There was an atmosphere of confident vibrancy swirling around Perth Concert Hall on the weekend as 55 bands took to the stage to battle for Scottish Championship honours, as well as try and book their places at the National Finals in Cheltenham and London.
Triple crown
For a resurgent Whitburn though it was a question of securing a domestic ‘triple crown’, as under Prof Nicholas Childs they not only regained the Scottish Championship to add to the Scottish Open won in November, but in doing so claimed the right to represent their nation at the 2016 European Championship in Lille.
In what was memorable weekend, there were further celebrations as Whitburn Heartlands claimed their first Scottish title in the Fourth Section to give the organisation the rare distinction of fielding three ‘national’ champions, following their Youth Band being crowned Development Section winners at the Scottish Youth Championship last year.
Head to head
In a dramatic head to head fight with rivals Co-operative Funeralcare directed by Allan Withington, the heavyweight contenders followed one another onto the Perth stage to produce a brace of ‘Torchbearer’ performances of the highest class.
With the six solo and section awards shared equally between them, the final announcement of victory, after a delighted Bon Accord, who according to the judges produced, ‘a performance of real musical direction’ under Steve Malcolm had joyfully celebrated their third place finish (their best since 1983), was as tense as any between the pair in their long contesting history.
However, what was also noticeable was the gulf in class between the top two and the rest of the 10 band field, as Peter Graham’s set work highlighted a disturbing lack of depth in quality in the current top section.
The remaining top six places went to inconsistent accounts from Kingdom Brass, Kirkintilloch and Dalmellington.
Fine musical shapes
In the end, Whitburn’s rendition which adjudicator Sandy Smith praised as containing, ‘fine musical shapes’ led with ‘with real musical direction, purpose and style’, and fellow judge Stephen Roberts found to be, ‘a very fine performance with excellent, musical soloists and well shaped architecture’, took the honours by the narrowest of single point margins.
“We are thrilled not just by the victory, but the way in which it achieved,” Band Manager John Fraser told 4BR.
“Professor Childs was inspirational. The way in which the band performed was testament to his professionalism and musicality. It was a wonderful performance and one that will last long in the memory of those who heard it.”
He added: “Our next aim is to regain our place at the British Open. If we can build on this level of performance with Professor Childs I’m sure we will be in with a great chance.”
Unusual set up
It was also a performance that had to overcome the late loss of their second horn player, with an internal re-jig seeing Whitburn take to the stage with the unusual set up of three baritones and two tenor horns.
“It was what we could manage in the circumstances,” John added. “However, the confidence instilled by Prof Childs meant it didn’t faze them at all.”
In fact the band ended up carrying away a trio of prestigious individual awards, with Chris Bradley as ‘Best Cornet’, flugel, Caroline Farren as ‘Best Horn’ and Belgian import Nic Vermieran taking the ‘Best Euphonium’ prize.
Proud
For the new MD, victory was his seventh in Scotland, and it was one he was particularly pleased about.
“My thanks go to all the players and everyone associated with Whitburn. It was a wonderful way to get our association off to such a great start, and with the Heartlands Band also winning on the weekend it shows that the future of the organisation looks secure.”
That security could be further enhanced if the new partnership secures a British Open berth, although for moment thoughts of Blackpool were placed on the back burner as players received their individual Scottish Championship medals in what John Fraser rather euphemistically called ‘a wee celebration’ back at the band’s headquarters.
First Section:
Scotland will send a brace of highly competitive bands to Cheltenham in search of the nation’s first ever First Section National title, after Newtongrange and Unison Kinneil, produced two well defined accounts of ‘A London Overture’.
Adjudicators Mark Wilkinson and Leigh Baker found plenty to compare and contrast in the box from 10 contenders that found Philip Sparke’s work a stern test of musical and technical character, especially in the fearsome quartet of cadenzas.
Johnstone Silver eventually came third under Martyn Ramsay, with the band’s solo horn Jen Crockett taking the ‘Best Horn’ prize, with Lauren Robb, solo cornet of Unison Kinneil claiming the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award.
The remaining top six prizes went to Tullis Russell Mills, Bathgate and Dalkeith & Monktonhall.
Well executed
However it was Newtongrange’s performance, which in the judge’s words was a “Well delivered and executed” rendition in a “a well organised, colourful performance” under MD Lee Skipsey that eventually pipped Unison Kinneil and Craig Anderson to give them their second First Section title in three years.
The victory capped off a memorable couple of weeks for MD Lee Skipsey, as well as an interesting journey home to Yorkshire in the car with a certain MD of Black Dyke.
“It was a great victory for the band,” Lee told 4BR. “After the win for BD1 in the Fourth Section in Bradford and now this it’s been a good couple of contest weekends. It turned out to be a great journey home too, as halfway Nick took the call from Whitburn to say they had won.”
Blackpool battle
Lee is now looking forward to locking horns with Newtongrange in Blackpool as his own City of Bradford Band compete at the Senior Trophy.
“That’s going to be fun,” he added. “Newtongrange has worked so hard as an organisation in the last few months — and that certainly paid off in Perth. They are now such a well organised band, which works so effectively under resident conductor Iain Fleming, that it makes it such a great trip up here to conduct them.”
However, he added with a neat bit of banding diplomacy: “Now I’ve got to try and beat them at Blackpool — although I wouldn’t mind too much if we come first and second.”
Second Section:
Despite the uneasy historical musical subject matter, there was still an engrossing contest to enjoy in the Second Section, where eleven bands battled to overcome the conquering hero of the Duke of Cumberland in ‘Variations on Maccabeus’.
The end result was almost as contentious too, although that won’t have worried the newly crowned champion Jedforest Instrumental and fellow qualifier Croy Silver.
Most enjoyable
Phil Rosier’s finely worked interpretation gave Jedforest their second Scottish title (they won the Third Section in 2012) in four years. It was congratulated by adjudicator Stephen Robert for being, “...a most enjoyable and rounded performance."
Principal cornet David Sutherland was awarded the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ prize for his fine contribution to their win, whilst victory will also see them promoted to the First Section for the first time in their 160 year history.
Delighted
MD Philip Rosier later said: “I’m delighted with the result. The band’s work ethic and team spirit once again delivered a first class performance. It was a pleasure to direct such a musical account of the piece."
Great boost
Band Chairman John Mabon added: "As the oldest continuous band in Scotland this result gives as a great boost for the future.
It was so rewarding to hear the judges state they were looking for the bands that brought the character and style of the music out from the score.
That is something Phil always aims to do — and something that sometimes is forgotten at brass band contests, when judge's an just look for slips and errors."
He added: "All the bands had those on the day, so to win the title with music making from the heart was a real thrill."
Well informed
Joining them at Cheltenham will be 2012 champion Croy, who gave an equally well informed interpretation under Kenneth Blackwood to book their place.
However, it was the result of Dunaskin Doon in seventh that caused a few eyebrows to be raised, after Gary Williams led a performance that seemed to tick all the right boxes in terms or character, style and good contesting basics in the hall, but crucially not in the box with Stephen Roberts and Sandy Smith.
It was Annan Town who eventually claimed the final podium slot in third, with the remaining top six places going to Broxburn & Livingston, St Ronan’s and Arbroath Instrumental.
Third Section:
There was an equally engaging contest to enjoy in the Third Section, where the in-form Renfrew Burgh lived up to their pre-contest favourite tag to reclaim this title for the first time since 1998 under talented young conductor Mark Good.
Philip Sparke’s ‘Evolution — Five States of Change’ certainly proved to be a test of the qualification credentials of the eight competitors, with the top four bands clearly showing that there is an emerging strength in depth at this level.
Adjudicators Leigh Baker and Archie Hutchison were certainly impressed by the winners, with Archie writing in his remarks: "This has been a very good performance. There was a great deal of accuracy in delivery, with some players really shining through. Intonation and tuning was very good, with all solos competently delivered."
Well worked
In the end it was a well worked rendition from a delighted Irvine & Dreghorn under Helen Douthwaite that secured their place at Cheltenham, with solid accounts from Langholm Town and Campbeltown Brass just behind. The remaining top six places went to Barrhead Burgh and Selkirik Silver.
Pretty chuffed
“I’m pretty chuffed to tell you the truth,” Mark told 4BR after just coming back from a couple of days break with his girlfriend from the Isle of Arran.
“The band has been growing in confidence since our Scottish Challenge Cup win in November, and we are now taking our rehearsal form onto the contest stage.
Getting to play regularly under pressure in front of an audience, even at rehearsals has been so important. It’s something we aim to build on with concerts and projects leading up to our Cheltenham appearance.”
Key to victory
Mark felt that the key to the victory was being able to play with ‘poise and space’ in delivering each of the variations — especially with the tricky, stylistic waltz and fugato.
“That took lots of practice,” he added. “However all the hard work paid off and I have to congratulate all the players for their efforts and to Dominic McKeown on bass trombone who won the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award.
Fourth Section:
It was not just the senior Whitburn players celebrating long into the night, as Whitburn Heartlands claimed a comprehensive five point victory and their first ever Scottish title in the Fourth Section under Robert Fraser.
They will be joined on their Cheltenham debut by MacTaggart Scott Loanhead conducted by Bobby Weir, who led home a hard battling field of rivals, after ‘An English Pastorale’ proved a stern test of all sixteen competitor’s contesting basics.
A solid performance from Buckhaven & Methil Miners came third, with the remaining top six places going to a delighted trio of Penicuik Silver, Highland Brass and Dysart Colliery.
Fantastic double
The victory gave the winning conductor his own domestic ‘double’ after Robert Fraser went on to play tuba with the Championship Section winners on the Sunday.
A Whitburn Band spokesperson told 4BR: “Everyone associated with the Whitburn Band organisation is delighted with this result. It is hopefully the first in many for a band that we believe will produce a stream of playing talent for many years to come.”
They added: “Robert is doing a remarkable job and the players are enjoying every moment of rehearsals and contesting. The result is a vindication of our commitment to long term youth development.”
One of those was Kirsty Adams, who claimed the award as the youngest BBb tuba player of the day, whilst the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award went to Karen Heenan, principal cornet of Newland Concert Brass.
Cloud nine
The young MD Robert Fraser was still ‘on cloud nine’ he said when 4BR eventually caught up with him
“It’s been such a thrill to be able to conduct the band to its first Scottish Championship success,” he said. “We have been building up to this now since our first appearance last year. Our player strength has increased from 18 to a full line up and all our principal players were teenagers on the weekend.
We have a great mix of youth and experience — with our oldest player Sam Knox well above retirement age — although he gives the youngsters a real run for their money!
The long term aim is to keep developing young players and this win has given everyone such a great boost. We really are all on cloud nine.”
Supportive
Adjudicators Mark Wilkinson and Archie Hutchison were supportive and constructive in their remarks and observations about what they heard on the day with all the bands, with Mark commending the winners for their ‘good attempt at dynamics’, ‘ good ensemble’ and ‘drive and attention to detail’.
Service awards
During the course of an excellently run weekend by the Scottish Brass Band Association, Richard Evans, Musical Director Emeritus of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition, the President's Award was given to Dorothy Hall in recognition of her 30 years of involvement as an administrator with Dunfermline Town Band and Langholm Town Band was recognised for its 200 years of existence.
Professor Childs was inspirational. The way in which the band performed was testament to his professionalism and musicality. It was a wonderful performance and one that will last long in the memory of those who heard itWhitburn Band
Results:
Championship Section:
Test Piece: 'The Torchbearer' — Peter Graham
Sunday 15th March
Adjudicators: Stephen Roberts & Sandy Smith
1. Whitburn (Prof. Nicholas Childs) — 194*
2. Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Withington) — 193*
3. Bon Accord Silver (Steve Malcolm) — 191
4. Kingdom Brass (Eoin Tonner) — 189
5. Kirkintilloch Band (Phillip McCann) — 188
6. Dalmellington (Richard Evans) — 186
7. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Charles Keenan) — 185
8. Clackmannan (Lynda Nicholson) — 184
9. Granite City Brass (Bruce Wallace) — 183
10. Lochgelly (Kenny Letham) — 182
* Top 2 bands qualify for National Final
Whitbun Band qualifies to represent Scotland at 2016 European Championship
Individual Awards:
Best Cornet: Chris Bradley (Whitburn)
Best Trombone: Paul Kiernan (Co-operative Funeralcare)
Best Horn/ Flugel: Caroline Farren (Whitburn — flugel)
Best Bass Section: Co-operative Funeralcare
Best Baritone/ Euphonium: Nic Vermeiran (Whitburn — euphonium)
Best Bass Section: Co-operative Funeralcare
First Section:
Test Piece: 'A London Overture' — Philip Sparke
Sunday 15th March
Adjudicators: Leigh Baker & Mark Wilkinson
1. Newtongrange Silver (Lee Skipsey) — 189*
2. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson) — 188*
3. Johnstone Silver (Martyn Ramsay) — 187
4. Tullis Russell Mills (Paul Drury) — 186
5. Bathgate (Anne Crookston) — 185
6. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain) — 184
7. Bo'ness & Carriden Silver (Paul McKelvie OBE) — 183
8. St. David's Brass (John A Dickson) — 182
9. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Cameron) — 180
10. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman) — 178
* Top 2 bands qualify for National Final
Best Instrumentalist: Lauren Robb (principal cornet) — Unison Kinneil
Best Horn: Jen Crockett (Johnstone Silver)
Second Section:
Test Piece: 'Variations on Maccabeus' — Kevin Norbury
Saturday 14th March
Adjudicators: Stephen Roberts & Sandy Smith
1. Jedforest Instrumental (Phil Rosier) — 189*
2. Croy Silver (Kenneth Blackwood) — 188*
3. Annan Town (Peter Heyes) — 187
4. Broxburn & Livingston (Kevin Price) — 186
5. St. Ronan's Silver (Chris Bradley) — 185
6. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson) — 184
7. Dunaskin Doon (Gary Williams) — 183
8. Kingdom Brass B (Michael Marzella) — 182
9. Perthshire Brass (George D Annan) — 181
10. Shotts St. Patrick's (Kenny Letham) — 180
11. Tullis Russell Intermediate (Steven Craig) — 179
* Top 2 bands qualify for National Final
Best Instrumentalist: David Sutherland (principal cornet) — Jedforest Instrumental
Third Section:
Test Piece:'Evolution, Five States of Change' — Philip Sparke
Saturday 14th March
Adjudicators: Leigh Baker & Archie Hutchison
1. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good)- 188*
2. Irvine & Dreghorn (Helen Douthwaite) — 187
3. Langholm Town (Chris Shanks) — 186
4. Campbeltown Brass (Gordon Evans MBE) — 185
5. Barrhead Burgh (Brian Keachie) — 184
6. Selkirk Silver (John Dickson) — 183
7. Dumfries Town (Ross Brotherston) — 182
8. Tayport Instrumental (Frank Culross) – 181
* Top 2 bands qualify for National Final
Best Instrumentalist: Dominic McKeown (bass trombone) — Renfrew Burgh
Fourth Section:
Saturday 14th March
Test Piece: 'An English Pastorale'- Dean Jones
Adjudicators: Archie Hutchison & Mark Wilkinson
1. Whitburn Heartlands (Robert Fraser) — 179*
2. MacTaggart Scott (Bobby Weir) — 174*
3. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (David Neil) — 173
4. Penicuik Silver (Stuart Black) — 172
5. Highland Brass (Mark Bell) — 171
6. Dysart Colliery (Bruce Fraser) — 169
7. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Chris Mansfield) — 168
8. Newland Concert (Paul McKelvie OBE) — 167
9. Dundee Instrumental (Brian Sullivan) — 166
10. Dunfermline Town (Andy Shaw) — 165
11. Queensferry Community Brass (James Anderson) — 164
12. Creetown Silver (Stuart McNab) — 162
13. Bon Accord Silver 'B' (Jennifer Cook) — 161
14. Stranraer Brass (Yvonne Williamson) — 160
15. Forfar Instrumental (Terrence Jackson) — 159
16. Hawick Saxhorn (Alan Fernie) — 158
* Top 2 bands qualify for National Final
Best Instrumentalist: Karen Heenan (principal cornet) — Newland Concert Brass
Youngest BBb Bass Player: Kirsty Adams (Whitburn Heartlands)
