The Northern Counties Open Contest attracted a strong field of rivals from across Scotland to perform in front of an appreciative audience in Kinross on the weekend, with each providing a 20-minute entertainment programme in their bid to impress adjudicators John Boax and Davie Frame.
Hat-trick for Bon Accord
In the end it proved to be a historic day for defending champion Bon Accord Silver, as victory gave the Aberdeen outfit their first NCBBA hat-trick.
Under the baton of Steve Malcolm, they opened with Hazo's 'Ride', described by John Boax as 'stunning', before solo trombone Mark Boyd produced a lyrical 'Best Soloist' rendition of Charlie Chaplin's 'Smile'.
The band finished what the judge's called 'a very enjoyable programme' with 'Scarborough Fair' and Tom Davoren's 'Visions of Kolkhis' to claim a clean sweep of prizes, with the trophies for 'Best NCBBA Band' and 'Best Conductor' alongside Craig Beattie's 'Best Soprano' honours and the 'Best Percussion' award.
Delighted Arbroath
A delighted Arbroath Instrumental under Mike Robertson was runner-up, claiming the 'Best Second Section Band' trophy in the process.
Their set included PLC's high-impact 'Enter the Galaxies', the atmospheric 'Rainforest' from 'Windows of the World' and the Cole Porter standard 'Be a Clown'. Young trombonist Jordan Robertson wowed with the James Bond ballad 'Nobody does it Better', before they finished with 'Lady Stewart's Air' and Alan Fernie's exciting arrangement of the traditional Russian dance 'Casatchok'.
To add to their success, their bold performance was also awarded the 'Most Entertaining Programme' prize.
Relief
Expressing his relief at the dearth of gimmicks and fancy dress on show, adjudicator Davie Frame explained that Arbroath's set had been an obvious choice, delivering exactly the kind of exciting musical entertainment an audience member would have wanted.
Avant-garde
The final podium place went to Granite City Brass, who also took the 'Best First Section Band' award under Bruce Wallace.
They drew praise from the judges for their 'excellent' bass section, especially on the opening march 'Farvel til en Slavisk Kvinne'. Contrast was shown with a beautiful arrangement by Greg Jasperse of 'Abide with Me', before principal euphonium Lewis Catto starred in a devilishly rapid 'Banjo and Fiddle'.
Continuing their reputation for bringing slightly avant-garde choices to their programmes, Bruce Wallace's own arrangement of the haunting 'Old Churches' segued into Stephen Bulla's dramatic 'Firestorm'.
Well directed
With a number of well directed and delivered performances from the other competitors, there was much to enjoy throughout the day, with a highly encouraging performance from Granite City's own Community Band.
Their non-competitive contribution of 'great energy' according to the judges was added to be the permanent smiles from all the youngsters who took part!
Elsewhere, Shotts St Patrick's took home the prize as 'Best non-NCBBA Band', whilst there was further delight for the Bon Accord organisation as their 'B' Band held off the opposition to claim the 'Best Fourth Section Band' award.
The band finished what the judge's called 'a very enjoyable programme' with 'Scarborough Fair' and Tom Davoren's 'Visions of Kolkhis' to claim a clean sweep of prizes4BR
Results:
Adjudicators: John Boax and Davie Frame
1. Bon Accord Silver (Steve Malcolm) — 90
2. Arbroath Instrumental (Mike Robertson) — 88
3. Granite City Brass (Bruce Wallace) — 87
4. Shotts St Patrick's (Chris Mansfield) — 85
5. Bon Accord 'B' (Jennifer Cook) — 83
6. Dysart Colliery (Ross Brotherston) — 82
7. Forfar Instrumental (Terence Jackson) — 80
Adjudication only: Granite City Community (Lewis Catto)
Best First Section: Granite City Brass
Best Second Section: Arbroath Instrumental
Best Fourth Section: Bon Accord 'B'
Best NCBBA Member Band: Bon Accord Silver
Best Non-NCBBA Band: Shotts St. Patrick's
Most Entertaining Programme: Arbroath Instrumental
Best Percussion: Bon Accord Silver
Best Soprano: Craig Beattie (Bon Accord Silver)
Best Soloist: Mark Boyd (Bon Accord Silver)
Winning Conductor: Steve Malcolm (Bon Accord Silver)
