Milnrow wins the Scottish Challenge

The weather may have been freezing cold outside, but the sounds of brass emanating from the Perth Concert Hall for the Scottish Open Championships, supported by Besson, today were enough to warm the cockles of any bandsperson’s heart.

Sixteen bands took to the stage in the magnificent surroundings of the hall, each playing their own choice of test piece for the delectation of adjudicators Owen Farr and Christopher Bond.

At the end of the day it was the performance of Milnrow Band, playing Angels and Demons by Peter Graham off the no.4 spot, under the musical direction of Christopher Binns, which found favour with the judges.

In second place, with their rendition of The Lost Circle by Jan Van Der Roost, was Whitburn, directed by Prof Nicholas Childs, and taking the third spot was Atlantic Brass from across The Pond, led by Salvatore Scarpa, who played Crazy Twenties by Thierry Deleruyelle.

The snow and ice throughout Scotland played havoc with bands’ travelling arrangements and the start of the contest was put back by 30 minutes to allow for any late arrivals.

Scottish Brass Band Association president Carrie Boax was delighted that all 16 bands lined up for the contest had taken part and she thanked all the players, supporters, sponsors, volunteers, helpers, audience and adjudicators who had braved the elements to be part of the day.

Owen Farr told his expectant audience that it had been a long day with a late finish for everyone. “A huge thanks to all bands,” he said, adding that the choices of music were varied and fantastic.

Some bands had selected to play test pieces that were challenging for them, which was admirable, and while some may not be happy at the result, he hoped that their musical journey had been worthwhile and an enjoyable experience.

Here are the full results:

Adjudicators: Owen Farr and Christopher Bond

1. Milnrow (Christopher Binns) 197pts

2. Whitburn (Prof Nicholas Childs) 195pts

3. Atlantic Brass (Salvatore Scarpa) 194pts

4. Dalmellington (Andrew Duncan) 190pts

5. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill) 188pts

6. the cooperation band (Michael Fowles) 187pts

7. Camborne Town (Gareth Churcher) 186pts

8. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Mareika Gray) 185pts

9. Woodfalls (Paul Holland) 184pts

10. Kingdom Brass (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler) 182pts

11. Bon-Accord Silver (Adam Cooke) 180pts

12. Rainford (Sarah Groarke-Booth) 179pts

13. Pemberton Old DW (Ryan Watkins) 178pts

14. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman) 177pts

15. Unison Kinneil (Allan Ramsay) 176pts

16. Bathgate (Craig Anderson) 175pts

Neil Philip Memorial Trophy for best euphonium: Milnrow

Ken Ramsay Memorial Trophy for the best bass section: Camborne Town

4barsrest award for best soloist: flugelhorn, Atlantic Brass