Irvine & Dreghorn takes Second Section title

The weather outside the Perth Concert Hall was positively spring-like – the sun was shining and the air was crisp. And inside the magnificent venue the atmosphere was just as bracing as 11 bands took to the stage to compete in the Second Section of the Scottish Brass Band Championships.

Playing the test piece The Pilgrim’s Progress by Rodney Newton, the bands put on a display of musicianship which thrilled adjudicators John Ward and Sandy Smith.

Before the results were announced John told his expectant audience that he and Sandy were specifically looking for the usual qualities of playing, irrespective of the test piece: dynamic differences, note length and clarity and musical style.

Sandy said this was one of the most difficult test pieces you would come across in the Second Section. But from what he had heard this morning, the Scottish Second Section was “in really good nick”.

The piece was “hard, long and needed stamina,” he said. “It is a huge blow which can tire a band out but you will all see the benefits in years to come.”

The performance which took the adjudicators’ fancy came right at the start of the competition. First place was awarded to Irvine & Dreghorn Brass, directed by Lewis Bettles, on 188 points, playing from the dreaded no.1 position. The band’s Eb bass player Lauren McCormick was named as the best instrumentalist.

In the runner-up spot was Newmilns & Galston on 187 points, conducted by Alan Friel, and in third place was Clackmannan District Band on 185 under the musical direction of Paul Drury.

The top two bands will receive an invitation to represent Scotland at the National Finals in Cheltenham on 16 and 17 September.

The full results of the Second Section are:

1. Irvine & Dreghorn Brass (Lewis Bettles) 188 pts
   2. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Friel) 187 pts
   3. Clackmannan District (Paul Drury) 185 pts
   4. Annan Town (Lewis Wilkinson) 184 pts
   5. Broxburn & Livingston (Bryan Allen) 183 pts
   6. St. David's Brass (John A Dickson) 182 pts
   7. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good) 181 pts
   8. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Scott Walker) 179 pts
   9. St. Ronan's Silver (David McLeod) 178 pts
   10. Jedforest Instrumental (Philip Rosier) 177 pts
   11. Dysart Colliery Silver (Lynda Nicholson) 176 pts