2007 Scottish Open Brass Band Championships - Runners and Riders

22-Nov-2007

14 bands will line up to see if their own choice performance will catch the ears of judges Roger Webster and Peter Meechan.


SABADraw for order of play: 1.30pm
Contest commences: 3.00pm 
Adjudicators: Roger Webster & Peter Meechan
Test Piece: Macbeth (Peter Meechan)

Awards:
1st: The Scottish Open Challenge Trophy, Commemorative Banner, Commemorative Engraved Glass Trophy and £3,000
2nd: Commemorative  Engraved Glass Trophy  and £1,500
3rd: Commemorative  Engraved Glass Trophy and £500

The Winning Conductor will receive a commemorative Quaich

The Best Soloist will receive the 4BarsRest award of £100 plus trophy.


bON aCCORDBon Accord Silver
Conductor:
  Bruce Wallace
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: David Cooper
Euphonium: Richard Kidd
Trombone: Mark Boyd
Soprano: Emma Nicol
Horn: Karen Cooper
Flugel: Oliver Masson
Baritone: Karen Crozier
Eb Tuba: Paula Leslie

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
4th time
Debut: 2004
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: 14th (Duncan Beckley)
2005: 16th (Duncan Beckley)
2004: 14th (Tony Swainson)
2003:  DNC

Current Form:
Bon Accord will be looking for a solid return here this year and a possible top 10 finish. In the last three years they have just about played as well as they could have expected but they have improved over the last couple of years and put in decent performances at both the Scottish Championships in coming 7th and at the Fife Open where they came 4th.

With plenty of experienced players in the ranks headed by the talented Richard Kidd on euphonium they could well have the ammunition this year to make their best ever mark at the contest.  


CamborneCamborne
Conductor:
Frank Renton
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Kayleigh Rowe
Euphonium: Robert Jose
Trombone: Barry Buist
Soprano: Les Kneebone
Horn: Mark Letcher
Flugel: Andrew Mitchell
Baritone: Gavin Knowles
Eb Tuba: Timmy Joslin

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
1st time
Debut: 2007
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC 

Current Form:
Never underestimate the band that makes the longest journey of the lot to do battle here this year. Camborne are a fine band, with plenty of quality in the ranks that on their day can mix it with the best – although they don’t always do themselves justice at times.

That said they won at Bugle and were unlucky at the regionals, so they wouldn’t be coming all this way though if they didn’t think they had a chance of returning home with at last a podium finish. In Frank Renton they have the one man out of all the field of conductors who can draw something extra special from the most opaque of scores too, so this one may well suit them.   


Carlton MainCarlton Main Frickley Colliery
Conductor:
Russell Gray
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Kirsty Abbotts
Euphonium: David Belshaw
Trombone: Kevin Holdgate
Soprano: Claire Jenkins
Horn: Andrew Dickinson
Flugel: Janet Lewis
Baritone: Bob Archer
Eb Tuba: Paul Davis

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
3rd time
Debut: 2005 

Last 4 Years:
2006: 3rd (Gary Cutt)
2005: 4th (Allan Ramsay)
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Current Form:
Perhaps the strongest contender from south of Hadrian’s Wall, Carlton Main have all the qualities to take this title with something to spare if they hit their boot straps running.

Lots of top notch players in key positions and a conductor who brings the music to the fore. A good season behind them already with fine performances at the Area, Masters, English Nationals and British Open, they would love to round off the year with a victory here we are sure. They may well do just that too.  


DalmellingtonDalmellington
Conductor:
  Archie Hutchison
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:

Principal Cornet: Sandy McCulloch
Euphonium: David McKellar
Trombone: Derick Kirkwood
Soprano: David Roxburgh
Horn: Chris Dale
Flugel: John Boax
Baritone: Alison O'Donnell
Eb Tuba: Ian Taylor

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
2nd time
Debut: 2006
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: 10th (Archie Hutchison)
2005: Winners Scottish Challenge Shield  (Archie Hutchison)
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Current Form:
Dalmellington are a band on the up it seems after a solid 2007 contesting season that saw them deliver good performances at the Scottish Regional Championship and FCBA Open contest at Falkirk. 

They also showed that they could hold their own at the Senior Cup too, although they will have to up their form a fair bit if they are to really push for a top six place here against high class opposition. A bit of a dark horse maybe though as they have plenty of fine talent in the ranks and a talented MD at the helm. 


FishburnFishburn
Conductor:
Ray Farr
4BR Ranking: 

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: John White
Euphonium: Jeff Bell
Trombone: Malcolm Gill
Soprano: Malcolm Usher
Horn: Steven Hardy
Flugel: Melissa Maddison
Baritone: Neil Parkin
Eb Tuba: Colin Shaw

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
5th time
Debut: 2003
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: 5th (Russell Gray)
2005: Winners (Ray Farr)
2004: 16th (Major Graham Jones)
2003: 6th (Graham O'Connor) 

Current Form:
Interesting one this. Fishburn hasn’t had a great contesting season in anyone’s books – failing to qualify for London and putting in some less than impressive showings at Butlins, Grand Shield and a few weeks ago at Pontins. 

However, with Ray Farr at the helm they seem a different proposition (as they showed by winning year in 2005 and delivering a strong defence last year) so it would be a bit premature to write off their chances of more than making a mark once again. A touch of luck and they could well feature once more. 


Kingdom BrassKingdom Brass
Conductor:
John Hinckley
4BR Ranking: 

Principal Players:

Principal Cornet: Iain Culross
Soprano: Martin Edwards
Flugel: Michelle Cain
Horn: Stuart McKenzie
Euphonium: Brian Paterson
Baritone: Brian Mitchell
Trombone: Gary McPhee
Eb Bass: Angus Pearce 

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
5th time
Debut: 2003
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: 11th (Craig Anderson)
2005: 12th (Graham O'Connor)
2004:  7th (Ray Farr)
2003:  13th (Archie Hutchinson) 

Current Form:
If you fancy an outside each way bet to make it into the top six this year then a few bob on Kingdom Brass may be a wise investment at the bookies. 

Without ever setting the world quite of fire in 2007 they have notched up a pretty solid set of contesting results, from a win at the Fife Contest to just missing out on a podium place at the Scottish Nationals and fine returns at West Lothian, Land O’ Burns and the FCBA Open.  John Hinkley is a quality MD too, so this may be the year for them to push for another top10 place at least here.    


KirkKirkintilloch 
Conductor:
Howard Taylor
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: David Prentice
Euphonium: Neil Phillip
Trombone: Marion Brackpool
Soprano: Steve Stewart
Horn: Allan Wardrope
Flugel: Martyn Ramsay
Baritone: James Corrigan
Eb Tuba: Andy McKreel

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
5th time
Debut: 2003
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: 4th (Steve Bastable)
2005: 2nd (Steve Bastable)
2004: 8th (Steve Bastable)
2003: 5th (Frank Renton) 

Current Form:
Now then? The trans-Australian/Scottish airway service has been busy of late from Kirkintilloch International airport, what with Steve Bastable leaving in one direction and the talented Howard Taylor arriving in the other. 

Kirky wouldn’t have paid for him to come all this way if they weren’t serious about winning here would they now, and after a second half of the year when the contesting wheels have fallen off somewhat, it may be the tonic they need to show off they undoubted quality once more. On home ground this year they have been impressive, out of the country, less so. Thankfully this contest is close to home and it may well prove a blessing.    


NewmilnsNewmilns & Galston
Conductor:
Alex McCutcheon
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Douglas Cameron
Euphonium: Alan Cameron
Trombone: Ronnie Kenmuir
Soprano: Tracy Nelson
Horn: N/K
Flugel: Cara Sullivan
Baritone: Kevin Kelly
Eb Tuba: Louise McKellar

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
1st time
Debut: 2007
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: N/A
2005: N/A
2004: N/A
2003: N/A

Current Form:
The current Scottish First Section Champion makes its debut at the Open this year and they will be looking to make it a debut to remember. 

That win at Dundee saw them make the trip to Harrogate where they found it tough going against the best bands in the country, but an encouraging result at the Fife Contest showed that they are a band that can more than hold their own if they play to the top of their form. They will have to you feel.  


NewtongrangeNewtongrange
Conductor:
Derek Broadbent
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Angus Edmond
Euphonium: Iain Davey
Trombone: Alan Fernie
Soprano: Gordon Jenkins
Horn: Charlotte Davey
Flugel: Harold Wells
Baritone: Jimmy Murray
Eb Tuba: Paul McGrath

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
4th time
Debut: 2003
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: DNC
2005: 13th (Steve Sykes)
2004: 15th (Archie Hutchison)
2003: 12th (David Hirst) 

Current Form:
Great to see Newtongrange returning to good health after being unable to compete at the Scottish Nationals this year. That was a real low point in a proud bands history, but it says a great deal about that sense of pride and talent in the ranks that they returned to make a decent impression at the Senior Trophy and the West Lothian Challenge contests. 

The experienced Derek Braodbent should bring the best out of them here as well and a possible top 10 spot may well be one the cards. 


EasingtonRMT Easington Colliery
Conductor:
Norman Law
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Anna Ferguson
Euphonium: John Oates
Trombone: Amy Lonsdale
Soprano: Michelle Holiday
Horn: Jonathan Collins
Flugel: Jo Brown
Baritone: Peter Lawson
Eb Tuba: Ben Cauldwell

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
1st time
Debut: 2007
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC

Current Form:
A big ask this of RMT Easington, although they are a band that is now enjoying their regular trips north of the border to compete. 

They showed decent enough form at the Regionals coming in 5th place, but they reserved their best form when they came 4th at the Land O’ Burns Contest and runners up at the Fife Festival. David Hirst is an experienced MD who knows how to get the best out of his band, so another successful raiding trip against the Scots may be on the cards.  


ScoopScottish Co-op Band
Conductor:
Allan Ramsay
4BR Ranking: 

Principal Players:

Principal Cornet: Caroline Munro
Euphonium: Alison Bonnar
Trombone: Paul Kiernan
Soprano: Caroline Tennant
Horn: Rachel Love
Flugel: Andrea Casey
Baritone: Graham Dow
Eb Tuba: Willie Young

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
5th time
Debut: 2003

Last 4 Years:
2006: 2nd (Allan Ramsay)
2005: 9th (Frank Renton)
2004: 2nd (Frank Renton)
2003: Winners  (Russell Gray) 

Current Form:
If Scottish Co-op play to form then the title could well be theirs for a second time – without a doubt. 

On their day they have the quality to mix it with the very best and despite a poorish showing at the British Open and the failure to make it to London this year, they have still delivered at the Europeans, Masters and West Lothian. There are top notch players in the ranks and an MD who knows how to bring it out when it matters. If they click they should be there or thereabouts once again this weekend.       


KinneilUnison Kinneil
Conductor:
Colin McKenzie
4BR Ranking: 

Principal Players:

Principal Cornet: Keith Johnston
Euphonium: Ian Campbell
Trombone: Colin Buchanan
Soprano: Owen Downs
Horn: Louise Tobin
Flugel: Trevor Gray
Baritone: Darren Whitehead
Eb Tuba: Paul Drury

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
5th time
Debut: 2003
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: 13th (Colin McKenzie)
2005: 15th (Andrew Berryman)
2004: 13th (Allan Ramsay)
2003: 11th (Allan Ramsay) 

Current Form:
Not the greatest of records here at this contest over the years but Kinneil are more than capable of producing the form that could push them well into the top 10. 

Not a bad contesting year so far with decent returns at the Scottish Regional Championship, Senior Cup, West Lothian and Land O’ Burns, they are well led by Colin McKenzie and have a settled look about their personnel. Perhaps this year their time has come. 


WhitburnWhitburn
Conductor:
Andy Duncan
4BR Ranking: 

Principal Players:
Principal Cornet: Chris Bradley
Euphonium: Evelyn Bradley
Trombone: Alex Phillip
Soprano: Scott Forrest
Horn: Ian Fleming
Flugel: James Chamberlain
Baritone: Anne Crookston
Eb Tuba: Graham Fraser

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
5th time
Debut: 2003
 
Last 4 Years:
2006: Winners (Andrew Duncan)
2005: 6th (Andrew Duncan)
2004: 3rd (Andrew Duncan)
2003: 8th (Andrew Duncan) 

Current Form:
The reigning champion and the form Scottish band going into the contest. 2007 has been a pretty decent year so far, both result and prize money wise and they would love to round a long season off by retaining their title we are sure. 

Contesting fatigue may be the only factor against them doing just that as they showed that they have the quality about them all year, especially in Birmingham and London as well as a solid if rather dour performance at Brass in Concert last weekend.  If they have managed to put the work in this week then they should be up there come the results once more we are certain. 


ImpsYorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel
Conductor:
Jim Davies
4BR Ranking:
 
Principal Players:

Principal Cornet: Alan Fowler
Euphonium: Adrian Nurney
Soprano: Richard Hanson
Trombone: Richard Taylor
Horn: Laura Brown
Flugel: Ginette Baker
Baritone: William Hodgson
Eb Bass: Richard Wilton

Scottish Open Record:
Appearances:
1st time
Debut: 2007
 
Last 5 Years:
2006: DNC
2005: DNC
2004: DNC
2003: DNC 

Current Form:
Could well be the dark horse for the rest of the field to worry about this year. Imps have shown solidity about their playing on their three outings this season and should come here well prepared under the direction of a resurgent Jim Davies.

Three solid returns at the Regional Championship, Butlins and Senior Cup showed considerable promise and with time on their side and a settled line up of personnel they could well sneak up on the rails to surprise everyone.  Ones to watch out for.

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