*
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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd