Kingdom Brass once again reigned supreme in Fife as they retained their grip on the Fife Charities title in Kirkcaldy.

And for once they didn't mind one bit that it was achieved with a 'HorrorShow' performance that caught the ear of adjudicator Steve Sykes.

Imposing work

Thanks to a fine performance of Simon Dobson's imposing major work it saw them claim the honours ahead of National Finalist, the cooperation band, with Dalkeith & Monktonhall in third, The band also featured the march, 'Praise' and hymn item, 'His Provision', although these were marked separately.

The Kelty-based ensemble also took home additional silverware — the MD presented with the Winning Conductor trophy, the band awarded 'Best Fife A Band' and the percussion team and the experienced Alex Philip taking accolades.

Successful day

It proved to be a successful day for Katrina. She also directed the winning march and hymn tune contributions of runner-up, the cooperation band on 'The Wizard' and 'Just As I Am', although she handed the baton to David Morton to direct their performance of the forthcoming Albert Hall test-piece, 'Harrison's Dream'.

After the announcement of the results, a thrilled Katrina commented: "Delighted with the haul at the contest in Kirkcaldy. It was such a pleasure to be conducting in the performances of two fine bands, the cooperation band and Kingdom Brass.

Thanks to all the musicians who gave so much on stage and in rehearsals and especially to some sublime soloists. Also to the administrators of both bands, thank you for your work — the unsung heroes of the day."

Katrina added: "I'm also very grateful to deputy players in both bands who enabled us to take the stage for the day. Bands helping bands!"

coop run out

Although there was disappointment for the cooperation band at not being able to secure a first Fife title since 1989, they were able to give a valuable run-out of Peter Graham's 'Harrison's Dream' ahead of their trip to the Albert Hall.

There were also individual awards for the 'Best March', 'Best Hymn', 'Best Cornet', Best Horn', 'Best Euphonium' and 'Best Baritone'.

Dalkeith evidence

Third placed Dalkeith & Monktonhall provided further evidence of their emergence as a top flight domestic force with their performances of 'Red Priest', 'One the Quarterdeck' and 'Love Unknown'.

The result means that they have gained the first qualification place on offer for the 2025 Senior Trophy to be held in Blackpool in May. There was also a 'Best Basses' accolade to celebrate.

Reflecting on their achievement, the band stated on their Facebook page: "A fantastic third place finish for us. A week off now to decompress and then back to it again!"

Top-six

Behind the top three the remaining top-six places went to Bathgate, Coalburn Silver and Granite City Brass.

Dysart Colliery claimed the 'Best Fife B Band' and 'Best Third Section' prizes with section awards also going to Granite City (First), Clackmannan & District (Second), and Buckhaven & Methil (Fourth).

A short interval concert featured members of FCBA development bands included players from Kingdom Youth, Lochgelly Community, Dysart Development, Tullis Wizards and Cupar Bandits.

Thanks to Nigel Martin of SBBA

Thanks to all the musicians who gave so much on stage and in rehearsals and especially to some sublime soloistsKatrina Marzella Wheler

Result:

Adjudicator: Steve Sykes

1. Kingdom Brass (Katrina Marzella Wheeler)
2. the cooperation band (David Morton / Katrina Marzella Wheeler)
3. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (James Chamberlain)
4. Bathgate (Craig Anderson)
5. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)
6. Granite City Brass (Gareth Bowman)
7. Clackmannan District (Paul Drury)
8. Dysart Colliery Silver (Robert Fraser)
9. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig)
10. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks)
11. Tullis Russell Mills (John-Luke Harris)
12. Dunfermline City Brass (Stephen Duncan)

Individual Awards:

Adjudicator: Aileen Orr

Best Cornet: Gordon Kyle (the cooperation band) — soprano
Best Horn: Chris Hamilton (the cooperation band)
Best Euphonium: Chris Flynn (the cooperation band)
Best Baritone: Carole Ednie (the cooperation band)
Best Trombone: Alex Philip (Kingdom Brass)
Best Basses: Dalkeith & Monktonhall
Best Percussion: Kingdom Brass
Unsung Hero: Clackmannan District timpanist

Best Fife A Band: Kingdom Brass
Best Fife B Band: Dysart Colliery
Best Non-Fife Band: the cooperation band

Best First Section Band: Granite City Brass
Best Second Section Band: Clackmannan District
Best Third Section Band: Dysart Colliery Silver
Best Fourth Section and: Buckhaven & Methil Miners