The 2012 Dalmellington Solo Contest attracted a wonderful turn out of players and supporters recently at the local Dalmellington Village Community Centre.
Trophies and awards
An encouragingly large audience turned out to watch and listen as their young players competed against each other, at three different levels, for a multitude of trophies and awards gifted to the band by faithful Patrons and supporters.
The music ranged from 'Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star' in the beginners section to 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in the Intermediate, and onwards to some really mature playing in the Advanced Section which included fine performances of 'Demelza' and 'My Love is Like A Red Red Rose'.
Tuba star
Ben Thomson, the new Principal Tuba with the BBC Symphony Orchestra came down from Glasgow to the Doon Valley to adjudicate on the proceedings.
A spokesperson told 4BR: "Andrew Duncan, Scotland's Youth Development Officer was given a warm welcome and was highly appreciative of the magnificent set-up which has been created, not only for the development of the young ones, but also to the continued excellence of the Senior Band!"
Ben Thomson, the new Principal Tuba with the BBC Symphony Orchestra came down from Glasgow to the Doon Valley to adjudicate on the proceedings4BR
Buffet
An excellent buffet dinner was enjoyed before the results ceremony, before which, Ben spoke both of the playing of the soloists but also of the standard of accompaniment which was well delivered by Sandy McAughtrie.
Prizes were presented by Mr Arthur Campbell, grandson of Albert Carr, an early Bandmaster of the Dalmellington Band (1880 — 1910) who is credited with taking the band to their first ever contest, in 1901!
Results:
1. Rachael Jones (Cornet)
2. Lynsey Brown (Cornet)
3. Lisa Chalmers (Euphonium)
4. Heather Cairns (Cornet)
A short concert, conducted by Iain Taylor, featuring Ben Thomson as soloist, brought a very satisfying day to a close.
The four major prizewinners are all invited to play in the Band's Senior Slow Melody on 24th March when Lyndon Baglin will adjudicate on some serious competition for the Cecil Oughton Memorial Trophy.
