Selkirk Silver take the Third Section title by a clear margin

Congratulations to musical director Stuart Black and Selkirk Silver Band on winning the Third Section of this year’s Scottish Championships in Perth Concert Hall.

It was the band’s rendition of test piece Three Howarth Impressions by Gordon Langford that won favour with adjudicators Chris King and John Doyle. Such was the margin of victory that they awarded Selkirk 190 points – four ahead of runner-up St David’s Brass, conducted by John A Dickson.

Both Selkirk and St David’s now qualify for invitations to the National Finals which will be held at the York Barbican on Saturday and Sunday 19 & 20 September.

In third place was Langholm Town under the baton of Chris Bradley on 184 points.

Selkirk cornet player Isla Gillespie won the best instrumentalist award.

Before the announcement of the results, Chris King told his expectant audience that the set work was “a beautiful piece of music” and that he and John Doyle had been “in sync” in their adjudications during the contest.

He did stress that it was important to get the basics right: right notes played together and in tune, with the correct balance and intonation.

John praised the soloists – both cornet and tenor horn – and led a round of applause for them all. However, he did admit that even the best players don’t always have their best days.

He advised that, to improve the quality of sound, bigger mouthpieces were recommended.

He added that the winning band had provided a “stand out performance”.

The full results are:

l. Selkirk Silver (Stuart Black) 190 pts

2. St David’s Brass (John A Dickson) 186pts

3. Langholm Town (Chris Bradley) 184pts

4. Peebles Burgh Silver (David McAuley) 182pts

5. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Rebecca Wilson Paterson) 181pts

6. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Caroline Tennant) 179pts

7. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Steven Craig) 178pts

8. St Ronan’s Silver (Michael Marzella) 177pts

9. Arbroath & Carnoustie (Neill McDonald) 176pts

10. Stranraer Brass (Angela Miller) 175pts