The Scottish Borders Brass Band Association has announced that that their 13th annual Entertainment contest will take place on Saturday November 2nd, in the splendid setting of the Town Hall in Jedburgh.

Excellent entry

There is an excellent entry of 21 bands from all over Scotland and the North East of England, hoping to impress the two ‘open’ non conferring judges — Gareth Bowman, the talented young conductor and teacher from Glasgow, and, in a real coup for the organisers, Cory’s MD Philip Harper.

In an innovative approach, Philip will use a voiceover adjudication kindly facilitated by Nigel Durno of Just Music, recording his thoughts on each band’s performance directly to a CD, which will then be given to each competitor at the conclusion of the day.

Well received

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This system allows players and conductors to hear the thoughts of the judge alongside their performance. It has been very well received in the past two years it's been used."

Gareth Bowman will write remarks in the traditional manner, and combination total will be collated to give the final result.

The contest is open to bands graded in Sections 2, 3 & 4, and each must feature at one least piece by from the pen of the great Gordon Langford within their 15 minute programme.

Popular days out

Alan Fernie, Chairman of the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association, told 4BR: "The Borders contest has developed into one of the most popular days out in the Scottish band calendar.

We are therefore delighted with the large entry and the positive support we receive for the innovations we have implemented.”

Indebted

He added: "We're particularly indebted to Nigel Durno, the Scottish Brass Band Association, and not least to this year's host band, Jedforest Instrumental and the excellent compere Alasdair Hutton."

The first band will take to the stage at 9.30am with the results expected at around 7.30pm.

This system allows players and conductors to hear the thoughts of the judge alongside their performance. It has been very well received in the past two years it's been usedSBBBA

Competing Bands:

1. Irvine & Dreghorn
2. Langholm Town
3. St. Davids
4. Jedforest Instrumental
5. Dumfries Town
6. Annan Town
7. Hawick Saxhorn
8. Kilmarnock Concert Brass
9. Renfrew Burgh
10. Peebles Burgh
11. Tullis Russell Mills
12. Buckhaven & Methil
13. Penicuik Silver
14. Durham Miners Association
15. St Ronan's Silver
16. Selkirk Silver
17. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead
18. Tullis Russell Intermediate
19. Queensferry
20. Jayess Newbiggin
21. Shotts St Patrick