Third Section silverware goes to Selkirk Silver

Following on from the Second Section nine bands competed in the Third Section of the Scottish Brass Band Championships, playing the test piece Chorale and Toccata by Stephen Bulla for the assessment of adjudicators Brett Baker and David Ashworth.

It was Selkirk Silver who took the honours after scoring 187 points under the direction of Charlie Farren. In second place was Shotts St. Patrick’s, conducted by Andy Shaw, with a tally of 186 points and taking the third spot was Brass Sounds Inverclyde, under the baton of Joshua Parkhill, on 185 points.

The top two bands will be invited to compete at the National Finals in Cheltenham on 16 and 17 September.

Brett Baker praised the standard of playing and was particularly impressed by the sensitivity of the percussion sections. Those bands that mastered the technical challenges of tuning and ensemble came out well.

David Ashworth was in full agreement, adding that the standard of musicianship in the bands was especially pleasing. He did add, however, that tempos should be picked that can be managed without too much difficulty.

The full results of the Third Section are as follows:

1. Selkirk Silver (Charlie Farren) 187 pts
2. Shotts St. Patrick's Brass (Andy Shaw) 186 pts
3. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Joshua Parkhill) 185 pts
4. Perthshire Brass (Willie McMullan) 184 pts
5. Croy Silver (Kenneth Blackwood) 182 pts
6. Langholm Town (Chris Bradley) 181 pts
7. Stranraer Brass (Angela Miller) 180 pts
8. Arbroath & Carnoustie (Audrey Bird) 178 pts
9. Whitburn Heartlands (Paul Kiernan) 177 pts

Best instrumentalist award went to the percussion section of Shotts St. Patrick’s.