Entries open for 2016 Scottish Festival of Brass
Thursday 26 May 2016
Dave Kinross celebrates after Whitburn Band triumphed at the 2015 Scottish Open.
THE Scottish Brass Band Association is inviting entries for the 2016 Scottish Festival of Brass.
Held over two weekends in November in venues across the country, the festival encompasses the Scottish Open, Band Supplies Scottish Challenge and Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships.
Brass players visiting the events will also be able to take advantage of a series of workshops and masterclasses, with funding made available by the Youth Music Initiative.
Bands from far and wide are being encouraged to take part in the Scottish Open on November 26, which will involve competing bands performing own choice test pieces.
DOWNLOAD SCOTTISH OPEN ENTRY FORM
Carrie Boax, SBBA president and contest controller for the Scottish Open, said: "The 2016 Scottish Open is shaping up to be a wonderful event and we have already received widespread interest from bands in Scotland, England and mainland Europe.
"The level of music making promises to be extremely high and the contest will offer a packed schedule for listeners of all ages to enjoy."
Bands from sections one to four are being encouraged to enter the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge, which will take place on November 19 in the Grand Hall, Kilmarnock. Bands from outside Scotland are also welcome to take part in the event, which will see participants perform own choice works in a bid to come out on top.
Ronnie Tennant, managing director of Band Supplies, commented: "The Band Supplies Scottish Challenge is a magnificent event and we are delighted to be supporting what is an important fixture in the banding calendar for bands in sections one to four.
"Band Supplies has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with bandsmen and women across the country and it's important to ensure bands continue receiving opportunities to develop and take to the stage in prestigious competitions like this one."
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Forming a core part of the Scottish Festival of Brass will be the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships on November 26 and 27.
The competitions offer youth bands and percussion youth bands the opportunity to perform in the impressive surroundings of Perth Concert Hall and receive feedback from a talented adjudicating team. Preparatory and novice sections will feature on the Saturday with development, percussion, senior and premier contests the following day.
John Gilmour, contest controller of the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships, said: "The atmosphere during the youth championships is always special but 2016's event promises to be the best yet.
"Players and conductors will be able to perform on a magnificent stage, listen to their fellow bands and enjoy a fascinating array of trade stands and exhibitions. "There will be something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming bands, conductors and supporters to Perth in November."
Application forms are available to download from the SBBA website.
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Anyone looking for more information on the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships should contact John Gilmour:john.gilmour1@
