*
banner

Report & Result: 2024 West of Scotland Entertainment Contest

There was an edge of the seat victory for a top quality Dalmellington Band in Troon.

Dalmellignton
  The band celebrated their success in the sunshine after the results

The Dalmellington Band claimed the entertainment honours at the Walker Halls in Troon at the weekend with an "edge of seat" performance led and inspired by MD Andrew Duncan.

Adjudicator Sheona Wade admitted that she sat in the attentive listening mode "throughout" as Dalmellington reclaimed the title for the third time in four contesting years each side of the Covid-19 break.

Top quality

"Super arrangements that were something very different. Some really great soloists. Thank you MD for this top quality programme", was Sheona's written remarks on a set that opened with the fearsome 'Scherzo' from Symphony No. 10 by Dimitri Shostakovich followed by 'Eriskay Love Lilt' featuring cornet soloist Rebecca Wilson Paterson, who took the 'Best Principal Cornet' Award.

Another Andrew Duncan arrangement, this time of 'Bom Bom' featuring sousaphone soloist Duncan McCluskie brought cleverly conceived contrast, before 'Tonight' from 'West Side Story' led into the dramatic finale of the MDs arrangement of Malcolm Arnold's 'Peterloo Overture' — helped by their prize winning 'Best Basses'.

Special thanks

Reflecting on their success throughout their Facebook page, the band stated: "We are so pleased. A special well done to Duncan McCluskie, Cameron Paterson, Paul Jamieson and Jack Young for winning 'Best Bass Section' and Rebecca Paterson for winning 'Best Principal Cornet' award.

A special thanks also to our conductor Andy Duncan for working hard with the band in the lead up to the contest!"

Top prize battle

In a keen Championship Section battle for the top prize, with the bands playing after each other, Coalburn Silver led by Gareth Bowman was second, with First Section Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crookston) just a point behind in third.

Coalburn's performance featured the innovative 'Anthem' duet from the stage hot 'Chess' sung by Eb bass Ross Mercer and euphonium Ian Jamieson accompanied by the band.

The remaining top-six prizes went to Unison Kinneil ahead of Lochgelly and defending champion Kirkintilloch. The separate Entertainment Prize decided by Donald Reid went to Campbeltown Brass. Renfrew Burgh took the 'Best Second Band' prize in coming eighth.

Super arrangements that were something very different. Some really great soloists. Thank you MD for this top quality programmeAdjudicator, Sheona WADE

Result:

Adjudicator: Sheona Wade

1. Dalmellington (Andrew Duncan): 198
2. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman): 197
3. Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crookston): 196
4. Unison Kinneil (Joshua Parkhill): 194
5. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks): 193
6. Kirkintilloch Band (Hedley Benson): 192
7. Johnstone (Joshua Parkhill): 191
8. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good): 190
9. Dunaskin Doon (Ralph Brill): 188
10. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Mark James): 186
11. Shotts St Patrick's (Andy Shaw): 184
12. Irvine & Dreghorn Brass (Helen Douthwaite Teasdale): 183
13. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Rebecca Wilson Paterson): 182
14. Campbeltown Brass (Andrew McMillan): 181

Best principal cornet: Rebecca Wilson Paterson (Dalmellington)
Best Bass Section: Dalmellington
Most Entertaining Performance: Campbeltown Brass
Best Championship Band: Dalmellington
Best First Section Band: Newtongrange Silver
Best Second Section Band: Renfrew Burgh

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd