*
banner

Report & Result: 2018 Northern Counties BBA Open

Kingdom Brass retains the entertainment title in Perth on a great day of music making.

Kingdom Brass
  Kingdom Brass retained its title in Perth

Bands from across Scotland recently headed to Perth to take part in the Northern Counties BBA Open. Eight bands took to the stage with each given 20 minutes to impress adjudicator Bryan Allen with their own-choice programmes.

Kingdom victory

In the end it was reigning champion Kingdom Brass under Paul Drury who claimed the spoils, with the Fife band just pipping a determined challenge from Kirkintilloch Kelvin and take home a hefty haul of seven trophies.

Bryan Allen commented that the two bands had really separated themselves from the field, delivering what he called a "consistently high"level of performance. However, he added that he felt that "although very close", the winning band just delivered that "extra bit of excitement, precision and musical interest to tip the balance."

He added: "Every band, from Championship to Fourth Section, brought something interesting to the stage. All bands and MDs are to be congratulated on well-conceived and delivered programmes, with something for everyone to enjoy."

Winning programme

Kingdom opened with a muscular 'Birdland', before trombonist Alex Philip claimed the 'Best Soloist' prize with his lyrical rendition of 'Autumn Leaves'. MD Paul Drury's own march 'Jubilee', complete with ribboned Salvation Army tambourine, was followed by the haunting Welsh folk song 'Lisa Lan', before finishing with Tan Dun's vibrant 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' — helped by the band's 'Best Percussion' team.

Kingdom also won the trophies for 'Best First Section Band' and 'Best Non-NCBBA Member Band', as well as a deserved 'Best Soprano' award for Dave Prentice.

Kingdom Brass secretary John Todd told 4BR: "We've worked hard to put together a whole new programme in a short space of time following our trip to the Senior Cup and a recent concert.

We're therefore delighted to have come away with the win, and now look forward to a deserved summer break."

So near for Kirky

For runners-up Kirkintilloch Kelvin it was a case of 'so near and yet so far', as their colourful set took the 'Most Entertaining Programme' prize, but just failed to snatch top spot.

Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Enter the Galaxies' was followed by solo baritone Laura Good on 'With His First Breath', Kabalevsky's 'Dance of the Comedians' and the small ensemble feature of the Billy Joel 'Lullabye — Goodnight My Angel'. They closed with Tom Davoren's vivid 'Visions of Kolkhis'.

Third for Clackmannan

Clackmannan District under Paul McKelvie OBE took third and the 'Best Second Section Band' trophy, thanks to a set that included 'Malaguena' the horn solo 'And Everything Is Still…' played by Graham Caldwell,the 'Dambusters March', 'The 49th Parallel', 'Under the Boardwalk', and 'Cossack Wedding Dance'.

Elsewhere, Brass Sounds Inverclyde picked up the 'Best Third Section' trophy, just ahead of local favourites Perthshire Brass who took home the award for 'Best NCBBA Member Band', while Dundee Instrumental continued to build on their solid showing at the Scottish Championships by winning the 'Best Fourth Section' prize.

We've worked hard to put together a whole new programme in a short space of time following our trip to the Senior Cup and a recent concertKingdom Brass secretary John Todd

Result:

1. Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury) — 92
2. Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass (Charles Keenan) — 91
3. Clackmannan District (Paul McKelvie OBE) — 88
4. Lochgelly (Paul McKelvie OBE) — 87
5. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (Chris Mansfield) — 86
6. Perthshire Brass (George D Annan) — 85
7. Dundee Instrumental (Robert McDonald) — 84
8. Bon Accord 'B' (Jennifer Cook) — 83

Best First Section Band: Kingdom Brass
Best Second Section Band: Clackmannan District
Best Third Section Band: Brass Sounds Inverclyde
Best Fourth Section Band: Dundee Instrumental

Best NCBBA Member Band: Perthshire Brass
Best Non-NCBBA Band: Kingdom Brass

Most Entertaining Programme: Kirkintilloch Kelvin
Best Percussion: Kingdom Brass
Best Soprano: Dave Prentice (Kingdom Brass)
Best Soloist: Alec Philip (trombone) — Kingdom Brass
Winning Conductor: Paul Drury (Kingdom Brass)

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    


4BR interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Wellinton

Results: 2025 New Zealand National Championships

July 6 • Wellington Brass continues its national domination in Christchurch, with section honours going to St Kilda, Levin & Districts, New Brighton Silver an


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chris King

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd