the cooperation band continued its run of fine domestic as they successfully defended the Fife Brass Band Festival title.

After victory at the Scottish Open late last year was followed by regaining the Scottish Championship in Perth in March, 'The Co' made it a hat-trick of home soil wins in Dunfermline with an entertainment set described as "extremely impressive"by adjudicator Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale.

Fantastic contributions

In summing up her written remarks on a programme that opened with 'Innuendo', followed by 'The 49th Parallel' and the finisher of 'MacArthur Park', Helen said that the band had featured "fantastic contributions across the band"with "full band sound and stamina".

Also featured were outstanding solo spots from Paula O'Malley on the xylophone solo 'Taps in Tempo', and the energised flugel solo 'South Loop' that gave deservedly gave Stephanie Kennedy the 'Best Soloist' award.

Only perfection would have beaten them in being awarded 99 points to finish two ahead of perennial rivals Whitburn in second, whilst Kirkintilloch continued their fine run of form by coming third.

Only a winning theme

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We didn't go with a musical theme — just items we felt matched and contrasted with each other. John Hinkley really brought the best out of the band and the soloists were brilliant.

This carries on our good form over the last few months as we look ahead to a busy high profile major contesting year with our return to Brass in Concert in November."

Podium finishers

Whitburn's programme featured two works arranged by conductor Eoin Tonner, with the Disney film opening, 'The Bells of Notre Dame', followed by the march, 'The Melody Shop', the trombone solo 'A World of Your Own' featuring Paul Kiernan, 'The Water of Tyne' and the finisher of 'Nightingale Dances'.

Kirkintilloch also took the 'Best First Section Band' award in coming third — further confirming the progress the Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish First Section champion is making under MD, Hedley Benson.

The remaining top-six places went to Newmilns & Galston, Bathgate and Clackmannan District (taking the 'Best Second Section Band' honours) with other section awards going to Perthshire Brass and Buckhaven & Methil Miners.

The separate 'Most Entertaining Band' prize went to Tullis Russell Mills with super Disney inspired set on a day of high quality entertainment at a very well run event.

this carries on our good form over the last few months as we look ahead to a busy high profile major contesting year with our return to Brass in Concert in Novemberthe cooperation band

Result:

Adjudicator: Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale

1. the cooperation band (John Hinkley): 99
2. Whitburn (Eoin Tonner): 97
3. Kirkintilloch (Hedley Benson): 96
4. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel): 95
5. Bathgate (Craig Anderson): 94
6. Clackmannan District (Paul Drury): 93
7. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks): 92
8. Bo'ness & Carriden (Charlie Farren): 91
9. Campbeltown Brass (Andrew McMillan): 90
10. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig): 89
11. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead (Pater Holmes): 87
12. Perthshire Brass (George D. Annan): 86
13. Dunfermline City Brass (Steven Duncan): 85
14. Dysart Colliery Silver (Robert Fraser): 84
15. Tullis Russell Mills (George Cameron): 83
16. Whitburn Heartlands (Andrew McMillan): 82

Best Championship Band: the co-operation band
Best First Section Band: Kirkintilloch
Best Second Section Band: Clackmannan District
Best Third Section Band: Perthshire Brass
Best Fourth Section Band: Buckhaven & Methil Miners

Most Entertaining Band: Tullis Russell Mills

Best Soloist: Stephanie Kennedy (flugel) — the cooperation band