The 71st annual Fife Charities Band Association contest was recently held in the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, where the Bon Accord Band under the direction of Stephen Malcolm almost claimed a comprehensive clean sweep of all the silverware on offer.
A boldly delivered account of Kenneth Downie's 'St Magnus' allied to the hymn tune 'Blaenwern' and march 'The President' saw the Aberdeen band win all but one individual prize as they saw off the keen challenge of podium finishers Tullis Russell Mills and Granite City Brass.
First victory
In what was the band's first ever victory at the event, individual awards went to 'Best Cornet' David Cooper, 'Best Euphonium', Richard Kidd and 'Best Trombone' Mark Boyd, whilst the band's percussion and tuba teams also claimed section prizes.
Tullis Russell Mills left for their trip home along the A92 as the 'Best Fife Band' and 'Best First Section Band' after wrestling the huge silver trophy away from Kingdom Brass for only the second time with a cultured reprise of the First Section National Final account of 'Ballet for Band' under Paul Kiernan.
Aberdeen celebrations
Granite City also ensured Aberdeen based celebrations were in order as they came third under Bruce Wallace, although there was disappointment for defending champion Kingdom Brass as they ended fifth behind Unison Kinneil — their lowest finish since 2007, despite Sarah Findlay taking the 'Best Horn/Flugel' prize.
Welcome Yorkshire visitors Emley Brass was sixth and took home the 'Best Second Section' prize, whilst Tullis Russell Intermediate took the 'Best Third Section' honours.
Good day for Dysart
It was also a good day for another Fife band as Dysart Colliery as under the direction of newly appointed MD Ross Brotherston they won the 'Best Fourth Section' award — the first time their name had appeared on the trophy since 1968.
At the conclusion of the contest adjudicator Steve Pritchard-Jones pointed out that he felt that some of the own-choice selections hadn't shown the band's strengths off.
A boldly delivered account of Kenneth Downie's 'St Magnus' allied to the hymn tune 'Blaenwern' and march 'The President' saw the Aberdeen band win all but one individual prize4BR
Results:
Adjudicator:
Steve Pritchard Jones
John Boax (Solo prizes)
1. Bon Accord Silver (Stephen Malcolm) — 190
2. Tullis Russell Mills (Paul Kiernan) — 189
3. Granite City Brass (Bruce Wallace) — 187
4. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson) — 186
5. Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury) — 184
6. Emley Brass (Garry Hallas) — 183
7. Dysart Colliery (Ross Brotherston) — 181
8. Broxburn & Livingston (Chris Shanks) — 180
9. Croy Silver (Ken Blackwood) — 179
10. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Chris Mansfield) — 178
11. Tullis Russell Intermediate (Steven Craig) — 177
12. Renfrew Burgh (Mark Good) — 177
13. Bon-Accord Silver B (Jennifer Cook) — 176
Best Fife A Band: Tullis Russell Mills
Best Fife B Band: Dysart Colliery
Best First Section Band: Tullis Russell Mills
Best Second Section Band: Emley Brass
Best Third Section Band: Tullis Russell Intermediate
Best Fourth Section Band: Dysart Colliery
Best Cornet: David Cooper (Bon Accord Silver)
Best Horn/Flugel: Sarah Findlay (flugel) Kingdom Brass
Best Euphonium: Richard Kidd (Bon Accord Silver)
Best Trombone: Mark Boyd (Bon Accord Silver)
Best Basses: Bon Accord Silver
Best Percussion: Bon Accord Silver
March Winners: Bon Accord
Hymn Tune Winners: Bon Accord
