Bathgate win Scottish Challenge Shield
The first Band Supplies Scottish Challenge contest to be completely free of Covid restrictions in three years proved to be a celebration of brass musicianship which thoroughly delighted adjudicators Sandy Smith and Alan Fernie on the weekend. Both judges, in their end-of-competition remarks to an eager audience in Perth Concert Hall, praised not only the 20 band performances but also the musical directors for their choice of test pieces.
In the end, however, it was Bathgate’s rendition of Philip Wilby’s ‘A Lowry Sketchbook’ under the masterly direction of Craig Anderson which caught the ear of Sandy and Alan and they awarded the band the top spot and the Scottish Challenge Shield. Taking second place was Bo’ness & Carriden, conducted by Charlie Farren, for its performance of ‘Trittico’ by James Curnow, followed by Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel) playing the same choice of music, taking home the SBBA Challenge Trophy.
“We enjoyed all the performances,” said Alan, “and it was a big plus to the conductors who in the main chose well in their test pieces to get the best out of their players.” Sandy commented that all the bands were impressive and “It’s been a really enjoyable day with a great list of pieces played.” The second half of the Scottish Festival of Brass continues in two weeks time with the Scottish Open, supported by Besson, on Saturday 26 November and the Scottish Youth Championships on Sunday 27 November in Perth Concert Hall.
Results:
1. Bathgate (Craig Anderson) 193pts
2. Bo’ness & Carriden (Charlie Farren) 191pts
3. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel) 190pts
4. Dunaskin Doon (Paul Drury) 189pts
5. Clackmannan District (Ross Brotherston) 188pts
6. Coalburn Silver (Paul McKelvie OBE) 187pts
7. Granite City Brass (Bruce Wallace) 186pts
8. Newmains & District (Michael Marzella) 185pts
9. Lochgelly (Chris Shanks) 184pts
10. Annan Town (David McLeod) 183pts
11. Dysart Colliery (Kenny Letham) 182pts
12. St David’s Brass (John A Dickson) 181pts
13. Whitburn Heartlands (Stephen Duncan) 180pts
14. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Joshua Parkhill) 179pts
15. Perthshire Brass (Willie McMullan) 178pts
16. Kirkton Brass Bathgate (Simon Railton) 177pts
17. Highland Brass (Mark Bell) 176pts
18. Shotts St Patrick’s (Andrew Shaw) 175pts
19. Coalburn Intermediate (David Fehilly) 174pts
20. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig) 173pts
Anthony Hope Memorial Trophy for best horn section: Rachel Carmichael, Nicola Henderson, Catriona Squires and Blair Collins, Coalburn Silver
Paul Dornan Memorial Award for best principal cornet: George Doherty, Bathgate
4barsrest award for best soloist: Blair Collins, flugel, Coalburn Silver
Best 1st Section band: Bathgate
Best 2nd Section band: Clackmannan District
Best 3rd Section band: Dysart Collery
Best 4th Section band: Brass Sounds Inverclyde
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