The first title to be decided in Perth came in an enjoyable Third Section, where a thrilled Irvine & Dreghorn led by Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale claimed their first Scottish Championship victory to head to the National Finals for the second time in three years.

Joining them there will be St David's Brass, as they claimed their first Cheltenham appearance since 2014 under conductor John Dickson.

Musical chord

Dan Price's 'Darkwood' set-work certainly struck a musical chord with the eleven competing bands, as they gave the adjudicators Steve Pritchard-Jones and Chris Wormald plenty to ponder in the box.

In return, the duo ensured that there would be few complaints about the end result as they used both dry wit and experienced wisdom in their summing ups.

They also ensured that no-one was left in doubt that they knew what they were talking about — with a gentle reminder that Steve had adjudicated the piece at the recent North West Area, whilst Chris had led Eagley Band to fifth place there. Little wonder there was a fair degree of rapt attention on display before the announcement of the results.

Perceptive

Chris Wormald's perceptive analysis covered everything from dropped mutes and the over-reliance on the Area CD recording to subservience to the score and misplaced rants over the adjudicator's intellect. As he pointed out: "You had to play it we had to listen."

The result had therefore been given a great deal of thought — so when it was finally announced, it was hard to disagree as Irvine & Dreghorn claimed victory in the most deserving and convincing of manner; 'head and shoulders above the rest' as Chris later told 4BR. The four point margin of victory certainly backed up the judge's thoughts and observations.

Delight

The delight at being proclaimed Scottish Champion was obvious to see as the players paraded the trophy — with a special mention to their percussion player — a certain Carrie Boax, who not only oversaw a wonderfully run championship event in her role as SBBA President, but played with the winning band (hubby John was a very tasteful soprano).

"It's always so pleasing to see other players and supporters enjoy the moment of victory on stage as SBBA President, so to taste it myself with such a great bunch of people was wonderful,"Carrie said with not the merest hint of bias.

"It's our first Scottish Championship victory so all the credit goes to our MD and the players who give so much to enjoy their playing. Going to Cheltenham later this year is now going to be extra special!"

Compact interpretation

It was a fine performance to take the title, aided by MD Helen Douthwaite- Teasdale's compact interpretation that kept a careful balance on tempos and dynamics, and aided by some splendid ensemble and solo playing — the pick of which came from 'Best Instrumentalist' award winner Dawn Spence on euphonium.

There was also a great to deal to enjoy with the clear runner-up St David's Brass, as they produced a fine marker off the number 1 draw that was only eventually beaten by the commanding new champion, whilst Buckhaven & Methil once again showed the solid progress they are making under David Neil in coming third.

Consistency

Behind them it was the usual case of consistency, or lack of it, with a number of bands not quite being able to bring out the sense of impish mischief in the opening section that would contrast with the lyricism of the 'House on the Hill' and joyful optimism of 'Blackley Village' finale to close.

However, there was still much to enjoy with the top-six finishers of Brass Sounds Inverclyde, Tullis Russell Intermediate and MacTaggart Scott Loanhead, as well as the remaining bands that would have benefitted greatly from a work that certainly helped develop both style and technique.

It's always so pleasing to see other players and supporters enjoy the moment of victory on stage as SBBA President, so to taste it myself with such a great bunch of people was wonderfulCarrie Boax

Results:

Third Section:

Test Piece: 'Darkwood' (Dan Price)
Adjudicators: Steve Pritchard Jones and Chris Wormald

1. Irvine & Dreghorn (Helen Dowthwaite -Teasdale) — 184*
2. St. David's Brass (John A Dickson) — 180*
3. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (David Neil) — 178
4. Brass Sound Inverclyde (Christopher Mansfield) — 177
5. Tullis Russell Intermediate (Steven Craig) — 176
6. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead (Kenny Letham) — 175
7. Langholm Town (Chris Shanks) — 174
8. Peebles Burgh (Stephen Baird) — 173
9. Dunfermline Town (Andy Shaw) — 172
10. Whitburn Heartlands (Scott Kerr) — 170
11. Barrhead Burgh (Michael Howie) — 169

*Top two bands qualify for National Final at Cheltenham

Awards:

Best Instrumentalist: Dawn Spence (Euphonium) — Irvine & Dreghorn