*
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    


Fodens

RNCM International Brass Band Festival concerts on wobplay

February 3 • Foden's opening concert of a memorable weekend in Manchester can now be enjoyed on the Wobplay.com media platform — with others to follow.


Eiamjer

Major financial boost to help Eikanger ambitions

February 3 • A substantial three year grant will help support the Siddis champion with its educational, music outreach programmes and ongoing running costs.


Jimmy Leggat

Cross border accolades for Leggat

February 3 • The popular KNDS Fairey bandsman Jimmy Leggat takes a final official bow on a very special weekend of musical celebration with friends.


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd