If Scottish banding supporters are looking to place a good value each-way bet for a potential title winner at Cheltenham then even the most parsimonious amongst them could well be persuaded to part with some hard earned cash on the chances of Newmains & District.

The 2017 Fourth Section National Champion booked their slot in the starting gates at the Centaur with a fine victory under MD Mike Marzella over rivals Selkirk Silver, with Perthshire Brass a point further back in third.

Imposing nature

It was one whose imposing nature was emphasised by adjudicator Paul Holland (who was joined in the box by Michael Alcorn) who described it as "clear-cut"; citing the excellent control of ensemble tempo and dynamic as well as the quality of the excellent solo lines (principal cornet Anna Linzi taking the SBBA medal as 'Best Instrumentalist').

Little wonder then Mike was a happy man as he later stated: "I'm so proud that the player's hard work came to fruition and was recognised by the adjudicators in their glowing remarks.

As we aim for our return trip to Cheltenham, the band organisation will be focused on various events to continue representing Scottish banding to the best of our abilities."

Gallic pomp

If they perform like this once more at Cheltenham then who knows what success may come, as their rendition of 'Napoleon on the Alps' was thoroughly convincing in every contest winning aspect; purposeful and dramatic when required, lyrical and reflective when needed — all rounded off with a sense of Gallic pomp the Emperor would have been proud of himself.

And whilst the two-point margin of victory was commanding, Selkirk Silver was no mood to surrender meekly to the marching forces of the band from North Lanarkshire, as they produced an excellent early marker under MD Stuart Black that spoke of detailed preparation and musical insight.

Perthshire Brass certainly gave their all under George Annan Jnr in their solid bid to claim their finals place for the first time since 2012, whilst Langholm Town, Brass Sounds Inverclyde and Dysart Colliery all showed the type of growing musical spirit that will hold them in good stead for contest challenges to come.

Detailed analysis

All the bands will also have known just what the judges were looking for (Paul Holland gave a detailed analysis that lasted almost as long as the piece itself) which pinpointed the central section in the opening movement that perhaps separated the best from the rest.

For Newmains though, a deserved first Scottish Championship title success, with hopes that they will be able to make it a first ever 'double' National triumph over the competitive furlongs of Cheltenham come September.

If they perform like this once more at Cheltenham then who knows what success may come, as their rendition of 'Napoleon on the Alps' was thoroughly convincing in every contest winning aspect4BR

Results:

Third Section:

Test Piece: 'Napoleon on the Alps' — Philip Harper
Adjudicators: Paul Holland & Michael Alcorn

1. Newmains & District (Michael Marzella) — 97*
2. Selkirk Silver (Stuart Black) — 95*
3. Perthshire Brass (George D. Annan) — 94
4. Langholm Town (Chris Shanks) — 93
5. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Chris Mansfield) — 91
6. Dysart Colliery (Kenneth Letham) — 90
7. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (David Neil) — 89
8. Dunfermline Town (Andy Shaw) — 88
9. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead (Craig Savage) — 87
10. Peebles Burgh (Peter Holmes) -86

*Top two Qualify for National Final at Cheltenham

Instrumentalist: Anna Linzi (cornet) — Newmains & District