Composer Andrew Duncan has spoken to 4BR about his delight after enjoying a weekend at Butlins in Skegness where his work, 'A Hebridean Suite' was used as the First Section test piece.

Personal piece

Andrew explained to 4BR: "It’s a very personal piece for me. I wrote it when I lived in the Hebrides and first discovered the true beauty of the traditional music there – something that has since remained a musical influence for me."

Enjoyed them all

Andrew continued: "Even though I was attending the event both as the conductor of the Broxburn and Livingston Band and as Editorial Director of The Music Company I was pleased that I managed to hear quite a few bands on the day. I can honestly say that I enjoyed them all and competing at the contest myself enabled me to recognise first-hand the musical and technical challenges the piece set for all the bands."

It was a wonderful experience to hear my music being performed by so many bandsAndrew Duncan

Wonderful experience

He concluded: "It was a wonderful experience to hear my music being performed by so many bands and I’d like to offer my gratitude for all the positive comments I received from the other conductors, players and audience members who kindly took the time and trouble to pass on their thoughts."