Northern Counties soloists shine

Damian Martin, President of the Northern Counties Brass Band Association (NCBBA) reports on the region's annual solo and ensemble contest.

The cream of North-East Scotland’s young brass talent was on display at the Northern Counties Solos and Ensembles contest last weekend. As well as the NCBBA titles, there was further incentive for the participants, with the event also serving as the regional qualifier for the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble finals.

The Junior section was won by Thomas Kobine’s sparkling rendition of the Rondo from Mozart’s Horn Concerto, with Elita McFarlane also picking up a Gold Award as runner-up.

Thomas Kobine with adjudicator Charlie Farren

Holly Bennett’s spirited performance of Damaré’s Pandora won the day in the Intermediate age group, with Lucy Crabb and Iona McFarlane finishing 2nd and 3rd to join her in the national final.

Holly Bennett receiving her award

In the Youth section a colourful rendition of Peter Kneale’s Variations on a Welsh Theme was enough for Rhegan Fraser to claim first place, with Fraser Waddell as runner-up.

Youth winner Rhegan Fraser

The day was rounded off with the NCBBA Open Slow Melody contest, where Rhegan Fraser added to her silverware collection. Her emotive performance of Gilles Rocha’s A Time For Peace found favour with the adjudicator to claim the Senior title, with Lucy Crabb winning the Junior prize.

Youth Slow Melody winner Lucy Crabb

Adjudicator Charlie Farren praised the quality of the playing on show, commenting: "The region continues to produce soloists of a fantastically high standard, able to perform solos of a difficulty level well above their age group, and perform them well. It was a pleasure to be invited to adjudicate such a fantastic event, and I have no doubt today’s qualifiers will be strong contenders when they represent the North-East in the national finals."

The Besson Scottish Solo and Ensembles championship finals will be held in Livingston on Saturday, 3 February.

The full results were:

Adjudicator: Charlie Farren

(Q) denotes qualifiers for Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championship finals.

Junior Solo (under 12 years)

1. Thomas Kobine, Gold Award (Q)
2. Elita McFarlane, Gold Award (Q)

Intermediate Solo (under 16 year)

Draw Number
1. Holly Bennett, Gold Award (Q)
2. Lucy Crabb, Gold Award, (Q)
3. Iona McFarlane, Gold Award (Q)
Ailish Gracie, Silver Award
Gavin Lee, Silver Award

Youth Solo (under 21 years)

1. Rhegan Fraser, Gold Award (Q)
2. Fraser Waddell, Silver Award (Q)

Open Slow Melody

1. Rhegan Fraser (Open Slow Melody champion)
2. Lucy Crabb (Junior Slow Melody champion)