Whitburn pip the Co to regain Championship title

Whitburn Band regained their Scottish crown as this year’s championship weekend drew to a close.

Conducted by Prof Nicholas Childs, the band put in a sterling performance of the set test piece, Diversions for Brass Band by Derek Bourgeois, beating closest rivals, the cooperation band – under the baton of Dr Glenn van Looy – into second place by the tightest of margins.

Coming third, in another close call, was Kingdom Brass and their musical director Katrina Marzella Wheeler.

Adjudicators Alan Fernie and David Barringer enthused about the performances they had just listened to. Commented Alan: “We have heard ten great brass bands who would grace any professional concert hall.”

David added that they were both looking for a picture to be created in the music. The top six bands were excellent with the top two bands outstanding in their performances.

“Congratulations to all bands; you have all done a tremendous job,” he said. “And thanks to SBBA who are a great organisation to work with.”

Adjudicator remarks and results were livestreamed and can be viewed here.

Here are the Championship Section results, including the individual prizes:

1. Whitburn (Prof Nicholas Childs) 196pts

2. the cooperation band (Dr Glenn Van Looy) 195pts

3. Kingdom Brass (Katrina Marzella Wheeler) 194pts

4. Bon-Accord Silver (Adam Cooke) 192pts

5. Dalmellington (Andrew Duncan) 191pts

6. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman) 190pts

7. Bo’ness & Carriden (Phil Chalk) 189pts

8. The Kirkintilloch Band (Hedley Benson) 188pts

9. Bathgate (Craig Anderson) 187pts

10. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Mareika Gray) 186pts

Best soprano cornet: Scott Forrest, Whitburn

Best cornet: Chris Bradley, Whitburn

Best flugel horn: Sarah Findlay, Kingdom Brass

Best horn: Chris Hamilton, the cooperation band

Best baritone: Carole Ednie, the cooperation band

Best euphonium: Chris Flynn, the cooperation band

Best trombone: Joshua Parkhill, Dalmellington

Best bass: Graham Fraser, Whitburn

Best bass section: Whitburn (Graham Fraser, Robert Fraser, Alan Gourlay, Neill Gourlay)

Best percussion section: Whitburn (Cameron Shanks, Hannah McInnes, Emma Dunn)