There was a keen sense of domestic Scottish rivalry on show in West Lothian on the weekend as over 40 players and 16 ensembles (plus a few from south of the border) battled it out for the various titles on offer at the Besson Scottish Solo & Quartet Championship.

Whitburn boost

There was a huge boost to Whitburn’s confidence as they start early preparation for the defence of their Scottish title, as the three members of their horn section produced a clean sweep of the prizes in the Blue Riband ‘Open Solo’ category.

Rachel Neil, took the title thanks to an outstanding performance of ‘Fantasy Brillante’, to edge out defending champion Iain Fleming by the narrowest of margins, with Michael Fleming, in third.

Revenge

However, Iain claimed revenge in the ‘Open Slow Melody’ Section to claim first prize with a fine rendition of ‘Demelza’ – and give him a personal clean sweep of all the major titles on offer at the event over the past few years.

Rachel had to be content with the runner up spot with Kenneth Brown in third.

Ribbing

The ‘Open Solo’ result should lead to some gentle ribbing in the Scottish champion’s bandroom when the band return to rehearsal this week. Rachel is currently second horn, Michael, plays first horn and Iain is Whitburn’s long serving solo horn player!

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "It’s an amazing achievement for the players involved and the band itself. It’s the first time it’s ever been done. We are very proud of all three players – although we could have a problem the next time our MD wants a solo played!2

It’s an amazing achievement for the players involved and the band itself. It’s the first time it’s ever been done. We are very proud of all three playersExchange Communications Whitburn Band

Co-op boost

There was also a timely boost for Whitburn’s rivals, Co-operative Funeralcare as they took the senior Quartet title thanks to an accomplished performance of Gilbert Vinter’s ‘Elegy and Rondo’.

It proved to be just enough to beat off the challenge of their own trombone ensemble with Kirkintilloch Kelvin in third.

Awards

Other ensemble prizes were claimed by Levern Valley Community Brass, who took the Junior Ensemble title, James Young High School (Livingston) who won the Intermediate honours and Dalmellington Basses, who claimed the top Youth Ensemble award.

Solo prizes were also won by Iona McVicar (Campbeltown) in the Junior Solo category, Erin McSporran (Campbeltown) who won the Intermediate Section and Chris Robertson (Carnoustie High) who took the Youth award.

Liam MacKay won the Percussion Solo title, whilst Iain Fleming rounded off his fine weekend by also claiming the 'Over 40 — Best Soloist' Award.

Results:

Junior Ensembles:
1. Levern Valley Community Brass — Gold Award
2. Williamston Primary School — Silver
3. Hawick Saxhorn Youth — Silver

Junior Solos:
1. Iona McVicar (Campbeltown) — Gold
2. Chris Flynn (Carnoustie High) — Gold
3. Madeline Hume (Hawick) — Gold

Intermediate Ensembles:
1. James Young High School — Gold
2. Dalmellington Cornets — Gold

3. Carnoustie High School — Gold

Intermediate Solos:
1. Erin McSporran (Campbeltown) — Gold
2. Chris Hamilton (Unison Kinneil) — Gold
3. Jordan Robertson (Carnoustie High) — Gold

World of Brass Music Innovation Award: Jordan Robertson and Erin McSporran

Youth Solos:
1. Chris Robertson (Carnoustie High) — 94
2. Lloyd Griffin (St. David's High School) — 92
3. Michael Fleming (Exchange Communications Whitburn) — 91

World of Brass Music Innovation Award: Duncan McCluskie (Dalmellington)

Youth Ensembles:
1. Dalmellington Basses — 91
2. James Young High School — 90
3. East Lothian Schools — 89

Percussion Solos:
1. Liam MacKay — Gold
2. Ian Christie — Gold
3. Ruaridh Neil — Gold

Open Slow Melody:
1. Iain Fleming Horn (Exchange Communications Whitburn) — 93
2. Rachel Neil (Exchange Communications Whitburn) — 92
3. Kenneth Brown (Co-operative Funeralcare) — 91

Open Ensembles:

1. Co-operative Funeralcare Mixed — 93
2. Co-operative Funeralcare Trombones — 92
3. Kirkintilloch Kelvin — 90

Open Solos:
1. Rachel Neil (Exchange Communications Whitburn) — 95
2. Iain Fleming Horn (Exchange Communications Whitburn) — 94
3. Michael Fleming (Exchange Communications Whitburn) — 93

World of Brass Music Innovation Award: Louise Edgar (Leyland)

Individual Awards:
Best Cornet: Craig Heriot (Tullis Russell Mills)
Best Trombone: Stephen Lomas (Leyland)
Best Flugel or Tenor Horn: Rachel Neil
Best Eb or BBb Bass: Kenneth Brown
Best Euphonium or Baritone: Ian Taylor (Dalmellington)
Best Soloist Over 40: Iain Fleming

Adjudicators: Bryan Allen, Jonathan Gawn and Ian Sandilands