There was a major shock wave sent through Scottish banding on the weekend as Kingdom Brass claimed their place in the 2011 West Lothian Entertainment Final.

Deserved

Directed by Andy Duncan, last year’s beaten finalist deservedly turned the tables on Scottish champion and 2010 winners Whitburn, with Unison Kinneil in third.

Intensive

A delighted band secretary John Todd told 4BR that the win was the culmination of a period of intensive contesting work for the band.

"It’s been one of the most hectic periods in our history, with our appearance at the European Championships followed by the Grand Shield in Blackpool.

Even though we are all pretty shattered we delivered an outstanding performance under Andy to gain some revenge for last year’s defeat in the final. It was a thoroughly deserved win and one that sets us up for the final and the rest of a very busy season."

First title

Kingdom now hope to claim their first West Lothian success in what will be their third final appearance – all in season that will end with the band playing in no less than nine top flight contests.

"The band is already working hard on our programme for the final," John added. "And we hope to make it even more entertaining and innovative too."

Inventive

It was that sense of invention that hallmarked Kingdom’s victory, with extensive use of the multi media facilities at the impressive Howden Centre, backed by excellent ensemble and individual playing, which persuaded adjudicator Stan Lippeatt to award them a one point victory over their rivals.

Even though we are all pretty shattered we delivered an outstanding performance under Andy to gain some revenge for last year’s defeat in the finalJohn Todd

Programme

The band opened with Andy Duncan’s own ‘When Kingdom Comes’, which celebrates in words, pictures and music the unfolding history of the band, and was followed by Helen Douthwaite on superb form with the premiere of the conductor’s own arrangement of the trombone solo ‘All By Myself'.

A solid rendition of the set work march, ‘West Lothian Celebration’ by Paul Drury led into the classic ‘Elegy from ‘A Downland Suite’, also enhanced by the use of atmospheric images, before the upbeat ‘Money, Money’ and the ensemble showcase ‘Coconut Champagne’, which featured the on form trombone section and screaming trumpet talents of Gavin Spowart.

The band rounded off their programme with Eoin Tonner’s arrangement of ‘Defying Gravity’.

Lacked invention

Whitburn’s entertainment set was made up extensively of conductor’s Sandy Smith’s arrangements, and although solidly played, lacked the invention and spontaneity of Kingdom’s effort – resulting in a one point lead on the music category being overtaken by Kingdom’s inventive entertainment approach.

Third placed Unison Kinneil, conducted by Paul Drury, pushed the two rivals close, but had to be content with third place on the night.

More information about the event can be found at: http://www.sbba.org.uk/

Results:
(Music/Entertainment)

1. Kingdom Brass (Andrew Duncan) – 93/47 = 140
2. Exchange Communications Whitburn (Sandy Smith) – 94/45 = 139
3. Unison Kinneil (Paul Drury) – 90/43 = 133

The next semi final is to be played on the 12th June at 6.30pm.