*
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    


Swedish

Results: 2025 Swedish National Championships

November 9 • Gota Brass make it eight wins in a row as they secure the Swedish title yet again


Paul Mealor

Mealor provides 12 answers

November 9 • Composer Paul Mealor reveals more about his life, work and future plans — including his latest brass band world premiere.


Webster

Webster passes on expertise to brass band students

November 9 • Roger Webster recently added to the student appeal of studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.


Varley

Varley takes decision to end Grimethorpe tenure

November 9 • Grimethorpe's respected solo horn player Helen Varley has stepped down from playing with the Yorkshire band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Delph Band - Delph Youth Band

Sunday 16 November • Denshaw Village Hall, . Ripponden Rd, . Denshaw, . Oldham OL3 5SY


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Audley Brass

November 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking an Eb BASS PLAYER as we work towards our Dickens A Christmas Carol theme concert, the Beartown Brewery Christmas party and the 2026 Area contest.


Tintwistle Band

November 9 • Attention soprano cornet players!. Tintwistle band (famed for the number 1 hit single Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs!) are looking for a soprano cornet player!. We are 2nd section, enjoy all year round concerts/contests, and band social events.


Harlow Brass Band

November 8 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd