Kingdom Brass continued their excellent domestic form with a fine win at the Fife Charities Band Association (FCBA) Annual Open contest in Kirkcaldy at the weekend.

Fraternity victory

Led by resident conductor Paul Drury, their performance of Thierry Deleruyelle's 'Fraternity' secured a two point margin of victory over Unison Kinneil.

They in turn delivered a cracking 'Dances & Alleluias' to secure the invitation to compete at the Spring Festival in Blackpool next May. Third place went to a solid account of the rarely heard 'The Beacons' by Newmilns & Galston.

Awards and prizes

Kingdom's rendition of the classic 'O.R.B.' also lifted the prize for 'Best march', whilst they added to their success by picking up the majority of individual awards, with principal cornet Dave Prentice, flugel Sarah Findlay and solo euphonium Neil Philip taking the 'Best' cornet, horn and euphonium accolades with the tuba and percussion teams also weighing in with section prizes.

The prize for 'Best Hymn' went to the Bathgate, with the 'Best Trombone' award claimed by Graeme McGregor of Unison Kinneil.

Enjoyable event

Adjudicator John Ward alter said: "This was a really enjoyable event. Kingdom ended up the outstanding band, taking both the test piece and march prizes, but there were a number of other fine performances, including a lovely rendition of 'When I Survey' by Bathgate, which took the hymn prize.

The Adam Smith Theatre is an excellent venue and the acoustic is perfect for judging!"

Meanwhile, solo and sectional award adjudicator Craig Savage added: "I've played at this contest a number of times and it's always been a well-run event.

There was plenty of excellent technical section work along with some outstanding solo performances that deservedly took the prizes."

This was a really enjoyable event. Kingdom ended up the outstanding band, taking both the test piece and march prizes, but there were a number of other fine performancesAdjudicator, John Ward

Result:

1. Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury) -196
2. Unison Kinneil (Chris Shanks) — 195
3. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Cameron) — 193
4. Dalkeith & Monktonhall (Jim Chamberlain) — 191
5. Bon Accord Silver 'A' (Steve Malcolm) — 190
6. Bo'ness & Carriden (Lee Skipsy) — 189
7. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Charles Keenan) — 188
8. Bathgate (Paul Kiernan) — 187
9. Clackmannan District (Paul McKelvie) — 186
10. Tullis Russell Mills (John Wallace) — 184
11. Shotts St. Patrick's (Ray Munday) — 181
12. Dysart Colliery (Kenny Letham) — 177
13. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Chris Mansfield) — 176
14. Dunfermline Town (Andy Shaw) — 175
15. Bon Accord Silver 'B' (Jennifer Cook) — 174

Spring Festival qualification: Unison Kinneil

Winning Conductor: Paul Drury

Best Fife 'A' Band: Kingdom Brass
Best Fife 'B' Band: Dysart Colliery

Best March: Kingdom Brass
Best Hymn: Bathgate

Best First Section Band: Kingdom Brass
Best Second Section Band: Clackmannan District
Best Third Section Band: Dysart Colliery
Best Fourth Section Band: Bon Accord Silver 'B'

Best Cornet: Dave Prentice (Kingdom Brass)
Best Horn: Sarah Findlay (flugel) — Kingdom Brass
Best Euphonium: Neil Philip (Kingdom Brass)
Best Trombone: Graeme McGregor (Unison Kinneil)
Best Basses: Kingdom Brass
Best Percussion: Kingdom Brass