After nearly 30 years of trying, Whitburn's Charles Cullen has finally won the Besson Scottish Solo Championships for the first time last weekend.
Chic victory
'Chic' as he is universally known, has played with Whitburn for many years, including a distinguished spell as principal cornet and after so many near misses he finally took the title playing William Rimmer’s 'Carnival of Venice' in the qualifying round and John Hartmann’s 'Facilita' in the final.
16 year-old tuba player, Ross Knight was a thrilling runner up, with former champion, Ian Fleming of Whitburn in third.
English success
Meanwhile, Blackburn and Darwen became the first ever competitors from outside Scotland to take the Scottish title in the Quartet Contest. The foursome of Rob Johnson, Tariq Ahmed, Rob Speakman and Rachel King made the Scots 'think again' after a scorching performance of Phillip Sparke's 'Divertimento'.
'Chic' as he is universally known, has played with Whitburn for many years, including a distinguished spell as principal cornet and after so many near misses he finally took the title4BR
High standard
Adjudicators James Gourlay and Michael Dodd commented on the high standard of solo playing over the weekend, and that was heard on the Staurday when Rachel Jones of Dalmellington, won the junior section for the second year in a row, whilst Erin McSporran of Campbeltown and Rachel Brown of Loanhead, were also victorious.
Ensemble winners each took away a Besson student cornet.
Gala success
Saturday evening'd Gala Concert was a huge success, featuring both Michael and James as soloists, with James delivering the Scottish première of Bruce Fraser’s 'Tuba Concerto'.
The event, sponsored by Besson and West Lothian Council, will next year return to its traditional venue of Howden Park Centre in Livingston.
Results:
Senior Solos:
1. Charles Cullen (Whitburn) — 96
2. Ross Knight (Carnoustie) — 94
3. Iain Fleming (Whitburn) — 93
World of Brass Music Innovation Award and Best Trombone: Charlie Farren (Scottish Co-op)
Best Over 40 and Best Cornet: Charles Cullen
Best Horn: Iain Fleming
Best Baritone or Euphonium: Craig Herriot (Kingdom Brass)
Best Tuba: Ross Knight
Senior Ensembles:
1. Blackburn and Darwen — 95
2. Kirkintilloch Kelvin — 94
3. Bo'ness and Carriden — 92
Youth Solos: (16-21)
1. Rachel Brown (Loanhead Brass Roots) — 96
2. Rachel Neil (Dunfermline Town) — 95
3. Ross Knight (Carnoustie High School) — 94
World of Brass Music Innovation Award: Hayley Edmond (Whitburn)
Youth Ensembles: (16-21)
1. Carnoustie High School — 92
2. St David’s Brass — 89
3. Edinburgh University — 87
Intermediate Solos: (12-15)
1. Erin McSporran (Campbeltown) — Gold
2. Haley Tonner (Carnoustie High School) — Gold
3. Christopher Robertson (Carnoustie High School) — Gold
World of Brass Music Innovation Award: Ross Hutchison (Buckhaven Brass Beginnings)
Intermediate Ensembles: (12-15
1. Carnoustie High School B — Gold
2. Campbeltown Brass — Gold
3. James Young High School — Gold
Junior Solos: (under-12)
1. Rachel Jones (Dalmellington) — Gold
2. Connor McNaughton (Williamston Primary) — Gold
3. Harry Marshall (Wilton Primary) — Gold
World of Brass Music Innovation Award — Michael Laird (St. Ninian’s Primary)
Junior Ensembles: (under-12)
1. Williamston Primary School — Gold
2. Wilton Primary School — Gold
3. Dunfermline Youth – Silver
Adjudicators: James Gourlay and Michael Dodd
