Report & Results: 2016 Scottish Championships

Victories for Co-operative Funeralcare, Tullis Russell Mills, Coalburn Silver, Campbeltown Brass and Brass Sounds Inverclyde at Perth.

The Championship Section Hannaford Jubilee Trophy is well acquainted with the journey along one of Scotland's busiest motorways.

For nine years the silverware has trundled back and forth the M8, as Co-operative Funeralcare and Whitburn have tussled for supremacy at the Scottish Championships: And so it proved again.

Propelled

This time the impressive silver pot was propelled towards Glasgow for a 22nd time fuelled by the roars of delight belonging to celebrating players of 'The Co' after a hard-fought victory over their old rivals. They will now represent Scotland at the 2017 European Championships in Ostend.

It came from a terrific contest winning performance of 'Cambridge Variations' under Allan Ramsay, which, at its best, bubbled with scintillating excitement, colour and passion. After shaking off some early cobwebs, they stamped their authority with a huge depth of ensemble sound (the foundation of which came from their prize winning 'Best Basses') laced with delightful solo contributions (notably Andrea Casey on flugel)

Leading the way

Leading the way was an imperious principal cornet Jim Hayes, whose beautifully refined lyrical solo justifiably won the Terris Medal as 'Best Cornet': It was superb playing that reflected the confidence that seeped through the ensemble to a thrilling conclusion — the delight at its conclusion clear to see from the conductor too; his fists pumping as the last notes rang out into the hall.

"It was really something to cherish,"Allan Ramsay later told 4BR. "We've been building towards this for some time. The organisation of the band reflects our contesting ambitions and everything came together in that performance. I was thrilled of course — but even more delighted for the players. They deserved the victory."

Permeates

It was also a point picked up by Band Chairman Chris Davies: "It's been a great team effort — led by Allan. His commitment to excellence permeates everyone and everything we do — especially on stage.

These are exciting times with our concert with James Morrison later this year, and the British Open, National Finals and Ostend in 2017 now booked in the contesting calendar."

Whitburn disappointment

In contrast to the Co-op celebrations was the disappointment felt by defending champion, Whitburn, who offered a fine marker from a number 1 draw.

Illness caused some re-jigging just days before the event but there were few signs of fragility on stage as the West Lothian band delivered a rendition rich in texture, technique and confidence under Prof Nicholas Childs.

Flugel horn Caroline Farren beguiled with her wonderful playing (as did 'Best Bass' Graham Fraser and 'Best Trombone', Dan Eddison), but there were fleeting moments when the sheen came off the deep musical polish: It was the difference between a second successive victory and defeat.

Clear winner

It was later confirmed to 4BR that the judges felt the winners were clear-cut, whilst it was a closer battle for the second qualification place, as Kirkintilloch returned to their best form at the contest since coming runner-up in 2013.

Phillip McCann's hard work was clear to hear, as Kirky immediately drew in the audience during its hushed but clearly defined opening. Only occasionally did the execution not quite match the MDs intentions, but it was a purposeful, highly encouraging account from a rejuvenated band.

Behind them came a fine rendition from Dalmellington, in a performance which moved along at a fair pelt under an inspired Richard Evans, featuring Rebecca Wilson's lovely cornet leadership.

Consistency

Meanwhile, consistency — or the lack of it — proved key for those finishing further down the results table; with performances of merit from Bon-Accord Silver, Kirkintilloch Kelvin and Kingdom Brass just losing focus through minor mishaps and errors, whilst Unison Kinneil led a trio of hard-working accounts from Newtongrange and Clackmannan District.

Checklist

Adjudicator Professor John Miller (joined by Ian Brownbill in the box) was very clear with his analysis about what the duo had heard: "There was an incredible passion and drive during all the performances,"he said.

"And that's what it takes to play a piece like this. After that, there was an inevitable checklist of challenges: balance, tuning and the solos among them. It made for a highly-charged, exciting afternoon."

For Co-operative Funeralcare — it was also a check list that will now include the travel arrangements for a famous trophy.

First Section:

Saturday was no less intense in competitive fervour as ten bands looked to impress on Edward Gregson's 'Essay'. As has been heard around the country, it also proved to be a very stern test of their character too.

However, Tullis Russell Mills certainly showed their understanding of its transparent intricacies to take the title and secure their return to the top tier of Scottish banding under MD Raymond Tennant.

Tullis quality

The Fife band, which featured Tullis old-boy and former Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, John Wallace on the back row cornets, showed their quality from the off with one of the neatest openings of the day.

Principal cornet Dean Bromage delighted in a tender cornet solo which eventually earned the band (aided by the 'Best Horn' contribution of Stevie Craig) the deserved title plaudits.

Cheltenham bound

Also Cheltenham-bound will be Bo-ness & Carriden, featuring some fine flugel playing from Hayley Edmond and an excellent 'Best Instrumentalist' contribution from Hugh Foster on cornet, in a performance boldly drawn and delivered under Whitburn bass trombone star Charlie Farren.

For Bathgate, led by Anne Crookston, a frustrating lack of consistency took its toll as they eventually came third — with the melancholic poignancy of the 'Soliloquy' the best of the day. It was close to being a qualifier.

Encouraging

Behind them, Lochgelly delivered an encouraging performance that showcased a warm sound and tight ensemble, whilst Newmilns & Galston recovered admirably from a nervy opening to the sparse 'Dialogue' first movement of the Gregson score.

Other rivals found difficulties, although each produced performances of merit: Granite City unable to build on a promising start, Annan Town negotiating the early pitfalls to recover well, and Johnstone featuring some terrific solo moments. Jedforest came up against a tough test on its return to the First Section, while Dalkeith & Monktonhall also just failed to fire on all cylinders.

None unscathed

It all made for a contest in which no band came away unscathed as adjudicator John Doyle pin-pointed: "This piece is an absolute pig to play,"he said to an accompanying murmur of agreement in the hall.

"That said, well done to all the bands and in particular, well done to cornet players and trombone players — every member of the band should be buying these players a drink."

That was certainly something Tullis Russell Mills were already contemplating as soon as they got their hands on the trophy.

Second Section:

Celebrations were already well underway for Coalburn Silver, who triumphed earlier in the day under Gareth Bowman.

Philip Harper's colourful 'The Mermaid of Zennor' saw the South Lanarkshire band paint a vivid musical picture, with exciting dynamic contrasts and neat balances allowing the important lines to shine on their way to a well deserved victory — described by Ian Brownbill and John Doyle as 'excellent'.

Inspired

Also inspired by the Cornish love-story was Dunaskin Doon under Gary Williams. Tiny moments of fragility rose to the fore in the slow, exposed sections, but the band held its nerve with a cracking chase to the waves, as they pushed their rivals all the way to Cheltenham.

Just missing out was Arbroath Instrumental, aided by a velvety bass end featuring former Radio 2 Brass Award winner, Joe Walters on bass trombone (taking the 'Best Instrumentalist' award) as well as an extra tuba player. It was a performance rich in future potential — aided a number of the talented young players from the renowned Carnoustie & District setup.

Solid

Meanwhile, the solid rebuilding continued for Broxburn & Livingston, with euphonium player Samantha Cuthill, shining throughout, whilst there were other renditions which captured elements of the Cornish folk tale with varying degrees of success -not helped though by a litany of extraneous noises -from dropped mutes to percussion mishaps that broke concentration.

Croy, Shotts St Patrick's and St Ronan's Silver will have to put promotion hopes on hold for another year, while Perthshire Brass offered a solid showing. Renfrew Burgh put in a valiant effort after gaining promotion, with St David's Brass and Irvine & Dreghorn delivering renditions of merit.

Third Section:

The best was certainly saved until last in the Third Section on Michael Ball's 'A Cambrian Suite', as Campbeltown Brass, led by Gordon Evans MBE, further enhanced a successful 2016 with a performance of musical maturity and technical solidity to storm to victory by a clear margin.

Milking duties

It was a level of performance that belied the diminutive stature of some of the younger players; helped by some experienced older heads around the stands — summed up by the dedication and commitment of 'Best Instrumentalist' award winner Murray Ralston: The euphonium player getting up at the crack of dawn to milk his cows on his farm before making the 170 mile trip to play in Perth!

The band from the Mull of Kintyre now faces a 960 mile round trip to Cheltenham for the finals — although on this form they will surely be a band to watch out for.

Careful attention

Joining them will be Selkirk Silver, with the Borders band's soloists particularly effective. MD Stuart Black paid careful attention to balance, tempos and texture — made the more significant by being a couple of players short.

Just behind the qualifiers came Tullis Russell Intermediate, who created an impressive atmosphere under MD Steven Craig in a performance that pushed their rivals close, whilst there was delight for Buckhaven & Methil, as they secured fourth place finish on its return to the Third Section.

Low numbers

It was noticeable however that several bands took to the stage low on numbers — a credit to each of them on what was a difficult set-work.

Barrhead Burgh and Langholm Town delivered accounts with much to admire, whilst Whitburn Heartlands showed just why they are a shining light in player development (both young and old) — with a rendition full of Celtic spirit.

Both MacTaggart Scott and Tayport also rose to the occasion, despite the latter only fielding five cornet players. Better times lie ahead for both in a contest that from top to bottom showed encouraging signs of future musical prosperity.

Fourth Section:

The competing bands in the Fourth Section fell into two distinct categories; with several fully embracing the enjoyable challenges found in Peter Graham's 'The Journal of Phileas Fogg'.

The best according to the impressed judges came from Brass Sounds Inverclyde, as they continued to rebuild in excellent fashion under MD Chris Mansfield.

Lovely sounds

Theirs was an authoritative interpretation that quickly settled into a confident grove of character and style, enhanced by a lovely balanced ensemble sound. More of the same in Cheltenham will surely see them as one of the contest favourites.

Joining them there will be an ecstatic Dunfermline Town (if their own celebrations have ended by September!) — after MD Andy Shaw inspired a vivid and exciting approach. The Cossack chase in particular was fantastic, led by the 'Best Instrumentalist' cornet player Danny Harrison.

Difficult job

It proved to be a difficult job for the judges, David Thornton and Kevin Wadsworth, who must have enjoyed their own trip north of the border — with Peebles Burgh setting a fine marker from the number 1 draw that would take some beating to eventually end third.

Praise too for a resurgent Newmains & District rising from the ashes to offer a strong showing on its welcome return to the contesting platform, whilst Highland Brass and Newland Concert Brass both featured some terrific solo cornet playing, with Karen Heenan impressing for the latter.

Plaudits

Bon-Accord B very nearly gave the judges something to ponder as they produced a colourful rendition that just fell away, whilst the same went for well directed accounts from Stranraer Brass, Hawick and Dysart Colliery.

Deserved plaudits were also due to Queensferry, who took to the stage with just 22 players, whilst there were spirited efforts from Dundee Instrumental and Forfar Instrumental.

Fine weekend

On what was a fine weekend of competition for Scottish banding, there was also much to enjoy in the non-competitive Section 4B, where fledgling ensembles are given the opportunity to showcase their emerging talents.

Adjudicator John Boax, sat in the open, will now visit each of them to help in their future development — a great step that should guarantee a further boost in numbers to an event that has found a fine home in Perth.

Funding

With the contest weekend boosted by news of a substantial award of £125,000 from the Scottish Government to SBBA to help further develop their long-term youth orientated initiatives, this was a Scottish Championship that showcased the rich potential of the nation's banding fraternity — one that will send qualifiers to both London and Cheltenham that could well bring back some long awaited National title winning silverware.

Mark Good

The organisation of the band reflects our contesting ambitions and everything came together in that performance. I was thrilled of course — but even more delighted for the players. They deserved the victoryAllan Ramsay

Results:

Championship Section:
Test Piece: Cambridge Variations (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: John Miller and Ian Brownbill

1. Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay) — 194*
2. Whitburn (Prof Nicholas Childs) — 192*
3. Kirkintilloch (Phillip McCann) — 191
4. Dalmellington (Richard Evans) — 189
5. Bon Accord Silver (Stephen Malcolm) -187
6. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Charles Keenan) — 186
7. Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury) — 185
8. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson) — 184
9. Newtongrange Silver (Dr Keith Wilkinson) — 182
10. Clackmannan & District (Iain Muirhead) — 181