Bon Accord Take Whitburn Title
The Bon Accord Silver Band won their first Whitburn title on Saturday (5th November). The band from Aberdeen denied Unison Kinneil their fifth consecutive title after pipping them by 1 point. Johnstone Silver maintained their own good record here by finishing a further point behind in third place. Although down in numbers compared to recent years the quality of the music was not diminished and there were some wonderful performances on the day. The quality of the soloists was also impressive with Richard Kidds (Bon Accord) performance of "Carnival of Venice being the pick of a high quality bunch.
In a first for the Whitburn contest, there was an entry from outwith Scotland in the shape of the Easington Colliery band. And a good day out they had too, travelling back south with the 1st section prize and also the "most entertaining performance" award. Selkirk Silver warmed up for the Borders Entertainment contest with victory in the 2nd section and also the best euphonium prize. The 3rd section was won by Renfrew Burgh whilst Queensferry Community Brass took the 4th section prize.
In the individual prize awards Bon Accord lifted the Best Soloist, Best Cornet and Best Bass section awards to add to their overall title. Fiona Macluskey retained the best horn prize she won last year whilst Unison Kinneil lifted the Best Baritone, Best Trombones and Best Percussion section awards. The Best Euphonium prize was taken by Brian Hermiston of Selkirk Silver.
In Sunday?s slow melody competition, Ruth Glen of Shotts St Patricks Brass won the Open section ahead of Paul Drury of Unison Kinneil. In the Youth section Susannah Downs was victorious with an accomplished performance of Goff Richards "Pastorale". Erin McSporran from Campbeltown Brass was the best soloist aged 12 and under.
2nd Annual Whitburn Slow Melody Contest
Open
| 1. | Ruth Glen | Shotts St Patrick?s Brass | 92 |
| 2. | Paul Drury | Unison Kinneil | 91 |
| 3. | Trevor Gray | Clydebank Burgh | 90 |
Youth
| 1 | Susannah Downs | West Lothian Schools | 95 |
| 2 | Michael Fleming | Peebles Silver | 94 |
| 3 | Eilidh Brian | Campbeltown Brass | 91 |
Best Soloist Aged 12 and under: Erin McSporran, Campbeltown
