The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has confirmed that this year’s exciting Besson Solo & Ensemble Competition will take place on the weekend of the 1st/2nd February at Howden Park Centre in Livingston.

Not long

Supported by Besson and West Lothian Council, the closing dates for last minute entries is 25th January, so you do not have long if you wish to get perform in Sunday’s Open Solo and Open Ensemble sections for brass or percussion players.

Support

A spokesperson told 4BR: "SBBA is delighted that the event is once again being supported by Besson, and West Lothian Council through the use of this superb venue. Besson’s generosity is further reflected in their provision of a student cornet for each of the weekend’s winning brass ensembles."

SBBA has also thanked SN Percussion who are kindly supplying free of charge, all the percussion instruments for the growing percussion sections.

Still time

Approximately 40 soloists and 20 ensembles have already qualified for Saturday’s finals in the Junior, Intermediate and Youth sections, but you can still join the competitors in the Open Solo and Open Ensemble sections.

These include Open Solo (brass or percussion), Open Slow Melody (brass), Open Ensemble (brass or percussion) and the return of the Open Duet Section (brass).

Contact:

SBBA looks forward to building on the entries of previous years with particular emphasis on increasing the Open Ensemble entries.

To enter, simply contact SBBA Secretary, Tom Allan at: tomallan@sbba.org.uk or Tel: 07881 920 361 as soon as possible.

Hedley Benson and Nigel Durno are the adjudicators for the brass sections, together with Alasdair Rankin for the percussion.

the closing dates for last minute entries is 25th January, so you do not have long if you wish to get perform in Sunday’s Open Solo and Open Ensemble sectionsSBBA

Exciting opportunity

SBBA added: "The competition offers a highly respected competitive platform and an exciting opportunity to see virtuosic talent in action. Support is warmly welcomed to encourage the players with their performances."

The first draw for Saturday takes place at 9.30am, whilst Sunday starts with the draw at 10.00am, and starting with the Percussion Section at approximately 10.30am.