this November’s event.

More youth bands

Over 45 youth bands have expressed an interest to take part – up 15 from 2010.

Whole weekend

In order to meet the demand, the Scottish Brass Band Association has allocated the whole of the weekend of 26th/27th November at the Perth Concert Hall to the Scottish Youth and Scottish Open Championships.

The Scottish Challenge Shield competition will now take place on the 3rd December at Bonar Hall at the University of Dundee.

Record growth

As SBBA President George Burt told 4BR: "The record growth in the number of our youth bands has given us a welcome problem – one that comes from the success of SBBA's development strategy.

We have worked hard to find a solution that minimises inconvenience to the bands, and as a temporary measure, the Scottish Challenge Shield will be moved to Dundee for one year only."

The record growth in the number of our youth bands has given us a welcome problem – one that comes from the success of SBBA's development strategyGeorge Burt

Five sections

George also revealed that the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships will now comprise five sections.

A new Preparatory Section for bands with members aged 12 and under on 1 January 2011 is to be added to the existing Novice, Development, Senior and Premier categories.

The Senior and Development sections will be held on the Saturday morning, with the remaining sections competing throughout Sunday.

Remarkable progress

He added: "Starting next year, we plan to hold the Youth Championships as a full weekend event. The Scottish Open and Scottish Shield will revert to a one day event on a separate date. This underlines the remarkable progress made in these events in the past few years."

Music for Battle Creek

The 2011 Scottish Open Championship will take place on Saturday afternoon, where a 17 band field of UK championship bands will be tested on Philip Sparke's 'Music for Battle Creek'.

Judges

The composer will also be one of the adjudication panel, joined by John Wallace and Robert Childs. Judges for the Youth event will also include David Childs and Ian Porthouse. As premiered last year, all adjudication will be ‘open’ for both events with judgements being made independently.

Relocation

The temporarily relocated Scottish Challenge Shield will see invitations sent to 16 Scottish bands — four from each of sections 1 – 4.

The own choice contest will see prizes given for individual sections, as well as overall cash prizes. This event will also be judged in the open.