Lindsay’s flugel playing shines at Dalmellington slow melody contest
One of Scotland’s longest established slow melody contests took place yesterday in the former mining village of Dalmellington in East Ayrshire.
Supporters of Dalmellington Band gathered in the local community centre to hear 27 brass instrumentalists – from young novice learners to the older and more experienced seniors – play their chosen solos for the delectation of internationally renowned tenor horn star Sheona White, who was adjudicating the event.
The annual competition is now in its 80th year in memory of Cecil Oughton, a local cornet player who was killed in action during the Second World War at just 21 and whose premature death shocked the whole village.
The afternoon started off with a couple of pieces – the march Punchinello and hymn tune Deep Harmony – by Dalmellington Band, conducted by Sheona.
The sizeable audience were treated to a veritable showcase of Dalmellington talent – ably and sensitively accompanied on piano by Gordon Cree – after which Sheona remarked that, whenever she plays a solo, she likes to tell a story, adding there was one player in particular who, for her, had just done that.
It was flugel player Lindsay Roxburgh Orr’s moving rendition of Paul Lovatt Cooper’s By Trevone Bay, which ultimately found favour with Sheona.
This contest isn’t just a competition; it is a social occasion at which villagers and brass enthusiasts alike can gather to appreciate the best of Dalmellington Band’s individual players.
After afternoon teas had been enjoyed, Sheona joined the band on stage for a mini concert, conducted and compered by Alan Friel, before the awards were presented by young CJ (Christopher James) Todd and his mother Lucy who have both been avid fans of Dalmellington since first hearing the band in October 2021.
All in all, the event was another huge success and, on yesterday’s showing, will continue to be a firm fixture in the Dalmellington calendar for very many years to come.
The full list of prize winners is:
Seniors
1. Lindsay Roxburgh Orr (flugel)
2. Rebecca Wilson Paterson (cornet)
3. Joshua Parkhill (trombone)
4. David McLean (euphonium)
Best bass: Cameron Paterson
Best euphonium / baritone: David McLean
Best cornet: Rebecca Wilson Paterson
Best horn / flugel: Lindsay Roxburgh Orr
Best trombone: Joshua Parkhill
Advanced juniors
1. Sophie Sturgeon (cornet)
2. Jack Young (Eb bass)
Albert Arthur Carr Trophy for commitment and dedication: Sophie Sturgeon (cornet)
George F Monksfield Award for most progress: Archie Kane (trombone)
Ark Joinery Trophy for Brass Academy rising star: Hayden Kelly (tenor horn)
Intermediate juniors
1. Owen Given (cornet)
2. Scarlett Kelly (cornet)
Novices
Iona Kennedy (cornet) and Iona Bain (cornet) both received certificates and a Complete Method Tutor
Special awards
Engraved drumstick for percussionist Scott Sturgeon
Dale Salver for player who has given exceptional service: Karin Lowrie (tenor horn)
Mary Reid Quaich to backroom non-player for exceptional service: Taylor Paterson
