*
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    


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd