There was a great atmosphere of friendly competition on show at Perth Concert Hall on the weekend, as 20 bands took to the stage for the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge contest.

There was also plenty of great music for adjudicators Sandy Smith and Alan Fernie to compare and contrast as the contenders from the First to Fourth Sections performed their own-choice test-piece selections.

In the end it was Bathgate's excellent rendition of Philip Wilby's 'A Lowry Sketchbook' under the baton of MD, Craig Anderson that deservedly took the honours and to lift the Challenge Shield trophy by a clear two point margin.

Great day

"What a great day!", they wrote on their Facebook page as they took the time to congratulate George Doherty in claiming the Paul Dornan Memorial Trophy as 'Best Principal Cornet' — one that was topped by his sparkling cadenza in the final movement.

The victory, their first at the event after coming runner-up last year, further confirmed the progress made since Craig Anderson took over in 2020 and their return to competitive action since the end of the Covid-19 break.

Trittico battle

In what was a fine battle for the podium prizes, it was First Section Scottish Champion Bo'ness & Carriden, conducted by Charlie Farren who followed Bathgate home.

They gave a bold reprise of James Curnow's 'Trittico' (having played it at the National Finals and the Fife Charities Contest), whilst a delighted Newmilns & Galston led by Alan took home the SBBA Challenge Trophy in third, also playing the Curnow work.

The remaining top-six places went to Dunaskin Doon ('Tallis Variations') with 'Best Second Section Band' award winner, Clackmannan District ('Paganini Variations') in fifth and Coalburn Silver ('Tallis Variations') in sixth.

Coalburn's outstanding flugel player Blair Collins was presented with the 4Barsrest 'Best Soloist' award, whilst their horn section of Rachel Carmichael, Nicola Henderson and Catriona Squires took the 'Best Horn Section' prize.

Dysart and Inverclyde best

Dysart Colliery took the 'Best Third Section Band' honours in coming an fine eleventh overall, thanks to their excellent rendition of 'Olympus' by Philip Harper, with Brass Sounds Inverclyde also impressing in taking the 'Best Fourth Section Band' accolade in coming fourteenth with their well worked account of 'New Beginnings' by Fredrick Schjelderup.

Enjoyed

"We enjoyed all the performances,"Alan Fernie said before the announcement of the results. "And it was a big plus to the conductors who in the main chose well in their test pieces to get the best out of their players."

However, he did add that bands had to take "a bit more time on the ball"instead of rushing towards the end of the music. "The bar will still be open when you've finished!"he said.

Quality

Sandy also commented on the quality of what he had heard throughout the day. "There was a time when bands would attempt pieces that were beyond them and try to bully their way into the prizes, but the penny has now dropped.

And one of the most impressive things today was the number of bands who were desperately trying to play softly. It's been a really enjoyable day with a great list of pieces played."

Fantastic

Before the awarding of the prizes, Ronnie and Ann Tennant of Band Supplies, the contest's main sponsor, were recognised by SBBA president Carrie Boax for celebrating 40 years in business and thanked for all the work they continue to do to support Scottish banding.

Ann later told 4BR: "What a wonderful day — and another that we are so proud to be able to support. This is what makes the banding movement such a joy.

Our thanks go to everyone involved in organising and running the contest on the day and especially to the bands and their players — it was fantastic to be a part of it."

"What a great day!", they wrote on their Facebook page as they took the time to congratulate George Doherty in claiming the Paul Dornan Memorial Trophy as 'Best Principal Cornet' — one that was topped by his sparkling cadenza in the final movement4BR

Result:

Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Alan Fernie

1. Bathgate (Craig Anderson): 193
2. Bo'ness & Carriden (Charlie Farren):191
3. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel): 190
4. Dunaskin Doon (Paul Drury): 189
5. Clackmannan District (Ross Brotherston): 188
6. Coalburn Silver (Paul McKelvie OBE): 187
7. Granite City Brass (Bruce Wallace): 186
8. Newmains & District (Michael Marzella): 185
9. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks): 184
10. Annan Town (David McLeod): 183
11. Dysart Colliery (Kenny Letham): 182
12. St David's Brass (John A Dickson): 181
13. Whitburn Heartlands (Stephen Duncan): 180
14. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Joshua Parkhill): 179
15. Perthshire Brass (Willie McMullan): 178
16. Kirkton Brass Bathgate (Simon Railton): 177
17. Highland Brass (Mark Bell): 176
18. Shotts St Patrick's (Andrew Shaw): 175
19. Coalburn Intermediate (David Fehilly): 174
20. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig): 173pts

Anthony Hope Memorial Trophy for Best Horn Section: Coalburn Silver
Paul Dornan Memorial Award for Best Principal Cornet: George Doherty (Bathgate)
4barsrest Award for Best Soloist: Blair Collins (flugel) — Coalburn Silver

Best First Section Band: Bathgate
Best Second Section Band: Clackmannan District
Best Third Section Band: Dysart Collery
Best Fourth Section Band: Brass Sounds Inverclyde