Despite the challenges of a vicious winter squall that saw a heavy fall of snow greet the bands traveling to the Scottish Open in Perth on the weekend, there was still a welcoming atmosphere once they found musical refuge in its warmly heated concert hall.

SBBA took the decision to delay the start to help as many of the early draw bands, although a number did take to the stage with a few absentees.

Engaging battle

Supported by Besson, the 16 Scottish Open competitors from Scotland, England and the USA also provided a wide range of own-choice test-pieces for judges Christopher Bond and Owen Farr, as well as the audience, to enjoy.

After an engaging battle of varying consistency, it proved to be a clear three-way battle for the honours and £1000 first prize between Milnrow, Whitburn and overseas visitors Atlantic Brass from the USA.

In the end it was the band from Greater Manchester rather than West Lothian or New Jersey that was able to contemplate their slippery journey home with the axle of someone's car helpfully weighed down by the Scottish Open Trophy.

Angels and Demons

Led by MD Christopher Binns, Milnrow's thrilling rendition of Peter Graham's 'Angels & Demons', played with energy and drama also came with the outstanding 'Best Euphonium' prize contribution of Max Johnson.

Reflecting on their success the band posted on their Facebook page that they were "absolutely delighted" and thanked their "amazing" MD Chris Binns as well as adding their own congratulations to Max Johnson on his individual award.

The MD was also understandably delighted, saying that he was going to celebrate with a Chinese meal after what he said was "a fabulous weekend in Perth!"and that his band had "worked their socks off… especially on such a demanding piece."

He added: "The Scottish Open is such a great contest; top class facilities, seamlessly ran, an opportunity to hear some amazing works, catching up with friends. I've played and conducted here seven times and it's always been an enjoyable experience."

English return

It was the first time the trophy had headed south of Hadrian's Wall since 2005 as the Senior Cup contender deservedly gained a two-point margin of victory over nine-time champion Whitburn. The 2021 winner couldn't make it a tenth title success with an uneven reprise of the British Open set-work 'The Lost Circle' led by Prof Nicholas Childs.

A point further back, Atlantic Brass couldn't quite emulate Fountain City in 2009 in taking the title back to the USA, despite an engaging account led by Salvatore Scarpa of the 'Crazy Twenties' by Thierry Deleruyelle.

Real treat

Adjudicator Owen Farr told his audience that although it had been, "a long day and a late finish", due to the stresses brought by the bad weather, he thanked all the bands. "The variety of music on display had been excellent, as have all the performances", he said. "It's been a real treat".

He did however point out that the judges felt that some bands had, "chosen to select a piece that was challenging for them to have a go at". And whilst he said that was "very admirable"and "you may not be happy with the result you got,"he also added that he felt it also had to mean that "the journey to this contest had been well worthwhile — that you picked a piece you really loved."

One that certainly did was another Senior Cup competitor, as Dalmellington found reward for their ambitious choice of 'Extreme Make-Over' under Andrew Duncan, to end ahead of another long distance contender in East London Brass who selected 'Vienna Nights'.

coop disappointment

There was disappointment though for defending champion, the cooperation band, as led by Michael Fowles an error strewn reprise of the recent Royal Albert Hall set-work, 'Harrison's Dream' failed to find a title winning rhythm.

Elsewhere there was some extra silverware for Camborne Town to take home on their marathon return to Cornwall as their 'Best Basses' added to their performance of 'Metropolis 1927', whilst the remaining top ten spots went to Kirkintilloch Kelvin ('As if a voice were in them…'), Woodfalls ('Rococo Variations') and Kingdom Brass ('HorrorShow')

Thanks

Scottish Brass Band Association President Carrie Boax gave her own heartfelt thanks to the bands, audience, compere, volunteers and traders for making it through to Perth in the challenging conditions. Creative Scotland, Besson and Band Supplies were thanked alongside Ev-entz percussion, SBBA Youth Ambassadors, families and friends.

Euan Miekle from main sponsor Besson added that they were proud to support the event and hoped to continue in 2025.

Thanks to Nigel Martin

it was the band from Greater Manchester rather than West Lothian or New Jersey that was able to contemplate their slippery journey home with the axle of someone's car helpfully weighed down by the Scottish Open Trophy4bR

Result:

Adjudicators: Owen Farr and Christopher Bond
Own-choice test-piece

1. Milnrow (Christopher Binns)
2. Whitburn (Nicholas Childs)
3. Atlantic Brass Band (Salvatore Scarpa)
4. Dalmellington (Andrew Duncan)
5. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
6. the cooperation band (Michael Fowles)
7. Camborne Town (Gareth Churcher)
8. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Mareika Gray)
9. Woodfalls (Paul Holland)
10. Kingdom Brass (Katrina Marzella Wheeler)
11. Bon-Accord Silver (Adam Cooke)
12. Rainford (Sarah Groarke-Booth)
13. Pemberton Old DW (Ryan Watkins)
14. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman)
15. Unison Kinneil (Allan Ramsay)
16. Bathgate (Craig Anderson)

W/D: Dalkeith & Monktonhall

The Neil Philip Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium: Max Johnson (Milnrow)
The Ken Ramsay Memorial Trophy for the Best Bass Section: Camborne Town
4BR Award for Best Soloist: Greg Kuhn (flugel) — Atlantic Brass Band