*
banner

Reminder for Scottish solo and ensemble stars

Players wishing to take part in the forthcoming Besson Scottish Solo & Ensemble Championships have been given a gentle reminder to get their entries in...

sbba
 

Soloists and ensembles have been reminded to get their entries in plenty of time for the forthcoming Besson Scottish Solo & Ensemble Championships.

Childs

Besson euphonium artist David Childs will be part of the adjudicating team, which is due to feature the 'Youth' contests on Saturday, February 6th, in Livingston's Howden Park Centre, and the 'Open' competitions in the Regal Theatre, Bathgate, on Sunday, February 7th.

Important

Urging people to get involved, Black Dyke's baritone star Katrina Marzella commented: "Looking back, I can now see how important solo competitions were in my development as a young musician.

Having the chance to play in front of an audience from a young age and on a regular basis was invaluable, and I learned so much from the experience. I'm still great friends with my fellow school quartet members and enjoyed both the musical and social aspects of contests too. I would encourage all young players to give it a go — you won't regret it!"

Youth entries

Youth qualifiers should confirm their entries with completed youth entry forms to Ann Murray as soon as possible: annmurray37@hotmail.co.uk.

Qualifiers are welcome to enter the open competitions.

The Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships are open to brass and percussion players of all ages, with the solos adjudicated in instrument categories (cornet, trombone etc).

The Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships are open to brass and percussion players of all ages, with the solos adjudicated in instrument categories4BR

Champion of Champions

From the winner of each instrument category, a 'Champion of Champions' will take the overall solo title as well as receiving the opportunity to perform at various events during the course of the year.

All open brass soloists will also receive an invite to compete in the Open Slow Melody competition.

Solo pieces should be no longer than six minutes while the limit for ensemble works is eight minutes.

Completed open solo and ensemble entry forms should be sent to Peter Fraser:
fraserp3@virginmedia.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd