Kingdom Brass claimed a hat-trick in winning the Fife Charities contest at the Queen Anne High School in Dunfermline on the weekend.

Led by Raymond Tennant, they topped all three disciplines to walk away with an impressive haul of silverware, whilst there were also host of individual awards to celebrate too.

Fine performances

Fine performances of the march, 'Ravenswood', hymn tune 'Gresham' and their own-choice test-piece selection of 'Fraternity' saw the Scottish Challenge Shield holder triumph, whilst their MD, cornet, Dave Prentice, flugel, Sarah Findlay and trombone Alex Philip took the solo accolades. The band also retained their 'Best Fife Band' title.

It was the band's 14th victory at the event as it made a welcome return to the Scottish contesting calendar following the break due to Covid-19. It was the 75th time the contest has been run.

Great day

On Kingdom Band's Facebook page they said: "A great day for the band. And thank you again Thierry Deleruyelle for 'Fraternity' — what a piece! For a band from an area steeped in mining heritage, it's a privilege to rehearse and perform such a strong, poignant, emotional piece of music."

In response the composer replied: "It's always a pleasure and a honour to be performed by such a terrific band!"

Granite head to Blackpool

Runner-up Granite City posted their best result at the event under MD Bruce Wallace. They would have certainly celebrated on their way home to Aberdeen after also securing the all-important qualification invitation to the British Open Spring Festival in Blackpool in May.

They stated on their Facebook page that it had been "an amazing result"as they also claimed prizes for 'Best' Euphonium'. 'Best Basses' and 'Best First Section Band'.

Third place went to Bo'ness & Carriden, with the remaining places going to Lochgelly, Broxburn & Livingston and Bon Accord B.

The adjudicators were John Boax (march, hymn and test piece) and Carole Ednie (individual awards).

A great day for the band. And thank you again Thierry Deleruyelle for 'Fraternity' — what a piece!Kingdom Brass

Results:
Open Contest:

1. Kingdom Brass (R. Tennant): 192pts
2. Granite City Brass (B. Wallace): 189pts
3. Bo'ness & Carriden (C. Farren): 188pts
4. Lochgelly (C. Shanks): 182pts
5. Broxburn & Livingston (A. Gibson): 181pts
6. Bon-Accord B (J. Cook): 180pts

Winning conductor: Raymond Tennant
Qualifier for Senior Trophy: Granite City Brass

Best Fife 'A' Band: Kingdom Brass
Best 1st Section: Granite City Brass
Best 2nd Section: Broxburn & Livingston
Best 3rd Section: N/A
Best 4th Section: Bon-Accord B

Best Cornet: Kingdom Brass
Best Horn: Flugel (Kingdom Brass)
Best Euphonium/Baritone: Euphonium (Granite City Brass)
Best Trombone: Kingdom Brass
Best Basses: Granite City Brass
Best Percussion: Bo'ness & Carriden

March Contest:

1. Kingdom Brass: 89pts
2. Granite City Brass: 88pts
3. Bo'ness & Carriden: 87pts
4. Lochgelly: 85pts
5. Broxburn & Livingston: 84pts
6. Bon-Accord B: 82pts

Hymn Contest:

1. Kingdom Brass: 89pts
2. Bo'ness & Carriden: 87pts
3. Granite City Brass: 86pts
4. Lochgelly: 83pts
5. Broxburn & Livingston: 82pts
6. Bon-Accord B: 80pts