The members of the 3BA Experience Band from Germany have thanked the Scottish Brass Band Association and everyone who helped them on their November trip to the country to perform in the 2019 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield contest.

Great success

Band spokesperson and tuba player Aurelia Höfle told 4BR that it proved to be a wonderful musical as well as cultural experience for the young adults aged between 17 and 23, with the warmth of the welcome they received something that will remain with them for a very long time.

"The trip was a great success and we all had such a wonderful time,"she said. "We have taken inspiration from the British brass band movement, so to be able to come to Scotland and compete against so many wonderful bands was another huge step in our development."

Wonderful time

Under the baton of young conductor Benjamin Markl, the band gave an impressive account of 'Shine as the Light' full of warm tonality, precisely observed dynamics and lyrical lead lines to end eighth in the event.

Speaking to 4BR after they had played, Benjamin said: "We have had a wonderful time and we enjoyed playing here. We wanted to show what we can do as a young band and to listen to how British bands perform. We've enjoyed it very much and hope to come back again."

The band is part of the Bavarian Brass Band Academy and continues to make remarkable progress. The 3BA Academy Band will soon arrive back in Britain to take part in the 2020 Butlins Mineworkers Championships in Skegness where they will look to successfully defend the Youth Section they won in fine style last year.

We do hope to return again in the future. Scotland is a fantastic country with so many wonderful brass band people3BA Experience Band

New friends

Looking back though to that trip to Perth in November Aurelia added: "We had such a great time meeting up with new friends and our special thanks go to Perthshire Brass Band who welcomed us to their bandroom so that we could rehearse in preparation for the contest.

We do hope to return again in the future. Scotland is a fantastic country with so many wonderful brass band people.

The trip forged us even closer together as a band and the happy memories will last a very long time for us."