With the added incentive of also being crowned Scottish representative for the European Championships back here in Perth in 2014, it was no wonder there was a tingle of almost fevered excitement felt in air before the top section results were announced on Sunday evening.

Thrilling fashion

A thrilling contest was won in appropriately thrilling fashion by Whitburn, conducted by Ian Porthouse.

Their rendition of ‘Harmony Music’ was delivered with such bold confidence that despite fine accounts from their three mains rivals, there was little doubt about the high class authenticity of their deserved victory.

In a contest that opened with the top four ranked bands playing after each other, Philip McCann almost made it a ‘Harmony Music’ double, as he led a rejuvenated Kirkintilloch into second place, and back to the Albert Hall for the first time since 2009, thanks to a performance full of colour and emotive drama.

Missing out

As a result, Co-operative Funeralcare missed out on the trip south for the first time since 2008, as Dr Nicholas Childs’ run of 2013 regional misfortune continued after the reigning champion delivered an exciting account pockmarked with just a few too any minor errors.

The judges David Roberts and Jim Davies stated that the top two bands were a clear margin ahead of Co-op and a vibrant, confident Kingdom Brass under Luc Vertommen in fourth. In their opinion, they in turn where clearly ahead of top six finishers Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass and Clackmannan District.

Finest

The victory gave Whitburn their 17th, and perhaps arguably, their finest success at the Scottish Championship – although this one also came with the added bonus of claiming that European badge of entitlement which will be worn with such pride back in the compact surroundings of Perth Concert Hall in just over a year’s time.

Success

MD Ian Porthouse was understandably delighted that he had been able to lead the band to such a significant success.

"Much like Wales, the added incentive of European qualification gives the Scottish Championship an extra competitive edge – one I really enjoy. I sensed it with the players too this year, and they really did deliver a very fine performance. I think everyone associated with the band felt the same when they came off stage. They have a great deal to be proud of with the win."

It was certainly felt in the box too, with both judges describing Whitburn’s ensemble and solo playing as ‘outstanding’.

Those remarks highlighted the contribution of trombonist, Alex Philip, horn, Iain Fleming, euphonium, Evelyn Bradley and the quartet of tubas who picked up well deserved ‘Best Player’ awards, whilst Harmen Vanhoorne took the ‘Best Cornet’ prize for his outstanding playing with Kingdom Brass.

On the up

The contest also showed that behind the ‘Big Four’ as they have now become, the overall standard of top section banding in Scotland is on the up, with well structured performances from Kirkintilloch Kelvin and Clackmannan filling the top six places and solid accounts from the remaining contenders.

First Section:

There was a clear victory for Newtongrange Silver in the First Section as they emerged triumphant on Gareth Wood’s set work to claim their place at Cheltenham as well as their immediate promotion back to Championship banding.

Their winning performance was certainly enhanced by top class individual contributions from solo cornet Angus Edmond and ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Jamie McVicar on euphonium, as MD Paul Collis-Smith drew out the technical detail and rich musical characterisation from the colourful score.

Exciting times

Angus told 4BR that the success comes at an exciting time for the Newtongrange Band: "We have had some ups and downs over the last few years, but we are now enjoying one of the most successful times in our recent history – and this win is proof of that."

He added: "Despite having to say goodbye to our MD Paul Collis-Smith who moves back south with a new posting with the army, his fantastic work has really opened a great new chapter for the band — one which we are sure will be enhanced by our appointment of Lee Skipsey as our new MD.

They worked together on the preparation of the piece and it all came together on stage. Now we have the Spring Festival to look forward too with our confidence on a real high."

Strong contenders

Scotland will send two strong contenders to the finals in search of a first National title, as Johnstone Sliver delivered a performance full of stylish intent to claim second place directed by Paul Kiernan.

The top two bands expertly highlighted the varied genres of the score with accomplished aplomb, whilst Coalburn Silver under Gareth Bowman was not far behind in coming third under Gareth Bowman, with a rendition that was enhanced by the fine playing of ‘Best Horn’ player Rachel Baxter.

Fine playing

With the remaining top six bands of Newmilns & Galston, Bon Accord Silver and Granite Silver also producing engaging performances, there was a great deal of fine playing on show to impress judges Tony Swainson and John Maines in a contest of good overall quality.

Second Section:

Scottish Second Section bands and even the adjudicators were not immune from the almost impossible task of overcoming the fearsome challenges imposed by Edward Gregson’s ‘The Plantagenets’.

11 highly committed contenders certainly gave of their very best in trying to master its technical and musical hurdles, leaving Tony Swainson and Alastair Orr in the box with something of a musical conundrum to sort out.

Difficult task

It was certainly a difficult task – although when the results were announced their decision left most neutral observers flummoxed. In their defence, it would have been very difficult to compare and contrast so many performances that contained numerous unforced errors, poor tuning and even repeated wrong notes.

However, as ever, only one opinion counted – and that opinion saw the duo opt for a spirited, if uneven account from Unison Kinneil under the direction Craig Anderson. It took the title by a clear three point winning margin, to send the band to Cheltenham as well as back to the First Section in 2014.

Enthusiastic

Joining them there will be Bathgate, directed by Andy Shaw, after they also produced a rendition full of enthusiastic purpose, but liberally marked with unforced errors.

With equally determined but flawed accounts from Annan Town and Jedforest Instrumental coming third and fourth, the main talking point surrounded the eventual fifth place of Tullis Russell Mills under Martyn Ramsay.

Confident

With a performance that appeared to be the most technically secure and musical coherent of the contest off the number 1 draw, they would have been as confident as anyone could have been entitled to be of securing at least a qualification place.

However, it was not to be in the judge’s opinion, as they eventually finished a rather bemused fifth, just ahead of sixth placed Shott’s St Patrick’s whose performance was aided by the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ contribution of euphonium player William Brown.

More than anything else though, this was in a puzzling contest that left more questions than answers at its conclusion.

Third Section:

There was a much more enjoyable, and less contentious result in the Third Section, where 11 bands thoroughly enjoyed getting to grips with their musical trips to ‘Hollywood’.

And to repeat one famous title winning faux-pas: They were dancing on the streets of St Ronan’s on the weekend following victory under the baton of Whitburn’s principal cornet Chris Bradley.

Considerable style

The band from Innerleithen in the Scottish borders brought considerable Hollywood style, warmly balanced musicality and secure technique to their rendition of the Goff Richards set work to claim only their third appearance at the National Finals in 14 years.

Judges Jim Davies and John Maines certainly enjoyed their time in the box and were full of praise for all the competitors efforts – with John stating that he felt the bands were perhaps the finest to be found at this level anywhere in the country.

Single point

That may also have explained why there was just a single point margin between each of them right down the results table.

St Ronan’s claimed the title only by pipping an equally fine rendition from second placed Kingdom Brass B directed by Kenneth Blackwood, with Selkirk Silver under Alan Fernie just missing out in third.

Bounce back

A delighted St Ronan’s spokesperson Keith Belville told 4BR that the result has given the band a huge boost after they fell through the relegation trap door last year.

"We were determined to bounce straight back," he said. "We were disappointed to be relegated of course, but it has given us a chance to focus on our future – and that now includes a great trip to the finals."

Now they cannot wait for Cheltenham. "The hotel and the bus are already booked, and we will be taking plenty of support," Keith added.

"Chris has done a wonderful job with us and this is just reward for his efforts. Now we want to show everyone else in the UK just how good a band we are."

Equally impressive

With an equally impressive Kingdom Brass B claiming their Cheltenham return ticket following their promotion from the Fourth Section, a fine performance from Selkirk Silver just missed out.

There were also excellent performances to enjoy from the top six finishers of Peebles Burgh, Brass Sounds Inverclyde and Renfrew Burgh in a contest that showed that Scottish banding has emerging strength in depth at this level.

That was certainly highlighted by the outstanding playing of ‘Best Instrumentalist’ winner Christine Murray with Bon Accord B, who delivered the bluesy flugel solo with a style that wouldn’t have been out of place in the best Hollywood speakeasy.

Fourth Section:

The growing confidence and quality of banding at grass roots level was clearly displayed in the Fourth Section, where a rejuvenated Barrhead Burgh claimed the title in a thoroughly entertaining contest.

One of the oldest bands in Scotland, Barrhead was down to seven or eight players just over a year and a half ago, but with a great deal of determination they have now booked themselves a place at the National Finals thanks to an excellent performance of ‘A Devon Fantasy’ full of tasteful musicality under the experienced Brian Keachie.

Never say die

Band spokesperson Tom Allan told 4BR that the result showed that a ‘never say die’ spirit can bring great rewards.

"We were really struggling, with just enough players to play hymn tunes in rehearsal, but we were never going to throw in the towel."

Tom added: "Everyone, especially Brian, worked so hard to get a band together for the Scottish Challenge Shield late last year where we did well, and from then on we have grown in strength week by week. Now this result has given us another huge boost.

It goes to show that if you keep on believing and working hard the results will come."

Inspired Tullis

That was certainly shown with one of Scotland’s youngest bands, Tullis Russell Intermediate, who will join them in Cheltenham after the inspirational Stevie Craig led his charges into second place with a performance full of colour and refinement.

With David Roberts and Alastair Orr commending all the competitors on the way their approached the delicate writing of the Eric Ball score, there was a very good performance from Dysart Colliery to take third under Bruce Fraser, with equally encouraging renditions from the top six finishers of Penicuik Silver and Dundee Instrumental.

Bearing fruit

With Scotland’s long term investment in the development of young players now bearing talented fruit, there was plenty to enjoy from the remaining four bands. There was also an excellent standard of solo playing on show too, with Ian Forrest on euphonium with Penicuik taking a deserved, ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award.

I think everyone associated with the band felt the same when they came off stage. They have a great deal to be proud of with the winWhitburn MD, Ian Porthouse

Championship Section:
Sunday 10th March
Test Piece: 'Harmony Music' — Philip Sparke
Adjudicators: David Roberts and Jim Davies

1. Whitburn (Ian Porthouse),2 — 190*
2. Kirkintilloch (Phillip McCann),1 — 188*
3. Co-operative Funeralcare (Dr. Nicholas Childs),4 — 186
4. Kingdom Brass (Luc Vertommen),3 — 185
5. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan),9 — 182
6. Clackmannan District (Paul McKelvie OBE),10 — 181
7. Lochgelly (Grahame Tindall),5 — 180
8. Dalmellington (Archie Hutchison),7 — 179
9. Bo'ness & Carriden Silver (Bryan Allen),8 — 178
10. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain),6 — 177

*Top 2 bands qualify for Finals

Best Cornet: Harmen Vanhoorne (Kingdom Brass)
Best Trombone: Alex Philip (Whitburn)
Best Horn: Ian Fleming (Whitburn)
Best Euphonium: Evelyn Bradley (Whitburn)
Best Basses: Whitburn

First Section:
Sunday 10th March
Test Piece: 'Brass Triumphant' — Gareth Wood
Adjudicators: Tony Swainson and John Maines

1. Newtongrange Silver (Paul Collis-Smith),6 — 190*
2. Johnstone Silver (Paul Kiernan),1 — 188*
3. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman),10 — 186
4. Newmilns & Galston (Nigel Boddice MBE),8 — 185
5. Bon Accord Silver (Stephen Malcolm),3 – 184
6. Granite City Brass (Alan Haggart),5 – 183
7. Broxburn & Livingston (Charlie Farran),9 – 182
8. Croy Silver (Kenneth Blackwood),4 – 181
9. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson),2 – 180
10. City of Discovery (Gavin Lindsay),7 – 179

*Top 2 bands qualify for the Finals

Best Instrumentalist: Jamie McVicar (euphonium) — Newtongrange
Best Horn: Rachel Baxter (Coalburn Silver)

Second Section:
Saturday 9th March
Test Piece: 'The Plantagenets' — Edward Gregson
Adjudicators: Tony Swainson and Alastair Orr

1. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson),10 — 187*
2. Bathgate (Andy Shaw),7 — 184*
3. Annan Town Band (David Shanks),8 — 183
4. Jedforest Instrumental (Phil Rosier),4 — 182
5. Tullis Russell Mills (Martyn Ramsay),1 — 180
6. Shotts St.Patrick's (Michael Marzella),5 — 179
7. St.David's Brass (John A Dickson),3 — 178
8. Campbeltown Brass (Paul Stone),6 — 177
9. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Raymond Tennant),2 — 176
10. Perthshire Brass (George D Annan),11 — 175
11. Irvine & Dreghorn (John Boax),9 — 174

*Top 2 qualify for National Finals

Best Instrumentalist: William Brown (euphonium) — Shott's St Patrick's

Third Section:
Saturday 9th March
Test Piece: 'Hollywood' — Goff Richards
Adjudicators: Jim Davies and John Maines

1. St. Ronan's Silver (Chris Bradley),3 — 185*
2. Kingdom Brass 'B' (Kenneth Blackwood),4 — 184*
3. Selkirk Silver (Alan Fernie),9 — 183
4. Peebles Burgh (Stephen Baird),5 — 182
5. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (David Hutcheson),1 — 181
6. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good),6 — 180
7. Langholm Town (Chris Shanks),10 — 179
8. MacTaggart Scott (Jamie McVicar),11 — 178
9. Dumfries Town (Peter Heyes),7 — 177
10. Bon Accord Silver 'B' (Richard Kidd),2 — 176
11. Buckhaven and Methil Miners (David Neil),8 — 175

*Top 2 qualify for National Finals

Best Instrumentalist: Christine Murray (flugel) — Bon Accord B

Fourth Section:
Saturday 9th March
Test Piece: 'A Devon Fantasy' — Eric Ball
Adjudicators: David Roberts and Alastair Orr

1. Barrhead Burgh (Brian Keachie),8 — 179*
2. Tullis Russell Intermediate (Steven Craig),4 — 177*
3. Dysart Colliery (Bruce Fraser),2 — 175
4. Tayport Instrumental (Frank Culross),10 — 174
5. Callander Brass (Ian Milligan),3 — 173
6. Penicuik Silver (Stuart Black),5 — 172
7. Dundee Instrumental (John M. Tonner),1 — 171
8. Dunfermline Town (Ross Hunt),6 — 170
9. Queensferry Community Brass (James Anderson),9 — 169
10. Hawick Saxhorn (Alan Fernie),7 — 168

*Top 2 qualify for National Finals

Instrumentalist: Ian Forrest (euphonium) — Penicuik
Youngest BBb Bass: Rory Haig (Tullis Russell Intermediate)

Follow the action live at:
www.4barsrest.com/live/2013RegionalChampionships