Brass musicians go for gold
Campbeltown Brass ensembles and one soloist enchanted adjudicators at a national contest, each taking home a gold award.
The youngsters were performing at last weekend’s Scottish Youth Solo and Ensemble Championships at the Bellshill Salvation Army Church and Community Centre.
The event was adjudicated by celebrated trombonist Brett Baker of the renowned Black Dyke Band and the accompanist on the piano was the acclaimed Gina Baker.
The Campbeltown musicians were among more than 30 soloists and 11 ensembles who qualified for the finals across various age categories.
In the junior ensembles class, Campbeltown Brass B’s Katrina
Cook, Alyssa McEachran, Grace Barr and James Barr took home the Kinneil Band Trophy and a gold award after achieving first place.
Also taking home a gold award and finishing in second place was Campbeltown Brass A’s Amelie Ralston, Taylor Black, Lewis Smith, Maida Walker and Sophie Millar.
Amelie also enjoyed solo success, placing third and earning a gold award in the junior solos class, up against nine other promising young musicians.
Further gold awards were presented in the intermediate ensembles category to Campbeltown Brass A Intermediate’s Rona Campbell, Charlie Colville, Andrew Colville, Jamie Colville and Mae Barr, who finished second, and Campbeltown Brass B Intermediate’s Cara McFadzean, Emma Cook, Mae Barr and James Barr, who placed third.
Campbeltown Brass conductor Katrina Barr said: “The band is so proud of them all. Every one of the soloists and ensembles worked so hard in the run-up to the competition and they all played exceptionally well.”
The winning instrumentalists will receive an online lesson from Mr Baker as part of their prize.
The Scottish Brass Band Association, which organises the competition, would like to thank Creative Scotland for its support in staging the qualifying competitions and the final.