Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC033163 |
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Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC033163 |
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We take a look at the entrants in this years Scottish Open Championship.
In June 1962 the late Stewart Watson conducted the first rehearsal of what was to become known as "The Bon Accord Silver Band", the foundations of which had been laid in the preceding few months.
More than thirty years on the Bon Accord Silver Band is one of Scotland's' most successful Brass Bands. They have achieved qualification to the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain some 14 times including two performances in the Royal Albert Hall.
The band's career can also be followed in broadcasting, helping to raise funds on BBC's Children in Need and ITV's Telethon, performances on ITV's Highway and Lets Rejoice, not to mention numerous local and national radio broadcasts.
2001 saw the band back in the Championship Section competing against the 'Big Boys'. A very creditable 7th position was obtained playing Jazz, a piece that some say is the hardest test-piece ever written for Brass Band, thus ensuring their status as a Championship section band was maintained.
2002 was the bands 40th anniversary, and what a year was had! With trips to Regensburg, a gala concert with the Fodens Band, and the production of their first commercial CD recording. After a short sojourn back to the first section, 2003 saw the band return to the Championship section where they have stayed ever since.
The band will be conducted in Perth by Morten Hansen. Morten began his musical career as a cornet player at the age of 10 with the Kampen school band. Unlike Britain, most schools in Norway have a junior and senior brass band, so when the recruitment process started, Morten and a couple of his friends decided to join. Morten was given an old cornet and never looked back. The enthusiasm of the school band conductor had a great impact on Morton and led him to a first section band.
This band was Musikkorpset Gjallarhorn, and having had its 50 anniversary only a few years ago, is one of the older brass bands in Stavanger. At the age of 15, Morten started lesson with Alf J. Aareskjold, solo trumpet at the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, and teacher at the conservatory. In 1980, Morten was accepted by audition, to join the Norwegian National Wind Band, and made a decision that he was going to continue with music after his schooling. In 1982, Morten began his studies at the Conservatory, where Alf continued as his instructor. Morten has high regard for the work that Alf did for many young players in Stavanger and since his sudden death in 1985, has tried to emulate the same dedication that Alf had to the education of young brass players.
In 1983, Morten was asked by some friends to help form a new band. He accepted and became a founding member of the Stavanger Brass Band. This band has recently been re-crowned National champions and in its relatively short history has toured many places including Australia, America and Latvia. For most of his time with SBB, Morten played principal cornet, until he moved to Bergen to learn more about conducting. In the Bergen Conservatory, Morten was one of five students under the tutelage of Tom Brevik.
As a player, Morten had the pleasure of playing with Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag for a short period of time, until he established himself with Kleppe Musikklag under the direction of Helge Haukas. During his time at the Bergen Conservatory, Morten gave his conducting debut with a band now known as Askoy Brass Band at the Siddis Brass entertainment competition in 1985 and the following Nationals in 1986.
Morten currently works full time for the Norwegian Band Federation, NMF, that looks after more than 1700 wind and brass bands with around 70 000 players in total, and is in charge of the office in Stavanger. Morten's conducting career has blossomed and now works on a freelance basis.
Recent Form
Scottish Championships - 6th
Northern Counties Open - Winners
Land O'Burns - 4th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 14th
2006 - 14th
2005 - 16th
2004 - 14th
2003 - DNC
The Band was founded in 1858 and was originally known as the Grange Instrumental Band. It has the distinction of being one of the oldest brass bands in Scotland and the first ever Champion Band of Scotland, won in 1895. In 1904 they were again top of the Scottish Championship bands. In 1977, under the leadership of David Richardson (The SNO's General Administrator) they were not only the Scottish Champions but were also placed 5th in the National Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall, London. In the first European Championship, which was held the following year (again at the Royal Albert Hall), the band secured an unbelievable 4th position behind Black Dyke (England), Grimethorpe (England) and Solan (Sweden). In 1984 and 1987 the Band secured 2nd place at the Scottish Championships and you only have to look back to 1995 to find the band's last win there. Over the years the Band have also appeared on radio and television many times. Their first ever radio performance taking place on Friday 5th September 1930!
The band will be conducted in Perth by Michael Marzella. Michael’s life-long love of brass bands began when, age 8, he joined the town band in Armadale, West Lothian playing the tenor horn. Coming from a family passionate about music, he later signed for the internationally renowned Whitburn Band. During many happy years with them, his musicianship developed under the guidance of several famous conductors. The leadership of Major Peter Parkes during the 1980’s and early 90's was particularly influential. These experiences combined with his work in Education inspired Michael to develop a conducting career of his own.
After having worked successfully with several Scottish bands he was delighted in 2003 to accept an invitation to return to the Whitburn band as Resident Conductor. There he resumed his musical relationship and friendship with Andrew Duncan. This partnership proved to be an inspired one, resulting in an outstanding runners-up position in the British Open Championships that same year.
Michael continues to lead, train and conduct various bands and has enjoyed many contest successes at regional and national level. He is particularly enthusiastic and innovative when approaching concert entertainment and programming.
A West Lothian head teacher by profession, Michael is committed to the development of the arts in the region through his banding, choral, school and youth activities. He enjoys adjudicating regularly throughout Scotland at various SBBA contests and other music festivals.
Recent Form
Scottish Championships - Winners (1st section)
Senior Cup - 11th
Lower Section National Finals - 13th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - DNC
2006 - DNC
2005 - 17th
2004 - DNC
2003 - 14th 
The famous Camborne Town Band emanates from an equally famous town with a mining and industrial heritage second to none. Once famous the world over, Camborne was the home of Richard Trevithick, Holman's Engineering and the world-famous School of Mines. The Band has an unrivalled contest record dating from the late-1800s; it is truly remarkable, unsurpassed by any other in Cornwall. It has been a local Championship band since its formation and on the National stage since the 1920s. Having won the National Second Section Championship in 1945 it was promoted to the Championship Section the following year - a position it has retained ever since, having been placed in the top six in the country on six occasions. In 2006 it again qualified to represent the South-West at the National Finals - the fifth time in the last six years. It's success at the West of England Bandsmans Festival (Bugle Contest) since the first contest, in 1912, is remarkable. Perhaps the unique atmosphere of the event inspires the band; certainly the sound of "The Cossack" on the upward march is very evocative. The band has brought the Royal Trophy back to Camborne on thirty six occasions!
The band has contested on BBC Radio, BBC Television, at entertainment contests as well as local, regional and national contests and it is still at the top; competing with the best in the country. But brass banding is not just about contesting and this band performs to a consistently high standard whatever the event. And what events there have been over the years. From the 1,000 Cornish Male Voice extravaganza in 1983 to the Rotary Conference concert in Bournemouth. From the European tours of France and Holland to the Goff Richards celebration concert at the Hall for Cornwall in 2004.
The band will be conducted in Perth by Kevin MacKenzie. Kevin began playing with St Dennis Band on percussion in 1989 aged eleven. At the age of fourteen, he started learning the euphonium with Wayne McArthy and Terry Sleeman, playing in the youth band. In 1994 Kevin left St Dennis and joined Bodmin Town Band on euphonium and had an enjoyable couple of years under the direction of Howard Taylor. During this time Kevin became Principal Euphonium with Cornwall Youth Brass Band and also won many solo awards at local competitions.
In 1995, Kevin auditioned to be in the forces as a musician and secured the position as principal euphonium of the Coldstream Guards. This was not to be as back problems prevented him from joining. Later that year, he moved to Yorkshire to study for a BA (hons) and also achieved an ABRSM and LRSM in performance on the euphonium, gaining a distinction in both. Whilst at university, Kevin passed an audition for principal euphonium at Carlton Main Band, but eventually turned this down to become a member of Brighouse & Rastrick Band.
While at Brighouse, he played in around 180 concerts throughout the country, 12 CD recordings and an appearance on Japanese television. He was also part of winning performances at the Yorkshire Areas 1997, the National Finals 1997, Whit Friday 1998, the All England Masters 1998 and the Europeans 1998. Within this time, Kevin played in concerts with Grimethorpe, Fodens, Faireys, YBS and Black Dyke.
Kevin previously conducted Bodmin Town Band, but was appointed Musical Director of Camborne Town Band in July 2008 after 18 months as the band's second euphonium player.
West of England Area - 6th
Senior Trophy - 5th
Bugle - 2nd
Yeovil Entertainment - 2nd
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 5th
2006 - DNC
2005 - DNC
2004 - DNC
2003 - DNC
Clackmannan District Brass Band was formed in October 1991 as a result of the amalgamation of the Alva Town and Alloa Burgh bands. Both bands were short of players and close to extinction until talks between their respective committees resulted in their merger. Competition is one of the main drives behind the band. Ambition helps ensure that the players are continually striving to improve. The band is keen to achieve as wide an audience as possible. Our concerts tend to appeal to music enthusiasts of all kinds, since our repertoire is most varied. The band regularly plays at events for local groups and other organisations. The band puts on regular concerts for local Old Age Pensioner groups. In addition it provides musical support to local churches and hospitals. Through its Ensemble, Clackmannan District Brass Band is able to guarantee the senior band's future success as well as providing a service to the local community. Youngsters are supplied with instruments as well as individual or group tuition. The Ensemble rehearses weekly and often appears alongside the senior band at concerts and fund raising events. The band helps fund raise for local charities. In recent years the band has concentrated its efforts and "sponsored" one local charity - the Strathcarron Hospice. The band regularly donates some or all of its engagement fees to Strathcarron Hospice.
Paul Kiernan's musical roots are embedded within the brass band movement Over many years he has established himself as one of Britain's top brass band trombone players and soloists playing with the Whitburn Band and his current band the Scottish Co-op Band where he has been resident for 13 years. During this period he has competed in numerous performances at the National Championships of Great Britain in London's Albert Hall and British Open contests in Manchester's Free Trade Hall and the Symphony Hall Birmingham.
During his brass band career Paul has taken part in the European Brass Band Championships in Bergen, Munich, Montreuax, Brussels, London and Scotland. He has frequently played with all the top Bands in Britain including the Black Dye Mills Band, The Fairey Band and Yorkshire Building Society at concerts and CD recordings.
As a soloist Paul has performed all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Ecuador and many European countries. Paul has also been very fortunate to win many solo prizes including becoming the Trombone Champion of Great Britain in 1993. He has performed on radio broadcasts and recorded many solos on CD including most if not all of Adrian Drover's arrangements for trombone and brass band. Paul also had the privilege to play Gordon Langford's Rhapsody for Trombone at the 2007 British Masters Gala Concert when Don Lusher, who recorded the original recording of the piece was present at the concert.
As a trombone clinician Paul regularly visited Norway for week long trips to work with the Norwegian schools, brass and wind ensembles. He also carryies out teaching and trombone master classes all over Scotland and England.
In addition to demands as a performer and clinician Paul is currently the Musical Director of the Clackmannan Band who are currently one of the most successful 1st section bands in Scotland having recently lifted the 2007 Scottish Shield at the Scottish Open contest held in Perth.
Recent Form
Scottish Championships - 2nd (1st section)
Fife Brass Band Festival - Winners (1st section)
Northern Counties Open - 2nd
Lower Section National Finals - 14th
FCBA Open - 3rd
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - DNC
2006 - DNC
2005 - DNC
2004 - DNC
2003 - DNC 
This fine Scottish Band was founded in 1864 and has developed into one of the best concert bands in the Country. Over many years the Dalmellington Band has been performing in major concert halls all over the united kingdom at the request of many organisations and charities and is proud to be able to continue to produce high quality musical concerts throughout Scotland each and every year. This band, from a tiny mining village, has also competed with the countries best bands on various contest platforms throughout the United Kingdom and since 1969 has won the Scottish Championships on three occasions and has its name inscribed as winners on all major contest trophies in Scotland. The band has also been seen on TV and heard on local and national radio during this extremely successful period from the 1970's. The band are the proud owners of a custom built Band and Community Music Hall.
The band will be conducted at the contest by the inimitable Archie Hutchison. Born in Dalmellington, Archie commenced Cornet lessons at age 10 under the tutelage of William Oughton and rapidly became one of the finest players of his generation. His talent saw him leave school at fifteen to take up a position with the Ransome & Marles Band in England. He played with various top bands there before returning home to Dalmellington in 1968 to occupy the top seat once again. He remained in this position until 1980 when he swapped his cornet for the baton and forged an equally successful career as a conductor. At one time or another Archie has probably conducted most of the top bands in Scotland including possibly every other competitor at this contest. A well liked and respected figure in the Scottish brass band scene, he is in great demand as a conductor and latterly as an adjudicator also.
Scottish Championships - 7th
Senior Cup - 12th
FCBA Open - Winners
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 8th
2006 - 10th
2005 - DNC
2004 - DNC
2003 - DNC
Fishburn Band stems from the mining community of the village of Fishburn near Sedgefield in the North East of England being formed in the early 1950's. Over the years the band formed links, via sponsorship, with various firms associated with the mining industry, such as 'National Smokeless Fuels' and 'Coal Products Limited' whilst remaining loyal to the village of Fishburn. However, following loss of sponsorship the band fought back from financial collapse on three separate occasions. Fishburn Band are proud to have the Prime Minister Tony Blair as their Band President and they enjoy great support from the local community and Workingmen's Club, with a unique support group having been formed to help the band. More recently, the band have also been fortunate to receive additional support from Thompson's Solicitors.
The Band recorded their first CD in April 2000 which is entitled 'Durham's Pride', and have recently recorded their 2nd CD entitled 'Aurora' to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Band.
With excellent owned and modernised rehearsal facilities and new instruments, thanks to fundraising efforts and grants from the National Lottery, through the Arts Council, and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, Fishburn Band continues to go from strength to strength.
Over recent years, the Band have had a great deal of success in the Durham League contest and the Land O'Burns entertainment contest. They have represented the North East area at the Royal Albert Hall on a number of occasions and have had consistent performances at the Grand Shield. The Band have had the benefit of being in 'good hands' over the years under the Direction of many excellent Musical Directors including David Loukes, Steven Shimwell, Roger Payne, Roy Curran, Ian Robinson and Graham O'Connor, along with many 'guest' Musical Directors. In 2004, the Band engaged Chris Bentham as their resident Musical Director, who will ensure the ongoing progress and development of the Band.
In recent times the Band have seen performances continue to improve, mainly due to the hard work put in by the Musical Directors and players alike.
The band will be conducted in Perth by Alan Morrison. After a long association as Principal Cornet player with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Alan now holds a similar position with the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band. He continues to be in great demand as a soloist having traveled the world appearing in Australia several times, extensively in Europe and to the USA as well as the length and breadth of Great Britain featuring in many festivals and gala concerts including the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. He is a frequent tutor on Summer Schools and regularly acts as Cornet Tutor to the National Youth Bands of Great Britain and Switzerland and has lectured on the brass band courses of several colleges and musical institutions. An experienced music examiner for the Associated Board of RSM he also visits educational establishments giving recitals, masterclasses and external examining, and has adjudicated brass band contests at all levels at home and abroad. His conducting career has been very successful since his first appointment at the age of 17, with several bands rising through the sections under his guidance and frequent appearances as Guest Conductor with famous bands such as Grimethorpe. Alan has recorded six solo albums and pioneered a teaching video that has proven very successful. He also regularly features on light music recordings for the BBC with various ensembles including big bands and orchestras. There are several compositions and arrangements published for brass band by Alan that have also proven very popular and all are still available, some of the titles becoming best sellers, such as Buster Strikes Back and Sugar Blues.
Recent Form
North of England Area - 4th
Senior Cup - 7th
English Championships - 15th
Pontins - 7th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 7th
2006 - 5th
2005 - Winners
2004 - 16th
2003 - 6th
Kingdom Brass was formed in August 1999 after the amalgamation of the Cowdenbeath and the Kelty & Blairadam Bands. At the time this seemed like the last thing which would ever happen, as the rivalry between both bands was well known in Scottish banding circles. Nonetheless what seemed like a sudden decision by many was actually the end process of 18 months of careful planning and negotiation, which started in the spring of 1998. Individuals in both camps saw the potential to form one band with the cream of players in Fife which would be capable of challenging for the top honours.
Kingdom competed for the first time at the Fife Championships of 1999, and easily swept the boards at that event. In the years since then the band has went on to win countless trophy after trophy, and is now firmly established as one of Scotland's top bands. Kingdom has been awarded the title of Scottish Band of the year 2000 and 2001, and won the Forth Valley competition in 2001 after being runners up in that event in 1999 and 2000. A highlight for the band was competing at the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall in 2000. The band won the Carnegie Invitation Contest in 2005, retaining the title in 2007 (after being absent in 2006 due to the band's tour of Germany). Kingdom has also found success at a National Level, winning the 2006 Senior Trophy competition.
The band can boast some of the finest solo players in Scotland, and produced the Scottish Solo champion in 2000 (cornet player Lee Bathgate) and 2001 (tuba player Gareth Ross). The band's trombone quartet has been runners up at the Scottish Championships in 2000 and 2001, while Kingdom's mixed quartet became Scottish Champions in 2001, a title they retained in 2007. The success of the band in the initial years enabled Kingdom to move on to a higher stage competition wise, with invites to the Spring Festival competition (the qualifiers for the British Open) each year since 2001. The band was also invited to compete at the European Open Brass Band Championships in 2002, which was held in the impressive 'Kultur und Kongresszentrum' in Lucerne, Switzerland. That trip proved to be the highlight of the band's first few years, with a creditable sixth placing and an invite back to the event for 2003 where the band gained seventh place.
In April 2006 Kingdom Brass embarked on a week long tour of Germany, performing sell out concerts from Hamburg in the north to Munich in the south. Planning is currently underway for a return to Germany, as well as another appearance in Switzerland. In 2008 Kingdom Brass started planting seeds for the future, with the formation of a learners class and the development of the Kingdom Youth Band. This very successful setup has received plaudits up and down the country and the band hopes to expand their youth setup and organisation further in the future. Kingdom Brass Youth will compete in the novice section of the Scottish Youth Championships.
Craig Anderson is an award-winning tuba soloist and freelance player with a wealth of experience that has seen him play with numerous leading orchestras and ensembles. Craig began playing at the age of 11 with the Monklands Youth Concert Brass Band. At the age of 15 he was awarded a full scholarship to study at the junior school of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama studying with Philip Hore (Royal Scottish National Orchestra). During his time at the junior school he performed as a soloist with many youth orchestras and on two occasions he performed movements of the Vaughan Williams tuba concerto with the RSNO. On leaving the junior school he was awarded the Gilbert Innes prize for brass. After being accepted to the RSAMD full time Craig began to freelance almost immediately, working with the BBC SSO and Scottish Opera in his first year. Studying under Anthony Swainson, Craig was a finalist in the Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year and won the prestigious Governor's recital prize for brass. Craig graduated from the RSAMD in 1995 with a DRSAMD and a CPGS. He freelances regularly with the BBC SSO, RSNO, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, Northern Symphonia, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and many more. He is visiting brass instructor at three of Scotland's top independent schools and is also the specialist tutor for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and the West of Scotland Independent Schools Orchestra. Craig has performed in venues across Britain and on the continent. He has made numerous recordings for television and radio in the capacity of orchestral player, ensemble member or soloist. A highlight of his career was winning the open tuba competition at the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference at the Royal Northern College of Music in January 2000.
Scottish Championships - 3rd
Fife Brass Band Festival - Winners
Senior Cup - 17th
West Lothian - 3rd=
FCBA Open - 2nd
2007 - 9th
2006 - 11th
2005 - 12th
2004 - 7th
2003 - 13th
The Kirkintilloch Band started off as a Rechabite band, campaigning against the excesses of 'the demon drink'. However, music making proved to be thirsty work, and the band left the Rechabite movement in 1910. It was the late forties before the Band became seriously involved in competitions, with its first successes coming under conductor Hugh Forbes. The Band gained promotion to the 2nd Section in the early sixties when conducted by Peter Wilson. Success continued under Alex Fleming, the Band were promoted to the Championship Section and competed in the British Championships at London's Royal Albert Hall for the first time in 1968. In the mid seventies the band won the BBC Scotland Fanfare Competition two years in succession under the leadership of David James. The band made its first radio broadcast during this period, and has since made many radio broadcasts and TV appearances. In 1982 the band progressed under Richard Evans, then at the end of 1983 Prof. Walter Hargreaves took over as Musical Director. This was the start of the band's most successful period, winning the Scottish Championships consecutively in 1984 and 1985. The band appeared on BBC's "Best of Brass" and represented Scotland at the European Championships in Copenhagen and Cardiff. Frank Renton was appointed as Musical Director in 1990. It was fitting in the Band's Centenary year that they won the Scottish Championships for the third time. Since recording its first CD, "Brass O' Scotland" in 1992, the band has had a highly consistent period. Under the direction of Charles Keenan, the band won the Whitburn (1993, 1994), Strathclyde Charities (1993, 1994) and Cumbrian Band Association (1994, 1995) Contests. The band's consistent performance in Scottish contests meant they also won the title "Scottish Band of the Year" in 1993 and 1994. The band represented Scotland at the European Championships in Luxembourg for a fourth time in 1995. The band was awarded 4th place at the National Brass Band Finals in the Royal Albert Hall in 1997and won the prestigious Grand Shield Contest in 2001.
Conducting the band at this years contest is the very talented Allan Ramsay. Allan has enjoyed success wherever he has gone in banding. He first learned to play the cornet at the age of 7, in the Salvation Army at Govan Citadel, where many years later he became Bandmaster, a position he held for 8 years. Allan studied Trumpet and Piano at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and then went on to become the Principal Cornet of the CWS (Glasgow) Band. In 1990, as the principal cornet of the CWS (Glasgow) band, he won the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall and also became the Scottish Solo Champion for the first time. From the mid 1990’s, Allan was appointed Musical Director of the Kirkintilloch Band, and for the next seven years, he led the Band to the most successful period in their history in terms of contest successes, culminating in winning the Grand Shield in 2001. After a short spell with the Unison Kinneil Band, Allan took up the position of Professional Conductor to the Newtongrange Silver Band and led them to victory in the Scottish Championships in March of 2005. Further success with Newtongrange followed in June as they won the West Lothian Challenge. An opportunity arose during the summer of 2005, to return to the Scottish Co-op band as Associate Professional Conductor and was one that Allan could not turn down.
Recent Form
Scottish Championships - 2nd
European Championships - 11th
British Open - 5th
National Championships - 13th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 12th
2006 - 4th
2005 - 2nd
2004 - 8th
2003 - 5th
Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band can trace its history back to a group of players known as the Blue Jackets Band who, in 1883 formed the bulk of the Old Volunteer Corps who were later named The Wigan Rifles and who, in turn, became a Corps of the Territorial Army. However in 1891 most of the members left the Volunteers and formed Pemberton Old Band. The and quickly gained a formidable reputation all over the country winning major prizes including the prestigious title of British Open Champions at Belle Vue in 1903 under the renowned conductor John Gladney. The band continued their winning ways under another famous musician of the day, John Greenwood who, along with his skills as a conductor and band trainer was responsible for bringing many fine compositions and arrangements for Pemberton to premiere. Undoubtedly the most famous of all the bands conductors was William Rimmer. 'The Father of the Brass Band movement', who scored many successes with Pemberton Old and who, incidentally, wrote the march Punchinello for the then principal cornet and later conductor of the band James Fairhurst as a "gift" for receiving the soloist award at the Belle Vue Championships. Since those halcyon days the band, like many, have had their ups and downs, but over the past fifteen years what can only be described as a Phoenix like revival has taken place due to the hard work and resolve of a small group of players with dedication and commitment to keep the fortunes of the organisation on an upward path and in doing so preserve the heritage of the Pemberton tradition. In 1995 a neighbouring outfit, the Wigan & District Brass Band had fallen on hard times and were almost defunct when Pemberton Old took over the running of the band thus adding the name of its home town Wigan to its name.The organisation now has three bands, the Senior band, a B Band, who are very successful on the concert and contest stage, and a thriving youth band, that has a membership of around thirty youngsters. In August 2003 all the bands attended at the newly organised Hymn and march contest sponsored by JJB (Sports). After the contest Mr. David Whelan, the Chairman of JJB, said that he would like to sponsor the bands at Pemberton. It was said that the reason for this decision was due mainly to the quality of the playing and the youth policy the band have in force. The name changes once again, and is now Pemberton Old Wigan (JJB) band. On Sunday 14th March 2004 a little more history was made with both the Senior and B Bands qualifying at the North West Area Finals of the National brass band championships of Great Britain. This was a fantastic achievement, even more so in the fact that both bands were awarded First prize in their respective sections. The Senior band under the direction of Mark Peacock attended the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, which were held in Harrogate in September 2004 and were awarded 1st place in the first section. The band had already been informed they would be promoted to the Championship section in 2005 but to go up as Champion Band of Great Britain was a bonus.
The band will be conducted in Perth by Mark Bentham. Mark hails from the North East of England, but now lives in Wakefield and teaches music at Holmfirth High School. He studied music at Huddersfield University, specialising in performance and composition. Mark has had many successful years as a player with the likes of Black Dyke, Leyland and most recently Brighouse and Rastrick. At the age of 22 he became the youngest ever conductor to appear at the All England Masters in Cambridge when directing the Ever Ready Band. In 1999 he became musical director of the Drighlington Band from Leeds, achieving immediate success in taking the band through to the finals of the National Brass Band Championships. For 7 years he was the Musical Director of the Hepworth Band, directing them in 2004 when they were crowned Saddleworth Whit Friday Champions. He also conducted the winning performance at the Scottish Open in 2004 and the Grand Shield in 2005 as well as conducting the band as runners up at the Yorkshire Area in 2007 and at the English Nationals in 2007. Mark also had creditable results with Hepworth at the Cambridge Masters, The British Open and appeared at the Brass in Concert championships. Mark took over the position of musical director of the Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band in July this year.
Recent Form
North West Area - 10th
Flemish Open - 6th
Buxton - Winners
Senior Cup - 4th
Wychavon - 2nd
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - DNC
2006 - DNC
2005 - DNC
2004 - DNC
2003 - DNC 
Easington Colliery Band was founded in 1913. Players with band experience were encouraged by the management to come from the West of Durham to work at the colliery and play in the band. The band was supported financially and run by the joint board of unions, until the start of World War II. The band played for community activities, such as dances, concerts, and competitions. For the duration of the war the Easington Colliery Youth Band became the National Fire Service Band, which was eventually 'demobbed' in 1945 to become the Easington Public Band. In 1956 the Public Band and the Colliery Band amalgamated to become the Easington Colliery Band as it is today. April 1993 witnessed the end of an era when Easington Colliery finally closed. The band is now totally self-supporting and relies on the work put in by the band members at concerts throughout the year to raise the funds to keep the band alive. The band is still based in Easington Colliery in the old colliery pay office opposite the Memorial Gardens, which is on the site of the old colliery. The building is the last remaining evidence of the pit. This year has been a successful year for the band on and off the stage, with good results at the Fife Brass Band Festival and the Land O Burns contest. The band has had recent success with a TV appearance on Channel Four's The Secret Millionaire and various radio shows. With the success of this year 2009 looks very promising for the band, with trips already planned for Ireland, Isle of Man, Weymouth and hopefully New York.
John Roberts began his musical career at the age of 10-years-old playing cornet with Rothwell Temperance Band, eventually being appointed Deputy conductor when he was only 21-years-old. He progressed as conductor of a number of bands reaching the final of the Young Conductor of the Year competition in 1984. John has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the Rothwell Band and from the mid 1980s they progressed from the Third to the Championship Section, winning many contests on the way, the band's notable achievements under John's direction was being winners of the Tomra / Orskog Entertainment Championships in Norway, winning the Pilkingtons Championship in 1990 and qualifying for the British Open in 1991 and All England Masters in 1992. Having conducted many of the country's top bands, such as Black Dyke, in concert, John was appointed Professional Conductor of the British Steel Teesside Band in 1993 and again he enjoyed contest success, twice winning the Isle of Man entertainment championships and qualifying for the National Final in the Royal Albert Hall, before becoming Musical Director of EYMS Band in 1997, winning the North of England Area Championships on “Montage” in 1998. John also joined the Jayess (Queensbury) Band in 1997 and has led the band through its merger with Jayess '87 to become the current United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band. Since the relationship commenced, John and the band have experienced much success including competing in the First Section National Championships in 1999 and the Swiss Open Contest in the same year. John has pushed the band musically; leading it to Championship Section status and in 2005 became the first British band to compete in the New Zealand National Championships. John is currently a freelance conductor and adjudicator and for the past 2 years has enjoyed contest success as professional conductor with Lockwood Brass, based in Lingdale, Cleveland. John studied for his Certificate in Band Studies under Major Peter Parkes and is a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.
Recent Form
North of England Area - 5th
Fife Brass Band Festival - 2nd
Land O'Burns - 4th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 10th
2006 - DNC
2005 - DNC
2004 - DNC
2003 - DNC
The CWS (Glasgow) Band was set up in 1918 by workers in the CWS factories in Shieldhall, Glasgow, and by the measure of contest wins are the most successful band in the history of brass band music in Scotland. In 1990, the band achieved the pinnacle of success by winning the National Championships of Great Britain and becoming the only Scottish band to do so. This achievement was repeated in 1996 and consolidated the band's position as Champions of Great Britain. The band are current Scottish Champions, a title which they have held 26 times. In May 1997 the band were runners-up in the European Championships for the second time at the Barbican in London. The band are also proud to have been the first Scottish band to win the Grand Shield Contest. Over the years one of the main attractions of playing in the CWS (Glasgow) Band was that the very generous sponsorship from the Co-op enabled the engagement of top professional conductors. Pre-war there were many fine conductors including J.A. Greenwood and George Hawkins. After the war, the band was led to numerous victories over the years by many famous musicians including Fred Mortimer, Elgar Clayton and, for ten years, Alex Mortimer. More recently Howard Snell had great successes including the second National Championship win in the Royal Albert Hall in 1996. Over the last few years the band has had the privilege of working with David King, Nicholas Childs and James Gourlay, who are all prolific conductors in the modern brass band era.
1993 saw the band tour Australia and New Zealand, the highlight of which was a memorable concert in the prestigious Sydney Opera House. Other trips abroad have included Norway, Germany, Holland and most recently Switzerland for the European Championships. The members of the band now come from all walks of life including commerce, industry, teachers and students. The links with the historical past are maintained through all connected with the band being registered members of the Co-op movement and continuous sponsorship from that organisation. At the request of the sponsors, the band changed its name in 2003 to Scottish Co-op Band.
The band will be conducted in Perth by Michael Fowles. Born in Stoke-on-Trent , Michael's early musical education came from the peripatetic service of North Staffordshire. In 1990 Michael began his Degree studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. It was at this time that he began to work as a freelance trombonist playing in "pit" bands for musical productions in theatres - work that he still undertakes today. It was also around this time that he joined the trombone section of the Britannia Building Society (Fodens) Band with whom he spent 5 "very happy and musically rewarding years". 1990 also saw Michael begin his commitment to the education of the next generation of young musicians by becoming the Trombone Tutor to the Wessex Youth Band Courses , a position he still holds today , along with being a member of the conducting team. Michael graduated from the RNCM with an Honours Degree and was presented with the Harry Mortimer Outstanding Brass Student Award. Following graduation he continued his studies with Howard Snell and gained a postgraduate Diploma in Band Direction. At this time the college invited Michael to become a Junior Fellow , a position he held for 2 years , working with the Brass Band , Brass Ensembles and within the Opera Department. He was then appointed to the post of Resident Conductor of the Brass Band , combining this with his role in the other department , which he held until 2000. Michael's conducting career began in 1995 when he became Musical Director of the Point of Ayr Band from North Wales. During his five-year tenure the band enjoyed what is arguably their most successful period , becoming Welsh Area Champions twice and in 1998 representing Wales in the European Championships , gaining Third Prize. Already in a relatively short career Michael has packed much experience , having conducted at International Festivals , recorded for both BBC Radio 2 + 3 , recorded several commercial CD's , directed Premieres and conducted Concerto appearances of eminent soloists including Joseph Alessi (New York Philharmonic) , Ronald Barron (Boston Symphony) , Andrew Berryman (Halle) and Shoichiro Hokazano. Described as "One of the leading young interpreters of modern brass styles" (Brass Band World Magazine) Michael is much in demand, having already worked with many of the Country's leading bands including The Fairey Band , Fodens Richardson and a 3 ˝ year tenure as the Associate Conductor of The Leyland Band.He also undertakes much consultancy work with bands in all sections.
Recent Form
Scottish Championships - 4th
International Masters - 17th
West Lothian Challenge - Winners
British Open - 11th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 2nd
2006 - 2nd
2005 - 9th
2004 - 2nd
2003 - Winners
Unison Kinneil Band was founded in 1858 by the miners of Kinneil Pit and the workers of Wilson's Kinneil Iron Works, in their home town of Bo'ness, West Lothian. The founder members decided to name their new band 'Kinneil Band', famously known since that day. The band started life as a military style band and in 1953 a change to the traditional style of brass band that we have all come to know and love took place and the band adopted the name 'Kinneil Colliery Silver Band'. Kinneil maintained a strong link to the local mineworkers, who subscribed to the band until the colliery closed in 1983. Shortly after the closure of the colliery, support was received from the National Union of Public Employees. In 1993, NUPE amalgamated with the other public sector unions to form UNISON and the band changed its name to UNISON Kinneil Band to mark their continued support. The band's most notable claims to fame came in 1959 when they won the 2nd Section National Championships and in 1965, they were placed 4th in the National Championships of Great Britain, just missing out on history to be the first Scottish Band to secure the coveted title. Contest success is no strange feat for the band and they continue to set records the most recent being to complete a fourth successive win in 2004 here at the Whitburn Contest. In addition to contest successes, the band has featured in radio and TV broadcasts and has toured Germany on two occasions.
The band will be conducted in Perth by Andrew Berryman. Andrew began playing the trombone at the age of eight with Bodmin Town Band. He later played with Grimethorpe Junior Band and William Davis Construction Group Band, which was conducted by his father. Andrew attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and achieved an AGSM with Distinction. After leaving the Guildhall in 1984 he joined the Ulster Orchestra where he stayed until 1988 when he was appointed Principal Trombone with the Hallé Orchestra, a position he still holds. Andrew has played with most of the countries leading Orchestras and Brass Groups and also finds himself busy as a soloist. In December 1995 Andrew made his American debut in New York playing with the Imperial Brass Band. He also gave clinics at the Julliard and Manhattan School of Music. In March 1997 Andrew returned to the U.S.A. where he appeared with the U.S Army Brass Band, and the U.S Army Wind Band (Pershings Own), at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington. Andrew is making his eighth visit to Norway this year where he will work with local children giving master classes, seminars and conducting and performing as a soloist. In 1998 Andrew recorded the Edward Gregson Trombone Concerto with the BBC Concert Orchestra under the baton of Martin Brabbins. In 1996 Andrew saw the release of his first solo CD entitled Recital for Trombone, available on the Doyen label. Andrew also recorded Andrew Duncan's concerto with the Rigid Containers Group Band, this is available on the Harlequin Label. This Concerto was written for him by Andrew Duncan, the Hallé Orchestra's former tubist. The Concerto has also been scored for full symphony orchestra and was given its first performance by Andrew at the Hallé Proms in 1994. The first public performance of this concerto, in its original Brass Band form, was performed at the Royal Northern College of Music on the 15th May 1995, with Andrew as soloist. 2002 saw Andrew take on his biggest challenge as a soloist in two performances of the virtuosic and technically demanding 'Motorbike Concerto' by Jan Sandstrom accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra. In 2005 Andrew became interested in developing his profile as a conductor, and this led to his initial association with the Wingates band. Since then Andrew has worked with numerous other top class bands in the UK.
Scottish Championships - 5th
Senior Cup - 10th
West Lothian Challenge - 4th=
2007 - 12th
2006 - 13th
2005 - 15th
2004 - 13th
2003 - 11th
Whitburn Band was formed in the heart of the coal mining area of West Lothian in 1870 and originally served as an outlet for members of the mining community to perform at local parades and gala days. Their first major contesting impact came in 1954 when they became the first Scottish band to secure a National title by winning the 3rd section in London. Progression to the Championship section followed and in 1968 Whitburn won their first Scottish Championship title. Success continued during the early 1970's, but following the appointment of Major Peter Parkes in 1978 Whitburn dominated the Scottish brass band scene and became regular prize-winners in the major band contests in England. They made regular broadcasts and performed in many of the finest concert halls in Europe and in 1990 were runners-up in the European Brass Band Championships. Further successes have followed including a victory in the 1991 British Open Grand Shield and a total of 14 Scottish Championships. 2001 saw Whitburn make a major impact at the British Open when they were placed 5th and this was followed up in September 2003 when Andrew Duncan led them to a magnificent 2nd prize. One of the greatest honours in Whitburn's history was bestowed on the band in 2002 when they were invited to perform in the City of London as part of Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Today, Whitburn Band continue to make a significant contribution to cultural life in Scotland, performing regularly in the Edinburgh Festival, Scotland's international football matches and at major charity events.
Conducting the band at this years Scottish Open will be Andrew Duncan. Andrew was born in Glasgow in 1962. After taking up trombone aged 11, Andrew joined the West Calder and then Whitburn Junior Bands on Trombone, Euphonium and then Tuba. Andrew was a member of Whitburn Band for many years and studied at Napier University before moving to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music, where he was taught by James Andersen. In 1984, Andrew was appointed the Principal Tuba with the Halle Orchestra, a position he held for 16 years. During his time with the Halle, Andrew travelled the world and, in 1998, gave the World Premiere performance of John Golland's Tuba Concerto at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. He has also played with many leading British Orchestras and with London and Halle Brass. Andrew has been a tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music, The University of Salford, Chethams School of Music and Huddersfield University. While playing with Halle, Andrew developed his arranging and composing skills. In 1994 Halle gave the premiere of his Concerto for Trombone, written for Andrew Berryman. After this, he became a regular composer and arranger with Halle. Andrew's pieces for Brass Bands are played and recorded all over the world and he won the "Best New Composition"at the Spennymoor Brass in Concert Championships for five consecutive years (1996-2000). Andrew also has a flourishing publishing company (www.lewismusicpress.com). Andrew is in constant demand for Conducting and Adjudicating. He was the Musical Director of the Hepworth Band from 2000-2001. He was appointed as Principal Conductor of Whitburn Band in 2003 following his phenomenal success with the Band, which has seen them win the West Lothian Festival Contest and gain a historic second place at the British Open Championships in Birmingham.
Recent Form
Scottish Championships - Winners
West Lothian Challenge - 2nd=
Land O'Burns - Winners
British Open - 10th
National Championships - 12th
Brass in Concert - 9th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - Winners
2006 - Winners
2005 - 6th
2004 - 3rd
2003 - 8th
You can probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of Brass Bands famous enough to be known by their nickname. Yorkshire Imps is undoubtedly one of them.
Hailing from Yorkshire which has contained many of the world’s finest bands for over a century and a half The Imps have earned the right both in the contest arena and on the concert platform to be regarded as quite simply one of the best in the business.
Since it’s formation in the 1930’s the band has featured consistently as one of the finest bands in the movement. Indeed, in Dr Roy Newsome’s ‘The Modern Brass Band’ (Ashgate, Aldershot 2006), they are listed as one of the top 10 bands of the second half of the 20th century. The band was originally formed as The Yorkshire Copper Works Band at Stourton near Leeds where the factory was based and when an industrial merger created Yorkshire Imperial in 1958 necessitating the bands name change they became affectionately known as The Yorkshire Imps.
With roots taken from the old Stourton Band of the 1930’s and a merger with Rothwell in 1999 the current line up are rightly proud of their provenance. The band has represented Yorkshire some twenty times at the National Finals the first being in 1946, conducted then by the famous Sam B. Wood and playing Henry Gheel’s Oliver Cromwell. They have out of those 20 appearances been placed on no less than 15 occasions. Their success in the Yorkshire Area includes 24 top 3 places and 9 wins.
A hat trick of victories during 1977-8-9, a runner up at the National Finals in 1976 and taking the National crown with Denis Carr in 1978 firmly placed The Imps at the pinnacle of the premier division of banding. Amongst some of their other notable achievements The Imps have been British Open Champions on 3 occasions with 13 places and a runner up position to add to their proud heritage.
Over the years the band has included amongst its ranks some of the finest exponents of brass playing.
Cornettist Philip McCann, Trombone virtuoso Ian Bousfield, and Euphonium legends Bob Childs and David Moore amongst them.
The band regularly performs throughout the UK and Europe playing an extensive repertoire from traditional brass music through arrangements of popular and classical favourites to modern originals including many new works commissioned by the band itself.
Richard Evans is one of the most colourful and flamboyant characters on the British brass band scene today. With a unique ability to instill pride and passion into every player, he is ultimately the driving force behind each band he conducts. Born in Aldershot, the son of a regular soldier, he spent the first two years of his life in India. On return to England, the family moved to Preston Lancashire. It was in nearby Leyland that he was introduced to the cornet with the British Legion Band. Within three years Richard was the founder member of the National Youth Brass Band, becoming principal cornet under the direction of the late, great Harry Mortimer, OBE, CBE. Leaving his first band, he moved to the Leyland Motors Band and studied under founding fathers Harold Moss and William Haydock. National Service took Richard to Berlin, and on return to civilian life, he spent two years with the Black Dyke Mills Band. However, it was in the art of conducting that Richard was to carve a brilliant career. Upon graduation from the Royal Northern School of Music, he began full time teaching and worked as a freelance trumpet player with the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, the Manchester Mozart Orchestra, Syd Lawrence, and many other famous ensembles. During this period his conducting skills were being perfected in a vast theatre of experience, including brass bands, choral societies, and the directions of opera. 1975 was to provide the milestone in Richard's career that would take him to the very top of his profession. While conducting Wigan Cecilian Choral Society, he was asked to audition for the position of Musical Director with the Wingates Temperance Band. He accepted the position and within three months he had won the British Open Championships at his very first attempt! 1976 saw him moving to the Fairey Engineering Band, continuing to gain a reputation for flair and innovative musical direction to the highest standard. At the beginning of 1978, Richard was recruited to rebuild the Leyland Vehicles Band with the specific remit of achieving the Championship status within three years. The band made history with their meteoric rise through the brass band super league and their name changes, Leyland DAF, BNFL, JJB Sports Leyland Band, and finally Leyland Band. Richard's prowess as conductor, teacher, adjudicator and movement leader was rewarded in 1986 when he was the recipient of the J. Henry lies Medal presented by the Worshipful Company of Musicians of the City of London. He has worked with Bands all over the world, Japan, USA, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and Denmark. He proudly holds the post of Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and remains one of the most charismatic and dynamic conductors within Britain today.
Recent Form
Yorkshire Area - 10th
Grand Shield - 15th
Previous Record at Scottish Open
2007 - 4th
2006 - DNC
2005 - DNC
2004 - DNC
2003 - DNC
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2007 - Whitburn
2006 - Whitburn
2005 - Fishburn
2004 - Hepworth
2003 - Scottish Co-op
The adjudicators for the event:
Scottish Open - Roger Webster and Peter Meechan
Scottish Challenge Shield - Michael Fowles and John Roberts
Scottish Challenge Cup - Michael Fowles and John Roberts
Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships - Michael Fowles and Ian Smith
Because the Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Challenge Cup contests have early starts there will be a pre-draw for these events.
All sections of the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships will also be subject to a pre-draw.
The draw for the Scottish Open contest will take place at 1:30pm.
Saturday 24th
9:00am - Scottish Challenge Shield
12:00am - Scottish Challenge Cup
3:00pm - Scottish Open
7:30pm - Results of all sections
Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships
11:00am - Community Section
12:00pm - Development Section
2:00pm - Intermediate Section
2:30pm - Premier Section
4:45pm approx - Concert by National Youth Brass Band of Scotland
5:30pm - Awards ceremony