*
banner

MSLBBA Solo & Ensemble Contest

It's a bit of a mouthful but there is plenty on offer in Musselburgh next month for budding soloists and ensembles — all under the eye of Les Neish.

 

Mid Scotland and Lothian Brass Band Association (formerly Edinburgh Charities Band Association) will hold their annual solo and ensemble contest in Musselburgh East Community Centre on November 8th.

Break Out

The timetable will include two ‘break-out’ sessions where the adjudicator will deliver a masterclass.

The adjudicator is Les Neish, principal tuba with Foden’s Band, the current British Open Champion. Masterclasses are open to both competitors and non competitors and are free of charge. The accompanist for all sections is Fiona Dixon.

Timetable – Subject to entry levels.

MSLBBA will attempt to run to this schedule but reserve the right to alter timings as necessary.

The timetable will include two ‘break-out’ sessions where the adjudicator will deliver a masterclassOrganisers

Timetable:

Assemble & roll-call: 9:10am
Junior Draw: 9:15am

Start of Junior Ensembles: 9:30am
Start of Junior Solos: 9:50am
Approx time. The Junior solos start immediately after the Junior ensembles

Intermediate roll call & draw: 10:00am
Start of Intermediate Ensembles: 11:15am
Approx time. The Intermediate ensembles start immediately after the Junior solos

Start of Intermediate Solos: 11:40am
Approx time. The intermediate solos will start immediately after the Intermediate ensembles.

Youth roll call & draw: 12:30pm

Announcement of results & presentation of prizes – Intermediate & Youth contests: 13:00pm
Approx time. The adjudicator & accompanist will have a break immediately after the intermediate soloists finish.

Breakout: 13:30pm
Approx time. This will take place after the awards presentation. The adjudicator invites the morning’s prizewinners and competitors to take part in a masterclass/workshop session.

Open roll call and draw: 14:00pm
Start of Youth Ensembles: 14:00pm
Approx time — the Youth ensembles will start immediately after the breakout.

Start of Youth Solos: 14:30pm
Approx time — the Youth solos will start immediately after the Youth ensembles

Start of Open Ensembles: 15:30pm
Approx time — the Open ensembles will start immediately after the Youth solos

Start of Open Solos: 16:00pm
Approx time — the Open solos will start immediately after the open ensembles.

Announcement of Results & presentation of prizes – Open & Youth contests: 16:30pm
Approx time. This will take place immediately after the open contest finishes.

Breakout: 16:45pm
The adjudicator invites the afternoon’s prizewinners and competitors to take part in a masterclass/workshop session.

Prizes:

Best soloist in each category will receive the British Energy trophies, and a keepsake award. Best ensemble in each category will receive the British Energy trophies and keepsake awards.

1st & 2nd runners up in each category receive keepsake awards.

The top 3 places in the junior, intermediate and youth sections will
be invited to compete at the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Finals on Saturday 7 February 2009.

MSLBBA thank British Energy Generation (UK) Ltd., of Torness Nuclear Power Station for their generous donation of the trophies in 2003.

Entries:

Entries should be forwarded to the Secretary on or before the 1st November 2008.

After that date, there will be no fee refund for withdrawals and any late entries will only be accepted with double the entry fee. The absolute deadline will be 5th November, after which no further entries will be accepted.

29 Middleshot Square
Prestonpans
East Lothian
EH32 9RQ
Tel 01875 813142

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    


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: Cottonopolis (Esme Harper)

March 18 • An upbeat concert march celebrating the industrial heritage of Manchester.


That's Not Banding

Podcast: That's Not Banding: Norway Special — Episode 17

March 18 • Find out how the dynamic duo enjoyed themselves at this year's Norwegian National Championships.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

March 18 • More music to enjoy over the airwaves from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge with a broadcast from the West of England Area Championships.


EBBC

European judges announced

March 18 • EBBA has announced the panel of judges that will make the decisions at the European Championships in Linz.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd