Kingdom Brass goes Swiss for Scottish Championships
Kingdom Brass will team up with experienced Swiss conductor Corsin Tuor for next month’s performance of Red Priest at the Scottish Championships.
Band secretary John Todd said: “When we appointed Ian Porthouse as our professional conductor in 2017 it was on the basis of that partnership being a five year project, running up to the 2022 Spring Festival.
“We had a fantastic period with Ian, the highlight being winning the First Section Nationals title in 2021 on Connotations. When we began the search for someone to lead the band on Red Priest our committee discussed some ideas with Ian and a name that kept cropping up was Corsin’s, especially after his recent wins at the Swiss Open and German Championships with Berner Oberland and 3BA.
“We were very glad when he accepted our offer to conduct the band for this contest. He comes with a wealth of experience having conducted at the very highest level all over Europe. In the past Kingdom has had some top European conductors, such as Frans Violet and Luc Vertommen, so we’re very much looking forward to working with Corsin alongside resident conductor Paul Drury over the next few weeks.”
Kingdom has also welcomed new players to the team in addition to the return of Eoin Tonner on the principal cornet chair. As well as his previous spell in the principal chair with the band, Eoin also conducted Kingdom to a top four finish at the 2015 Scottish Championships on Torchbearer, and a runner-up place at the 2014 Senior Cup on English Heritage.
John explained. “We were very sad to see Dave Prentice leave the band after the best part of a decade in the top chair. He told us last year his work and playing commitments were increasing and it was becoming more difficult to travel to the other side of the country for rehearsals, so the band’s performance of Fraternity at both the Fife Charities and Scottish Open would be his last events with us.
“Dave is one of the top cornet players in the country and has been a massive asset to the band over the past decade. We wish him well for the future.”
“Eoin is obviously being brought in for his fantastic cornet playing and as a leader for the section, but he brings so much more to the table for us. He also has vast experience as a conductor, as an educator and as a trainer, so we hope his appointment will add value across several areas of the band and allow us to continue to improve.”
Joining Eoin at Kingdom are another three new signings. On second cornet is Harrison Porritt, who has come through the ranks at Perthshire Brass. A young, talented cornet player with potential to meet the challenge of the Championship Section, Harrison showed he was an ideal fit after guesting with the band at the Scottish Open.
Also joining Kingdom are two top quality percussionists. Ian Christie had played for Kingdom at the Spring Festival in Blackpool last year. “He was impressed with the band, the setup, and the quality of percussion equipment at his disposal,” said John. “We were equally impressed with his playing so asked him along full-time. A natural marimba player, he’s all set for the challenge of Red Priest.”
Chris Eio has also signed up with Kingdom after moving to the area with work. Formerly with Ocean Brass, he was inundated with offers after posting on Facebook that he was relocating to Scotland.
“A talented kit and all round percussion player, we’re very glad he chose Kingdom as his new band,” John added.
