The final of the West Lothian Entertainment Contest will be between Kingdom Brass and the Co-operative Funeralcare Band, following the Scottish Open champion’s victory in the second semi final at the Howwden on the weekend.

Polished

Conducted by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, their polished mix of high quality ensemble and solo playing coupled with inventive choreography and balanced programming, saw them gain a commanding five point winning margin from adjudicator Stan Lippeatt, over rivals Kirkintilloch with Newtongrange in third.

Celebrations

It also gave the MD another top section reason to celebrate in a week in which his composition, ‘Breath of Souls’ was chosen as the set work for the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.

"It’s been a hectic time," Paul told 4BR. "First came the test piece announcement and then my first ever win as a conductor in the top section. It’s hard to choose between which was the more satisfying!"

I think we’ve struck up a good musical understanding even in such a short space of time, and the way in which the band goes about its work in preparation and on stage is nothing short of brilliantPaul Lovatt-Cooper

Praise

Paul was full of praise for his band, describing them as ‘brilliant’ in their contest preparation and on stage performance.

"It’s been a great coming here again to conduct the band. I think we’ve struck up a good musical understanding even in such a short space of time, and the way in which the band goes about its work in preparation and on stage is nothing short of brilliant."

Soloists

Co-op opened with a choreographed ‘Semper Fidelis’ followed by the MDs own composition ‘Pound the Streets’, which was originally written for the National Youth Band of Scotland.

Caroline Farren was the featured flugel soloist in ‘Aye Walkin’ O’, before the band changed styles to perform the set work march ‘West Lothian Celebration’ and the ‘Post Horn Galop’, played by Jim Hayes.

They closed with Philip Sparke’s reflective ‘A Quite Place’ before the fizzing PLC finale ‘The Enchanted Kingdom’.

Disappointment

There was disappointment for Kirkintilloch conducted by Allan Ramsay, who were unable to quite hit the top of their form after their recent qualification back to the British Open in Blackpool, despite an outstanding piece of horn playing from Allan Wardrope and a thrilling finale from the test piece, ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’.

Newtongrange meanwhile showed that they continue their own going development as a top section force north of the border with a well constructed programme under Nigel Boddice.

First final

For the winning MD however, the win means that he has a first major final to look forward to – and plenty of hard work

"We’ve got plenty of ideas, but I know that we will have to deliver a top class performance if we are to claim the West Lothian title.

The band is playing so well at the moment and as was shown in the semi final we have some wonderful soloists such as Jim Hayes and Caroline Farren. I’m really looking forward to it."

Result:
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. Co-operative Funeralcare (Paul Lovatt-Cooper) – 95/48 = 143
2. Kirkintilloch (Allan Ramsay) – 92/46 = 138
3. Newtongrange Silver (Nigel Boddice MBE) – 89/43 = 132

Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt