Trying to predict the future can be a tricky business. However, if you gazed into a crystal ball at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships on the weekend it was clear there was plenty of optimism to be found about the future of the brass band scene north of the border.

The event saw hundreds of talented young brass and percussion players congregate in the splendid surroundings of Perth's modern concert hall, with much of the buzz centred round the younger age categories, featuring playing which would have impressed at a senior level.

Celebrations for Campbeltown

This was particularly true in the Preparatory Section, where Campbeltown Brass (above) took the honours under the baton of Gordon Evans MBE.

The organisation has enjoyed a renaissance since its founding conductor returned to the Mull of Kintyre, and they certainly impressed during a programme which featured principal cornet player, Erin McLellan, in 'The Rose'.

Played from memory, the sensitive performance earned the birthday girl a special mention from adjudicator John Doyle — plus the celebratory sum of £5 to spend on soft drinks when the judges clubbed together prior to the awards ceremony!

Good Riverside

Riverside Youth Band came out on top in the Novice Section, conducted by Mark Good.

The Inverclyde band swung its way out of the traps ahead of St Ronan's Future Band with music from Seth MacFarlane's acerbically animated sitcom, 'Family Guy'.

'One Day I'll Fly Away' afforded an opportunity for principal cornet player, Alan Hunter, to demonstrate his emerging skill set before the band immersed itself in the pulsing rhythms of Alan Fernie's 'Prismatic Light'.

Whitburn honours

There was no theatre lacking from the performance of Whitburn Youth Band, which deservedly took the honours in the Development Section.

A dazzling opener of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Road to Run' gave way to the hymn tune 'Abide With Me', which demonstrated a warmth and maturity of which the West Lothian organisation's parent band would have been proud.

As sole entrants, the bands in the Senior and Premier Sections effectively enjoyed exhibition performances — although it is hoped that over the next couple of years these sections will enjoy a return to more competitive action.

Accomplished Tullis

Dean Bromage led Tullis Russell Youth Band through a programme which began with a somewhat static, 'Emblem of the Army'. However, an excellent 'Irish Blessing' featured a fine quartet contribution as the band settled, culminating in an accomplished reading of Jacob de Haan's 'Free World Fantasy'.

Stylish West Lothian

In the Premier Section, West Lothian Schools Band, conducted by Anne Crookston, announced itself in style with the Guns 'n' Roses' fuelled 'Welcome to the Jungle'.

A much more serene contrast was provided by 'The Water is Wide', during which principal cornet player Lois Kirk impressed. The final throes of Philip Harper's 'Olympus' provided something more contemplative before Amy Gray, appearing in her second band of the day and having swapped her trombone for sticks, dazzled on xylophone in 'Flight of the Bumblebee'.

Mature Percussion

Some of the most mature music making of the day was reserved for the Percussion Section disciplines.

Led by Barbara Jane Waddell, Midlothian Percussion Ensemble displayed tremendous dexterity in the 'Super Mario Brothers' video game theme. 'Storm Break', by Casella, closed a performance full of vitality which did much to impress adjudicator, Alasdair Rankin.

Those present in Perth were also treated to a series of educational workshops during which John Doyle, Glyn Williams, instrument repair specialist Euan Meikle and Chris Fower of PBone, left participants and audience members invigorated.

Add in the velvety gravitas of event presenter, Alasdair Hutton, and the overall result was a slick, efficient day in which the Scottish Brass Band Association demonstrated that it continues to keep its eye gazing towards the future to help to cultivate the next generation of brass banding talent.

Thanks to Mark Galbraith

In the Premier Section, West Lothian Schools Band, conducted by Anne Crookston, announced itself in style with the Guns 'n' Roses' fuelled 'Welcome to the Jungle'4BR

Results:

Premier Section:
Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy and Glyn Williams

1. West Lothian Schools Band (Anne Crookston) — Gold

Senior Section:
Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy and Glyn Williams

1. Tullis Russell Youth Band (Dean Bromage) — Silver

Development Section:
Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy and Glyn Williams

1. Whitburn Youth Band (Caroline Farren) — Gold
2. Loanhead Brass Youth (Alan Fernie) — Gold

Gold Awards:
Arbroath Instrumental Youth (Ann Ness)
Galashiels Youth Band (Stuart Black)

Silver Awards:
Abbey Brass (Stuart Black)
Dundee Schools Brass (Eoin Tonner)
Hawick Schools Youth (Rob Hume)
Kirkintilloch Youth Band (Neil Robertson)
Penicuik Junior Band (Stuart Black)
Perthshire Youth Brass (David Finlay)
St David's Youth Band (John Dickson)

Bronze Awards:
Argyll Brass (Darren Tarn)
Bathgate Youth (Andy Shaw)
King's Park Youth Brass (Alan Pratt)
Kinneil Youth (Joanne Hamilton)
Levern Valley Community Brass (Brian Deans)
Perth & Kinross Intermediate (Scott Barker)

Novice Section:
Adjudicators: John Doyle and David Frame

1. Riverside Youth (Mark Good) — Gold
2. St Ronan's Future (David Robb) — Silver

Silver Award:
1. Coalburn Bronze (Euan Meikle)

Preparatory Section:
Adjudicators: John Doyle and David Frame

1. Campbeltown Junior Band (Gordon Evans MBE) — Gold
2. Galashiels Junior Band (Stuart Black) — Gold

Gold Award:
Loanhead Brass Roots (Alan Fernie)

Silver Awards:
Campeltown Beginners (Katrina Barr)
Irvine & Dreghorn Youth (John Boax)
Perth & Kinross Junior Band (William McMullan)

Bronze Awards:
Gorbals Youth Band (Lauren McCormick)
King's Park Junior Brass (Chris Mansfield)
St David's Budding Brass (Adam Dougherty & Ben Keay)

Percussion Section:
Adjudicator: Alasdair Rankin

1. Midlothian Percussion Ensemble (Barbara Jane Waddell) — Gold
2. Midlothian Training Ensemble (Barbara Jane Waddell) — Gold

Silver Award:
Perth & Kinross Percussion Ensemble (Lynsey Paterson)