Results: West of Scotland Solos and Ensembles 2015
YOUNGSTERS have turned out in force at the West of Scotland Solo and Ensemble Championships in Kilmarnock.
A packed day of music making on Saturday, October 31, saw Campbeltown and Dalmellington dominate the prizes among packed fields which included 21 competitors in the junior solos and 16 in the intermediate solo contest held in the town's Salvation Army Hall.
All participants aimed to impress adjudicator Katrina Marzella, solo baritone of Black Dyke Band, who commented: "I was really impressed with the standard of playing and the sheer numbers taking part, particularly in the junior and intermediate sections.
"The West of Scotland clearly has great young brass playing talent and hopefully, over the next few years, it will flourish to the benefit of the Scottish brass band scene."
Katrina, a Yamaha artist, continued: "I grew up playing in solo and ensemble competitions just like this. They form such an important part of a young person's development and I would encourage all young players to take part in solo and ensemble competitions.
"Congratulations to everyone for being involved in such musical performances. Thank you to Yamaha and to Band Supplies for enabling me to come to the West of Scotland Solo and Ensemble Championships."
Qualifiers from the contest have now earned the right to play at the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships on February 6 and 7, 2016.
Carrie Boax, chairwoman of the West of Scotland Brass Band Association, said: "Congratulations to all those who were successful and well done to everyone who took part in the competition.
"We were delighted to welcome so many talented young brass players to Kilmarnock, particularly in the junior and intermediate categories.
"It's also important to remember the efforts of teachers, parents and other family members who work so hard to support the young people in their musical development.
"The quality of playing across the age groups bodes extremely well for the brass band movement across the west of Scotland and beyond, and I know the qualifiers will represent the west well at the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships next February."
Results
Adjudicator: Katrina Marzella
Accompanists: Alan Kitchen, Laura Galbraith, James Goodenough
Junior solos
1) Erin McLellan, cornet (Campbeltown Brass)
2) Andrew McMillan, tenor horn (Campbeltown Brass)
3) Kyle Paterson, euphonium (Campbeltown Brass)
Junior ensembles
1) Campbeltown Brass Junior A Ensemble
2) Campbeltown Brass Junior B Ensemble
Intermediate solos
1) Calum Blair, cornet (Coalburn Silver)
2) Owen Pickering, bass trombone (Campbeltown Brass)
3) Gavin Johnston, Eb bass (Argyll Brass)
* Most Promising Player: Amy Paterson, tenor horn (Campbeltown Brass)
Intermediate ensembles
1) Campbeltown Brass Intermediate A Ensemble
2) Campbeltown Brass Intermediate B Ensemble
3) Coalburn Bronze Ensemble
Youth solos
1) Rebecca Wilson, cornet (Dalmellington)
2) Paul Jamieson, Bb bass (Dalmellington)
3) Rachel O'Connor, tenor horn (Dalmellington)
Youth ensembles
1) Dalmellington Band ensemble
2) Argyll Brass Quintet
