Black Dyke baritone star Katrina Marzella will be making a welcome return to her homeland of Scotland later this month.

Solo judge

On Saturday 31st October, Katrina will be adjudicating at the West of Scotland Solo & Ensemble contest, organised by the West of Scotland Brass Band Association.

The contest day will take place at the Salvation Army Hall, Sturrock Street in Kilmarnock starting at 10.00am. Entries are still being sought (just £5.00 each!) for soloists and ensembles (£10.00) with a deadline of Saturday 24th October.

Free workshop

The following day Katrina will then head to Glenrothes to link up with the vibrant Tullis Russell Mills Band organisation, where she will lead a free solo workshop sponsored by Band Supplies, Yamaha Instruments and the Scottish Brass Band Association.

Young players from any band are welcome to come along to the free event, starting at 10.00am on Sunday morning, where Katrina will work through solos with individual players as well as giving tips and guidance on practice regimes, solo preparation and band playing.

All welcome

After lunch (provided by the band) Katrina will be helping the Tullis Russell Youth Band in their preparation of their programme for the Scottish Youth Contest in Perth in November. Once again, all players will be welcome to take part!

Looking forward

Katrina told 4BR that she is really looking forward to hearing the next generation of young Scottish playing talent in action.

"Bands throughout Scotland are producing wonderful young players, and it's going to be a real treat to make the trip back home to help them their progress.

The contest day promises to be a great event and the workshop morning followed by the band rehearsal will give me the chance to try and inspire young players even further. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with everyone."

This is a great chance for young players to work with one of the banding world's great players. Katrina is an inspirational musicianTullis Russell Mills.

Inspirational

A Tullis Russell Mills spokesperson added: "This is a great chance for young players to work with one of the banding world's great players. Katrina is an inspirational musician.

We would encourage as many young players as possible to enter both the Solo & Ensemble contest on the Saturday and then come along on the Sunday and enjoy themselves with us."

More information and entry forms

More information and entry forms for the West of Scotland Contest can be sought and downloaded at: http://www.sbba.org.uk/west-of-scotland-bba