A final call is being made to all brass and percussion players to come and support the 2012 Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble competition and Gala Concert, being held on 4th and 5th February at Howden Park Centre, Livingston, Scotland.

Weekend of music

The weekend of music starts off on Saturday featuring the young finalists from the Junior, Intermediate and Youth Solo and Ensemble sections, all of whom have qualified through previous regional competitions.

The day is then concluded with an evening Gala Concert, featuring Co-Operative FuneralCare Band and West Lothian Schools Band

The following day is equally action packed, opening the stage to interested brass and percussion players to come and perform in the Slow Melody, Open Solo (for brass), Open Solo (for percussion), Ensemble (for brass) and Ensemble (for percussion) sections.

Key event

The competition is a key annual event for brass band musicians and offers a highly respected competitive platform.

This year’s adjudicators include Bryan Allan, former Head of Brass of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, together with professional trombone player and soloist Neil Gallie, whilst Sunday’s percussion sections will be looked after by Iain Sandilands, professional percussionist and tutor at Sistema Scotland.

The competition is a key annual event for brass band musicians and offers a highly respected competitive platformSBBA

Building

A SBBA spokesperson told 4BR: "2012’s event is set to build on the success of previous years and SBBA look forward to welcoming entries to the Slow Melody, Open Solo and Ensemble sections from brass band and percussion musicians. Competing couldn’t be simpler – register your entry before 28th January, then turn up and perform!

Register to perform

Full details as well as entry forms and competition rules are available on the SBBA website ( www.sbba.org.uk) or by contacting the SBBA Secretary, Tom Allan on 07881 920361 or tom.allan@ntlworld.com.

Entry tickets for the event can be purchased on the door and the first performances from the Junior solo and ensemble sections commence at 10.00am.