Borders youth band crowned Scottish champion

The Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band celebrates with conductor, Alan Fernie.

THE recently reformed Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band (SBYBB) has been crowned Scottish champion amid emotional scenes at Perth Concert Hall.

The band, under the direction of Selkirk-based conductor, arranger and teacher Alan Fernie, got together for the first time in September and after only four rehearsals, entered the senior section (18 and under) of the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships on November 27.  It comes four years after the SBYBB last took part in the event. This time, every town band in the Scottish Borders and Langholm was represented.

Drawn to play first in a field of four bands in the section, the SBYBB performed a 15 minute own-choice programme consisting of Firefly, Northern Skies and Encanto.

Adjudicators Russell Gray and Sandy Smith commented on the quality of the performance, praising the youngsters for their controlled, tuneful and balanced playing as well as the overall band sound.

Alan Fernie, Musical Director, said: "It was evident that this was something special from the very first rehearsal and the performance was one of the highlights of my banding career.

"This fantastic result is testament to all the hard work from the teachers, tutors, conductors and bands who have encouraged these youngsters to become fine musicians in our fantastic brass band movement in the Scottish Borders."

As a result of Sunday's win, the SBYBB has qualified for the European Youth Championships to be held in Ostend, Belgium at end of April 2017.  

Keith Belleville, secretary of the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association, said: "It is going to be a challenge financially to get the band to Belgium, but we are determined to do this for the youngsters.

"We will now look at a fundraising programme and would love to hear from anyone - business, organisation or individual - who can help us with this unique project."  

Anyone keen to get involved or offer support should contact Keith on 07775557156 or email KJBelleville@aol.com