The opening contest of the Scottish Championship weekend proved to be a rewarding one for both competitors and listeners alike thanks to Jonathan Bates' excellent test-piece, 'Ex Terra Lucem'.

Each of the eleven bands produced performances of considerable merit (with just a point separating each of the top-six finishers), with judges Anne Crookston and Mark Wilkinson praising them all for their efforts in bringing out the inherent musical character of each of the three-movements of the enjoyable work.

Youthful excellence

The best came from the youthful excellence of Campbeltown Brass led by Paul Kiernan, as they once again made the 320 mile round trip from the Mull of Kintyre to Perth to claim another Scottish Championship title (they won the Third Section in 2007 and 2016 and this event in 2008).

It was a supremely confident performance that certainly ticked all the boxes the judges were looking for: "shining"as Anne said in giving the music the essential "space and time"to bring out the dance-like pulse of the opening 'Brigantes' section followed by the touching elegance of 'St Elyn's Chapel' and the building drama of the finale.

Neatly portrayed

Joining them on their long haul trip to Cheltenham will be Annan Town from Dumfries & Galloway, who secured their first qualification since 2008 under Paul Drury with a neatly portrayed account that pipped Broxburn & Livingston led by John Boax. A trio of solid renditions from St David's Brass, St Ronan's and Jedforest Instrumental made up a fine top-six.

In a contest that certainly showcased the best of Scottish banding and the remarkable investment in youth development by Campbeltown (a few days after the contest they were holding a fantastic solo competition for their under 8 learners), there was a great deal to enjoy from all the competitors — from Croy off the dreaded number 1 spot to Clackmannan District to close.

Excellent work

And whilst Mark Wilkinson pin-pointed issues with muted intonation, he commended all the soloists for their efforts (the outstanding St David's Brass cornet player Stuart Dickson taking the SBBA 'Best Instrumentalist award) and made a special mention of the excellent work of the percussion sections.

Paul Kiernan's young troops did him proud though — playing with a level of musicality that belied their tender years, whilst Annan will also head to Cheltenham boosted by their efforts under an MD (who conducted without a score) who encouraged his players with a beaming smile that could have been sponsored by Colgate toothpaste.

Scotland may not have won a National title at this level since 1997, but in these two well led bands that may well come under threat.

The best came from the youthful excellence of Campbeltown Brass led by Paul Kiernan, as they once again made the 320 mile round trip from the Mull of Kintyre to Perth to claim another Scottish Championship title4BR

Results:

Second Section:

Test Piece: Ex Terra Lucem (Jonathan Bates)
Adjudicators: Mark Wilkinson & Anne Crookston

1. Campbeltown Brass (Paul Kiernan) — 94*
2. Annan Town (Paul Drury) — 93*
3. Broxburn & Livingston (John Boax) — 92
4. St. David's Brass (Iain Fleming) — 91
5. St. Ronan's Silver (Alan Fernie) — 90
6. Jedforest Instrumental (Phil Rosier) — 89
7. Clackmannan District (Paul McKelvie OBE) — 87
8. Shotts St. Patrick's (Ray Mundy) — 86
9. Croy Silver (Kenneth Blackwood) — 85
10. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good) — 83
11. Irvine & Dreghorn (Scott Kerr) — 82

*Qualify for National Final

Instrumentalist: Stuart Dickson (Cornet) — St Davids's Brass