*
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    


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Queensbury

Last chord for Lewis at Queensbury Music Centre

June 21 • The double Yorkshire Area title winner thanks MD Chris Lewis after he decides to step down from conducting role.


Frank Mathison

Death of Frank Mathison

June 21 • The death has been announced of the former bass trombone player of the London Symphony Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Foden's

Foden's and friends...

June 21 • The North West Area champion was joined by six friendly bands for a great evening of community music making.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd