*
banner

2008 Besson Scottish Solo & Quartet Championships

Details of the 2008 event have been released by the organisers — with just a couple of weeks to go to get your entries in...

SBBA
 

The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced further details for the forthcoming Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships.

The event, which takes place on 2nd and 3rd of February, will be held in the Regal Theatre, Bathgate, West Lothian.

Judges

The adjudicators for the weekend are Michael Dodd, principal euphonium of Grimethorpe Colliery and Les Neish, principal Eb bass of Foden’s Richardson.

The Championships commence at 9.30am on the Saturday, when the players from the five regional qualifiers in the Junior, Intermediate and Youth categories will perform to determine the Scottish Champion in each of the sections.

This year SBBA have decided to make both the senior solos and ensembles open events and is therefore encouraging players from outwith Scotland to enterSBBA

Innovative music choice

In order to encourage the development of the solo repertoire, SBBA is pleased to announce that a prize of a £25 voucher for new music, courtesy of World of Brass, will be awarded to the performer of the most innovative choice of music in each of the solo categories over the weekend.

Gala Concert

The Gala Concert on the Saturday evening will see the adjudicators swap their pens for instruments, when they become the guest soloists, accompanied by reigning Scottish Champion, Kirkintilloch Band, and the Scottish Youth Champion, West Lothian Schools Brass Band.

Senior Final

Sunday morning will begin with the qualification section for the six available slots in the afternoon’s senior Solo Final, followed by the Ensemble contest.

This year SBBA have decided to make both the senior solos and ensembles open events and is therefore encouraging players from outwith Scotland to enter.

Entry information

For more information or to enter, please download the entry form or contact SBBA Secretary, Tom Allan on 07881 920361 or secretary@sbba.org.uk

Website: http://www.sbba.org.uk

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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd