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This new scheme will complement the existing Kingdom Brass Youth Initiative, allowing the organisation to teach
a whole range of percussion instruments, and generate the percussion stars of the future.
Lynsey Paterson, principal percussion with Kingdom Brass, will be head percussion tutor. Recruit will be
held towards the end of 2009, with lessons being given in the Co-op Hall, Cowdenbeath, on Monday evenings,
and the percussionists joining in with the junior bands on a Tuesday.
Percussion workshops will be held throughout 2010 for the percussionists being taught, plus other local young
percussionists. One of those will be with Simone Rebello.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
Special congratulations must go to the novice members of the Training Band, each of whom played their part
in a great debut for this section of the Callander Brass family. With much appreciated assistance from
several members of the senior band, this ensemble gave a rousing performance of four items to kick off
the second half of the concert, and did themselves proud in the process. It bodes well for the full band
that these folks, many of whom have picked instruments up only since the turn of the year, will very soon be
turning out for the senior band too.
The band opened the week by playing at Callander Primary School's PTA Fair on Saturday 23rd May. The regular
Thursday band practice was designated an "Open House" and we were delighted that some visitors came along and
listened to the rehearsal at 7.30pm in the Leisure Centre Dance Studio. The week will culminate at the Sunday
Morning Service in Callander Kirk on Sunday 31st May and later on that same day, in Ancaster Square from 1pm
if weather permits, making it a busy Brass Band Week for Callander Brass.
From the Callander Brass website, <www.callanderbrass.co.uk>
24th May 2009 - Dunfermline Success at Northern Counties
The Band again played 5 entertaining pieces and featured Flugel Soloist Roz Neil.
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
May 2009 - Podium Finish for Kingdom at Senior Cup
Conducted by Craig Anderson, the band delivered a fantastic performance of the testpiece, Herbert Howell's
'Pageantry', and captured one of the four promotion places which were on offer. Sixty bands battled it out
across three contests in the sprawling Winter Gardens complex, with Kingdom finally taking their form from
north of the border down south.
The last time the band tasted success in Blackpool was 2006, with victory in the Senior Trophy, which secured
promotion to the Senior Cup. Two below par performances in 2007 and 2008 saw the band well down the table,
but some serious hard work in the run up to the event saw the band finally realise it's potential, and secure
a place in the Grand Shield for 2010.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
Rachel played a fantastic rendition of Demelza.
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
25th April 2009 - Clackmannan Win FBBF Contest
Programme - French Military March, Higgyjig, Dance of the Pirates, Irish Blessing and Glorifico Aeternum
From the Clackmannan District Band website, <www.clackmannanbrass.co.uk>
25th April 2009 - Dunfermline Runner Up at FBBF Contest
The band played 5 entertaining pieces and featured the band's superb flugel player, Roz Neil, playing Share My Yoke.
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
25th April 2009 - Dysart 2nd Place at FBBF Contest
Congraulations to Dougie, who picked up Best Instrumentalist in the 4th Section!
From the Dysart Colliery Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
7th April 2009 - Dunfermline Delight
The band has benefited from one or two new arrivals to fill gaps in the trombone, euphonium and baritone and
horn sections this year and each new member has helped enormously to raise the playing standard of everyone.
Prior to the contest the band held a rehearsal day under the watchful eye of Mr Archie Hutchinson with sectionals
taken by well know instrumentalists James Chamberlain (flugal/horns), Charlie Farren (trombones), Jim Anderson
(Euphs/Basses). The band would like to formally thank these people for all of their help which ultimately added
to the bands success.
Finally the band has a brand new website up and running with details of all of the senior bands
activities and those of the increasingly successful youth band. The link is
<www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
22nd March 2009 - Clackmannan Retain Championship Section Status
The testpiece was Salute to Youth by Gilbert Vinter.
From the Clackmannan District Band website, <www.clackmannanbrass.co.uk>
22nd March 2009 - Callander at the Scottish Championships
The excitement among players was clearly evident as the band gathered during the course of the morning. From
novices to the most senior of players, there was clear evidence that this was something new and challenging.
It may have been a non-contesting performance, but for a first visit to a major event, the tension on many
faces was absolutely apparent. Meeting up with folks from other bands, some known, some not, brought many
kind words of encouragement. This certainly helped many in the band feel more at ease and was definitely
much appreciated.
Listening to the Section 1 contest, won by Kirkintilloch Kelvin, was an inspiration. It was also quite an
eyeopener for many of the newcomers to this sort of event. The standard of play from the bands in this
division was excellent, and the knowledge that many of these would be in the hall to hear us perform was
quite daunting. To think that the section above this was also in attendance only added to the sense of awe
felt by many.
Performing after Dysart, the walk to the stage was a real adrenaline rush, and the actual 12 minute program
passed in a bit of a blur for yours truly. That the speed seemed to be getting faster and faster in a couple
of pieces may have been all inside my head, but in no time at all we were savouring the generous cheers as
we left the stage.
Our adjudication was most favourable, and registered band members will be able to view it online in the Members
Only section when I get around to transcribing it later on today. Alan Fernie was generous with his praise,
fair with his criticism and honest in his assessment of Callander Brass as a performing band.
A huge thank you has to go to everyone concerned with this event. Firstly we must thank SBBA for inviting
us to attend and then thank the audience for their encouragement and support. Further thanks are due to
the two substitute Solo Cornet players who helped out our front row on Sunday, Brian and Dan and of course,
or replacement percussionist, George Howie. Then finally we must extend our sincere appreciation to the family
and friends who have supported the band through these formative months, many of whom were able to come and
support on the day, many more who were not, but who's patience and encouragement have been essential in the
band making the fantastic progress which it has already accomplished. There are a set of images from the
warm up room available in the Gallery section of the website, have a look and see the faces prior to performance.
A resounding "Well done" to everyone involved in Sunday's performance. Who knows, perhaps next year it
will be a Section 4 debut?
From the Callander Brass website, <www.callanderbrass.co.uk>
21st March 2009 - Dunfermline Runner Up at Scottish Championships
The Band played a very musical performance to gain promotion to the 2nd Section and to book a place to compete
in The National Brass Band Final Championships held in Harrogate in September.
To cap a wonderful result the bands soprano player, Neil Wallace, won The Best Instrumentalist Medal.
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
February 2009 - Kingdom Appoint James Gourlay for Scottish Championships
James has a reputation as one of the country's finest tuba players but has also enjoyed great success at the
highest level as a conductor.
The move to appoint James has been proposed and organised by the bands current MD, Craig Anderson. Craig has
many commitments in the coming months as MD of Campbeltown Brass and playing obligations with the Scottish
Chamber Orchestra, BBC SSO and RSNO.
Craig says, "I feel it is an ideal opportunity for the band to engage Jim at this time. I feel I cannot
commit fully to everything at once and a Championship Section band of Kingdom's standard could really benefit
from the change of direction and experience."
Kingdom received some bad news recently when principal Bb tuba player Ian Green injured his back in an accident
at work, and faces a lengthy recuperation period, which means he cannot compete at the Scottish Championships
in March. Craig added, "I will be signing as a player with the band and will work jointly with Jim until a
few weeks before the contest, at which time I shall transfer into the tuba section to cover for Ian. We do
wish him a speedy recovery so that he can retake his seat as soon as possible after the contest. I will then
take up the podium again after the Championships and look forward to the next challenge with Kingdom."
Bill Sandell, Chairman of Kingdom Brass said, "It's a huge privilege to have Jim Gourlay conducting the band
in this prestigious event. With Craig preparing us in conjunction with Jim and then stepping in to the principal
Bb tuba seat, this absolutely is the best of both worlds for us. Jim is originally from Fife, and to have him
conducting the Fife Champions at the Scottish Championships is going to be something special. I understand he
hasn't worked in Fife before, so it really will be great to have him in the Kingdom."
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
We were informed, advised, nay warned that a fair number of the brass performers were recent beginners,
many having started from scratch (if that's the word) just last August. There was a great deal of concentration
in evidence, and overall a good, strong, harmonious sound. One group of numbers featured the new starts
(with one or two old hands helping out), and showed that they could produce a real brass band sound. Other
numbers showcased, either as solos or in groups, the different types of instrument in the Band. Particularly
heartening was the cornet section, including 4 school pupils, three more young folk and a couple of more
seasoned veterans. A great strength of the Band is the mix of fresh starts, people taking an instrument up
again after, in some cases, a gap of many years, and experienced players.
The recently formed Callander Strings, directed by local instructor Jean Thewlis, played a two sets of pieces.
Once again, theirs was a well chosen and balanced selection, from tunes in the Scots fiddle tradition to
"Oklahoma", which provided a rousing finale.
Callander Brass gave a performance on 5th February which must certainly have boosted the confidence of the
players, is guaranteed to win the Band more friends and converts, and provided a stirring and tuneful evening.
It was with interest and indeed some surprise that the conductor informed not only the audience but also most
of the band that their next public outing will be on March 22nd when they play as an invited non-contesting
band at the Caird Hall, Dundee in the Scottish Brass Band Championships. With their enthusiasm, high standard,
and tunefulness. the message is "Keep it up, Callander Brass; the community is already looking forward to your
next home concert, in June!"
From the Callander Brass website, <www.callanderbrass.co.uk>
December 2008 - Dunfermline Recruitment
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
22nd November 2008 - Dunfermline Compete in Scottish Cup
The band were up against some of the best bands from the 2nd,3rd and 4th sections in the Scottish
Cup Class, and gained a very credible 5th position. We now look forward to the forthcoming Scottish
Championships in Dundee.
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
6th October 2008 - New Soprano for Dunfermline
Neil has previously played Soprano and Principal Cornet with Tullis Russell and Soprano with
Championship Section Bands Kelty & Blairadam, Lochgelly and Boness & Carriden.
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
4th October 2008 - Kingdom Regain Fife Champions Title
A phenomenal effort from the band to prepare the testpiece, St. Magnus, paid off with a runners
up spot in the Open Contest, with the band also winning the hymn tune.
Individual awards went to solo cornet player Lee Bathgate, on his return to the principal seat,
and the bass section, with Angus Pearse, Jim Kelly, Ian Green and John Hamilton lifting the trophy.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
The band also won the best Fife B Band Trophy.
From the Dunfermline Town Band website, <www.dunfermlinebrass.co.uk>
4th October 2008 - Annual Contest Held
Kingdom Brass, conducted by Craig Anderson, won the Association title for best FCBA 'A' Band. Dunfermline
Town, conducted by Dave Neil, won the FCBA 'B' Band title.
The adjudicators for the competition were Russell Gray (Open, March and Hymn Contests) and Katrina Marzella
(individual awards).
<Click here for a pdf of the full results>
The combined A/B Band, which will be competing at the Scottish Youth Championships in November, was conducted
by Nigel Boddice, assisted by Dave Neil.
The C Band was conducted by Alan Fernie.
The event began at 10am, with a packed day of rehearsal for the youth players. The day ended with a short
concert given by the two bands to a packed hall of parents and supporters.
The next workshop will be held over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, November 22nd and 23rd.
The five figure sum from the Scottish Arts Council will allow the Youth Initiative to expand much
further over the next two years, with the formation of two full youth bands to complement the
training currently being given to the band's young players
The project will also cover a series of workshop weekends, over the next two years, with some of the finest brass
musicians, teachers and clinicians in the country. One welcome area of development will be that of low brass, with
funding made available to purchase tubas and more euphoniums for the bands.
Additionally, funding will be made available for promotional and merchandising material for the band, as well as
other areas such as administration costs, tutoring and participation at events.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
Alan Edmond, the SBBA Development Officer, gave an informative talk on SBBA's role assisting the
area associations with their Youth Development. Graeme Wilson, from Fife Council, spoke about his
support of the local bands, and the importance of youth music. Malcolm Kirkpatrick, of 'The Wind Section'
talked about the available instruments for youth bands, and the final guest was Alan Fernie, who talked
about the available repertoire for youth bands.
Additional topics covered were Child Protection (from Danny Harrison) and the plans for the Fife Regional Band,
FY:NG, delivered by Danny Harrison and Alison Hall.
Seven of the member bands (Buckhaven Brass Beginnings, Dunfermline Town, Dysart Colliery, Kingdom Brass, Lochgelly,
Tayport Instrumental and Tullis Russell) also gave talks on their own Youth Development, each highlighting successes
and problem areas which they might need assistance with from other bands, or from the Association.
10am - Adam Smith, Kirkcaldy. FCBA General Committee visit.
A packed house attended Kingdom's concert as part of the Aberdour Festival, creating a fantastic atmosphere
inside St Fillan's Church. The audience were treated to some fantastic playing all evening, including a
superb 'Nessum Dorma' from guest principal cornet player Iain Culross
The evening also saw the concert debut of the Kingdom Brass Youth Band, which performed a few pieces after the
interval.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
The success of these workshops meant that three bands could be created. The 'A Band' was conducted by
Craig Anderson, the 'B Band' by Dave Neil and the 'C Band' by Alan Fernie.
The event began at 10am, with the young players rehearsing during the day, culminating in a series of
short concerts to the packed hall. Another great success with the young players in Fife.
The next workshop will be Sunday, September 28th.
The band, conducted by Craig Anderson, produced an exciting, polished performance which was high
on energy but just couldn't match an on form Whitburn.
The band's programme began with an up beat performance of "Valero", and continued with a new
composition from Andy Duncan, "When Kingdom Comes". Next up was the reigning Scottish Solo Champion,
Jim Smith, with a performance of "Carnival of Venice". A more mellow item next, with Kenneth Downie's
"In Perfect Peace", followed by the upbeat "Crazy Brass Machine". Some Stevie Wonder was next for the audience,
with "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" featuring three flugels and three trombones. A piece of fantastic
film music followed, with "The Mask of Zorro". The band finished their programme with Tchaikovsky's
"The Little Russian", a rousing end to a fantastic programme.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
All member bands should now have copies of the agenda. The event starts at 1pm, with a buffet lunch
from 12.30pm.
Closing date for the contest is September 6th 2008.
The Northern Counties Contest proved a successful day out for Clackmannan Band when 3 prizes were won.
They were 2nd overall, won the best 1st Section Band and the best non Northern Counties Band.
The programme was - French Military March, Irish Blessing, Dance of the Pirates, Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair
- featuring solo euphonium player Wille Downie and finally Glorifico Aeternum. The adjudicator was Kevin
Wadsworth.
Full Results -
1st Bon Accord 194
From the Clackmannan District website, <www.clackmannanbrass.co.uk>
In the junior contest it was young cornet player Hayley Edmond of Whitburn who took the victory ahead of fellow
cornetist Murray McFarlane of Lochgelly. Hayleys performance of "Macushla" was excellent and showed great maturity.
Murray too played excellently well with his choice of "Softly Awakes My Heart". Michael Abbot, Susan Curuthers,
Kenneth Fair, Chris Hamilton, Catherine Lockhart, Rachel Neil and David Sellars were all awarded merit certificates.
All of the entrants in the junior contest were excellent and made a valuable contribution to what was the best
junior contest in the events short history.
In the Open contest there were fantastic performances from many of the entrants but once again it was Hayley Edmond
who emerged as the winner. Hayley becomes the first person to complete the double by lifting both trophies. If
anything her performance here was even better than her previous win in the junior contest. Again showing a maturity
in performance beyond her years, this girl obviously has talent. With correct guidance she will go far and should
be a name to watch out for in years to come. Another rising star of the future is horn player Rachel Neil of
Dunfermline Town who just missed out on adding the Bill Shaw Memorial trophy to the Fife slow melody trophy she
won in January. After her Fife win in January Rachels name popped up on the radar of several bands, todays
performance will not have diminished her growing reputation. Finishing in third place and awarded the trophy for
the highest placed Lochgelly band player was euphonium player Wesley Stuart; at "a shade under 40", the oldest
player to make the top four. Wesley only joined Lochgelly to help them out at a contest but enjoyed it so much
he decided to stay. A fine euphonium player, this trophy is just reward for the contribution he has made to the
bands success over the last few months. In fourth place was another young name to look out for in the future,
Lauren Robb of Unison Kinneil. Lauren gave a great performance of "Meditation From Thais" off the dreaded number
1 draw.
It bodes well for the future of Scottish banding that four of the top six placings in the Open contest were filled
by junior players. Not only that, but they are all players who have the talent and ability to go on and make a name
for themselves in the future. Such was the standard of the junior contest that those younger players behind the
leaders will surely be challenging in the future if they maintain their current progress. It was pleasing to note
that Whitburn, Unison Kinneil, Dunfermline Town and Dysart all entered players who are products of their own
fledgling youth development projects. The signs are good in Scotland that a new generation of young brass players
is on the verge of breaking through, due in no small part to the efforts of SBBA in conjunction with their member
bands and local education authorities.
The Lochgelly Band would like to pass on its congratulations to the winners and its thanks to all of the competitors
who all helped make this contest a fitting tribute to the man whose name it bears. Our thanks too to adjudicator
Jim Chamberlain and accompanist Susan Gormley and to all those backroom staff who helped make the day run smoothly.
Bill Shaw Memorial Slow Melody Contest Results
Junior Section
1. Hayley Edmond (Cornet, Whitburn) 94
Merit Awards:
Michael Abbot, Dunfermline Town
Open Section
1. Hayley Edmond (Cornet, Whitburn) 96
From the Lochgelly website, <www.lochgellyband.com>
A top class performance of the band's own choice concert programme was more than enough to win the title for
the third time in a row, and also win the prize for best bass section.
The band's programme started with an arrangement of 'Valero', which set the standard for the rest of the
performance. That was followed with a cornet solo, featuring the band's principal cornet James Smith. The
Scottish Solo Champion was on top form with a fantastic rendition of 'Carnival of Venice'. 'Nicaea' was the next
item on the programme, a lovely arrangement of the hymn tune. A stirring performance of 'Mask of Zorro' led into
the finale, Tchaikovsky's 'Little Russian'. 27 bands competed in the competition.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
From the Clackmannan District website, <www.clackmannanbrass.co.uk>
The band opened their programme with a new arrangement by Sandy Smith of "The Mask of Zorro". This exciting opener
was a popular choice among bands with at least two other bands choosing the same piece. The remaining three pieces
in the bands programme also showcased Paul Drurys talent as a composer and arranger as they all came from his pen.
The first of this trio was the wonderful cornet solo "Here's To The Heroes" which some may recognise as one of the
themes from the movie Dances With Wolves. Originally penned for the Sellers International Band, and premiered at
their 2006 Brass in Concert performance, this solo won the best soloist prize for Iain Culross at that contest.
The bands principal cornet player Stuart Hepburn gave a great performance of this piece with an equally impressive
accompaniment from the band too. The band then upped the tempo once more with Pauls arrangement of "There's A Coach
Coming In" from the musical Paint Your Wagon. Very much the crowd pleasing choice this great little arrangement
of the popular tune went down well with audience and adjudicator alike. Although deceptively simple, it requires
a lot of concentration to "keep the heid" and maintain dynamic and tempo control. The band finished their programme
with "Bound For The Promised Land". This piece is very much in the style of Pines of Rome and requires a great deal
of stamina to perform well after a demanding programme. The band rose to the challenge and provided a stunning
performance to round off what had been another great choice of programme from Paul Drury.
All in all another great contest performance from the band and one which affirms their position in the great brass
band pecking order. Both band and conductor are pleased with the result and will continue to build on this for the
future.
From the Lochgelly website, <www.lochgellyband.com>
As well as the Executive Committee, two General Committees will be formed over the next 7 days, as per the new
Organisation constitution. These General Committees will be made up of one representative from each member band.
They will meet on a regular basis (quarterly) to discuss the various issues affecting the youth and senior bands.
Chairman - John Martin
FCBA Secretary - John Todd
FYI Secretary - Dorothy Hall
A superb performance of the testpiece, Eric Ball's "Festival Music", finally gave the band the breakthrough into the
Scottish top three which had eluded them so many times.
Just missing out on a place at the National Finals and a return to the Albert Hall was hard to take at the time,
but the realisation of the highest placing by a Fife band in almost 30 years soon began to sink in.
After a half dozen 4th and 5th placings since 2001, Kingdom had been working hard behind the scenes to try and
break into that 'top three', and the hard work finally paid off with a polished performance which impressed the
adjudicators.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
Clackmannan District continued their recent contest success by coming 2nd at the Scottish Championships in the
Rothes Halls, Glenrothes. Drawn number 4 the band played the set testpiece James Cook Circumnavigator to
adjudicators, Steve Sykes and David Thornton. Section winners were Bo'ness and Carriden with Lochgelly taking
3rd place. Bo'ness and Clackmannan both qualify for the National Finals in Harrogate in September.
From the Clackmannan District website, <www.clackmannanbrass.co.uk>
The band are now ranked as the top band in the 1st section and everyone will be looking to take their scalp whenever
they contest. That merely means that they will have to work harder to maintain their current position. Traditionally
neither Boness nor Clackmannan attend many contests so Lochgelly are also in with an outside chance at the band of
the year title, although they do have a gap of six points to make up.
Thats also two contests and two trophies for the band MD Paul Drury and fully justifies the faith Lochgelly have in
his ability to lead them on to greater things.
For Lochgelly, they now have a busy year ahead. Their final placing ensures them an invite to the Scottish Challenge
Shield contest at the end of November. There is also the Fife contest at the start of October and the band are
hopeful of an invitation to the Pontins contest at the end of October.
From the Lochgelly website, <www.lochgellyband.com>
The majority of Fife's brass bands demonstrated their ability to work together to deliver something special,
with a fantastic evening of top quality brass in Kingdom's rehearsal hall.
Each band had been invited by Kingdom Brass to perform their Scottish Championship testpieces, and Dysart Colliert,
conducted by Bill Sandell was first up. They relished the rousing applause from the packed hall. Following them w
ere Dunfermline Town, with Dave Neil conducting, then Tullis Russell under Gavin Lindsay. Lochgelly, now firmly
established in the first section, performed the testpiece 'James Cook', with Paul Drury conducting.
Finally, Kingdom performed their testpiece, 'Festival Music' to a packed hall. Following the testpiece, Kingdom
entertained the audience with a short concert programme, including a performance of 'Demelza' with Rachel Neil
as guest soloist, and Dave Neil conducting.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
A fantastic performance of his solo, "Weber's Last Waltz" saw the reigning Fife Champion lift a quite astonishing
eighth Scottish title, 40 years after his first win.
The crowd present for his performance heard a quite superb musical rendition, which was clearly the winner on
the day. At the announcement of the results, the large Kingdom contingent were on hand to cheer and congratulate
a clearly moved winner.
Added to the Open Solo title was the Scottish Ensemble title, with Kingdom's quartet retaining the title won in
2007. The quartet of Lee Bathgate, William McLaughlin, Ali Hall and Brian Paterson were conducted to victory by
Angus Pearse, with Whitburn in the runners up spot.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
Thanks go to Tullis Russell Band for hosting the event this year, which was held in the Laurel Bank Hotel,
in Markinch
Pictured is Rachel Neil, winner of the Slow Melody Contest
Senior solos
1. Jim Smith (Cornet, 11) 95
1. Rachel Neil (Horn, 16) 88
1. Kingdom Brass (Mixed) (W) (2) 94
1. Carol Ednie (Cornet, Buckhaven Brass Beginnings, 6) 74
1. Michelle McEwan (Cornet, Dunfermline, 1) 84
1. Katy Anderson (Euphonium, Clackmannan, 3) 89
1. Dunfermline (2) 79
1. Buckhaven (2) 78
Principal cornet Jim Smith won the Open Solo competition, with the band's mixed quartet taking the ensemble
prize.
Reigning Solo Champion Craig Herriot had to settle for the runners up spot in the Open Solos, with other Kingdom
players Ali Hall and Lee Bathgate in 3rd and 4th places. Kingdom also took 2nd, 3rd and 4th places in the slow
melody competition, with Craig Herriot, William McLaughlin and Carol Sandell featuring. The band's trombone quartet
was runner up in the ensemble section.
In the junior sections, Mark McLauchlin was runner up in the 16-21 age group, and trombonist Michael McLaughlin,
son of the band's cornet player William McLaughlin, put on a very confident performance to take the runners up spot
in the under 12 age group.
From the Kingdom Brass website, <www.kingdombrass.co.uk>
Katie Anderson won the 16 - 21 section of the Fife Charities Band Association solo and ensemble contest
playing Rhapsody for Euphonium.
From the Clackmannan District website, <www.clackmannanbrass.co.uk>
7th September 2009 - YMI Funding For Kingdom Percussion Academy
Kingdom Brass have secured funding from the Youth Music Initiative to set up the KB Percussion Academy.
30th May 2009 - Brass Band Week Events for Callander Brass
On Friday 29th May Callander Brass presented their first Summer Concert in Callander Kirk.
This focal point of the Band's contribution to Scottish Brass Band Week 2009 was another tremendous success,
with a second outstanding collection of enthusiastic supporters offering encouragement to the Band from
start to finish. Guest artists, Stushie, were well recieved too, with their exciting blend of traditional
tunes with novel interpretations and arrangements providing a perfect couterpoint to the more traditional
Brass Band fayre which comprised the main share of the evening's offerings.
Dunfermline Town Band celebrate in gaining 1st place in the 3rd section of The Northern Counties Open Contest.
Kingdom Brass finally achieved its long held aim of qualifying for the Grand Shield, with a fantastic third
place at the Senior Cup in Blackpool.
26th April 2009 - Rachel Neil Wins Bill Shaw Memorial Contest
Congratulations to Rachel Neil, the band's 1st horn player, on winning the Bill Shaw Slow Melody Memorial
Contest. 
The band won the Championship section at the Fife Brass Band Festival with Graham Caldwell getting the
medal for the best instrumentalist and the bass section winning the Betty Smith Trophy for the best bass section.
The Band celebrated another runner up position today, competing at The Fife Brass Band Festival Invitation Contest,
Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline.
A big day for Dysart as we secured 2nd place in the 4th Section at the Fife Brass Band Festival at the
Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, on Saturday 25th April 2009. We also came ahead of several 3rd Section Bands
on points.
Following the bands second place at the recent Scottish Championships Dunfermline are delighted to be
representing Scotland at Harrogate later this year. The band had posted three 5th placings in the past
three years at the Scottish and this year’s result is testimony to a lot of hard work by everyone involved.
To add to this the winning of the best instrumentalist prize in Soprano player Neil Wallace was just the
icing on the cake.
The band were placed 7th at the Scottish Championships in Dundee meaning that they maintain their position
in the Championship section for another year.
Ok, we weren't competing, but what a great experience for young and old alike. Callander Brass was delighted
to take up the invitation from SBBA to participate in the Community Band section on Championship Sunday.
Playing in the interval between the Section 1 and Champioship Section enabled the men and women, boys and girls
of Callander Brass to not only perform to a very knowledgeable audience but also to hear what some of the
country's finest bands sound like in the flesh.
Today the band celebrated in style as we gained 2nd place in the 3rd section at the Scottish Championships
held in The Caird Hall, Dundee. 
Kingdom Brass are delighted to announce that James Gourlay will be directing the band at the upcoming Scottish
Championships.
February 2009 - Debut Success for Callander Brass
An audience in excess of 300 folk from Callander, and a wide area round about, turned up on the freezing,
icy night of Thursday 5 February in Callander Kirk for an evening of music played by a significant number
of performers, both brass and strings. The good turnout and enthusiastic support they provided contributed
to a lively atmosphere, and possibly helped to heat a cold building. Callander Brass themselves, under the
direction and obvious inspiration of Ian Milligan, delivered as their first formal concert a well-balanced
programme of the old and the recent, from classics such as "Star Lake" and "When the Saints" to the less
immediately obvious, "Salzburg" and "The Muppet Show". Something for most tastes, surely.
December has been an excellent month for recruitment. We are delighted to announce the signings of
Margaret Kemley on Solo Cornet, Ian on Euphonium, Helen on 2nd Trombone, Colin Coull on 2nd Horn,
Kristoffer Wallace on Solo Baritone and finally Kate Cooper on 2nd Cornet.
The Band today competed at the Scottish Open Brass Band Contest in Perth.
The Band welcomes Neil Wallace who will be joining the cornet section on Soprano Cornet. 
Kingdom Brass bounced back from a disappointing performance in 2007 to regain the title of
Fife Champions, and win the famous Fife 'A' Band Trophy.
4th October 2008 - Trophy's for Dunfermline Town
The Band today competed at the Fife Charities Band Association Contest and gained a credible 2nd place in
the 3rd section and 9th overall in the open contest.
The 63rd FCBA Annual Open Contest was held in the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy. 14 bands competed for
the silverware, with the Open Contest being won by Dalmellington, conducted by Archie Hutchison.
28th September 2008 - FY:NG Workshop Held
The Fife Youth:Next Generation workshop was held in Cardenden, with almost 60 young players from all
over Fife attending.
14th September 2008 - YMI Funding For Kingdom Youth
Kingdom Brass Youth have secured major funding from the Youth Music Initiative.
10th August 2008 - FCBA Youth Forum
The 1st FCBA Youth Forum was held in the Co-op Hall, Cowdenbeath, with guest speakers joining the
member bands to discuss various youth development topics.
6th August 2008 - Weekend Reminder
The schedule for Sunday August 10th are as follows -
11am - Co-op Hall, Cowdenbeath. FCBA General Committee meeting.
12.30pm - Co-op Hall, Cowdenbeath. Lunch.
1pm - Co-op Hall, Cowdenbeath. FCBA Youth Forum
3rd August 2008 - Kingdom Brass Perform At Aberdour Festival
Kingdom Brass performed in concert at the Aberdour Festival.
29th June 2008 - FY:NG Workshop Held
The Fife Youth:Next Generation workshop was held in Cardenden, with almost 60 young players from all
over Fife attending.
8th June 2008 - West Lothian Challenge
Kingdom Brass competed in the 2nd semi final of this year's West Lothian Challenge, finishing in
second place behind Whitburn, and ahead of third placed Newtongrange.
8th June 2008 - FCBA Youth Development Forum Details
Details of the agenda for the FCBA Youth Development Forum on August 10th 2008 have been announced.
7th June 2008 - FCBA Open Contest Details
Invitations for the 2008 FCBA Open Contest have now been issued to all Scottish bands.
25th May 2008 - Northern Counties Contest
2nd Clackmannan 193
3rd Kirkintilloch Kelvin 192
4th Johnstone 191
5th Coalburn 188
6th Renfrew 187
7th City of Discovery 186
8th Shotts 180
9th Newmilns and Galston 178
10th Arbroath 175
11th Perthshire Brass 171
12th Tullis Russell 170
13th Granite City 168
14th Dundee Instrumental 166
27th April 2008 - Bill Shaw Slow Melody Contest
The Lochgelly Band hosted their annual Slow Melody contest on Sunday 27th April. Now in its sixth year the contest
commemorates band stalwart Bill Shaw who passed away in 2000. The contest has been steadily building in reputation
over the years and has enjoyed good support over the years from bands throughout Scotland. This years contest was
no different with nine entries in the junior event and thirteen in the open contest. Adjudicating at this years
contest was Jim Chamberlain of Whitburn band, a man with a reputation of being one of the finest flugelhorn players
in the country.
2. Murray McFarlane (Cornet, Lochgelly) 93
3. Rachel Neil (Tenor Horn, Dunfermline Town) 92
Susan Curuthers, Whitburn Juniors
Kenneth Fair, Whitburn Juniors
Chris Hamilton, Unison Kinneil
Catherine Lockhart, Lochgelly High School
David Sellars, Dysart Youth Band
2. Rachel Neil (Tenor Horn, Dunfermline Town) 95
3. Wesley Stuart (Euphonium, Lochgelly) 94
4. Lauren Robb (Cornet, Unison Kinneil) 93
5. Carol Sandell (Baritone, Kingdom Brass) 92
6. Murray McFarlane (Cornet, Lochgelly) 91
7. Alan Douglas (Euphonium, - ) 89
8. Bill Guyan (Eb Bass, Lochgelly) 88
9. John Martin (Eb Bass, Lochgelly) 87
10. Michael Abbot (Baritone, Dunfermline Town) 86
11. Katy Anderson (Euphonium, Clackmannan District) 85
12. Neil McCormack (Bb Bass, Lochgelly) 84
13. David Bennison (Baritone, Lochgelly) 83
19th April 2008 - Kingdom Win FBBF Title
Kingdom Brass, conducted by Craig Anderson, retained the Fife Brass Band Festival title at Dunfermline's
Carnegie Hall.
19th April 2008 - Clackmannan Win 1st Section at FBBF
Clackmannan District won the 1st Section at the Fife Brass Band Festival in Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline.
The adjudicator was Stan Lippeatt to whom the Band had to play a 15 minute concert programme. Their choice was
French Military March, Ave Maria, featuring solo cornet Stuart Macaulay, Dance of the Pirates and Glorifico Aeternum.
19th April 2008 - Lochgelly Progress Maintained at FBBF
Following on from their great result at the Scottish Championships Lochgelly Band once again entered the contest
arena, this time at the Fife Brass Band Festival held in Carnegie Hall Dunfermline. Paul Drury once again directed
the band to a podium finish as they were placed second behind Clackmannan District Brass. With a good turnout of
bands from the 1st Section this was a further chance to gauge their progress against bands of a similar standard.
The band received good comments on their performance from several commentators, all of whom were impressed, and
surprised, by the standard of the bands playing. The progress the band has shown over the last few months has
started to get noticed beyond the borders of Fife. Paul Drury further enhanced his own reputation as a conductor
who gets the best out of his players.
13th April 2008 - FCBA AGM
The AGM of the FCBA brought together the organisation of the youth band (FYI) and senior band (FCBA)
under a new committee structure.
The new Executive Committee is as follows -
Vice Chairman - Danny Harrison
FCBA Treasurer - Anne McInnes
FYI Treasurer - Alison Hall
9th March 2008 - Kingdom 3rd at Scottish
Kingdom Brass, conducted by Craig Anderson, gained their best ever Scottish Championships result with a fantastic
third place.
9th March 2008 - Clackmannan Runners Up in Scottish 1st Section
9th March 2008 - Great Scottish Result for Lochgelly
The Lochgelly band under the direction of Paul Drury were placed third in the 1st section of the Scottish
Championships held in Glenrothes recently. The result represents the highest placing the band has acheived in
Scottish banding for nearly 20 years. Playing the testpiece "James Cook - Circumnavigator" the band were a mere
two points away from acheiving their long term aim of a return to the Championship section. The result also ensures
the bands participation in the 1st section for at least the next two years, unless of course we get promoted next
year. At the announcement of the results there was a huge cheer from the Lochgelly contingent in marked contrast
to the rather muted celebrations of the top two bands as their names were read out. The contest was won by Bo'ness
& Carriden band who pipped pre-contest favourites Clackmannan District Brass.
2nd March 2008 - Brass Night Success
5 of Fife's bands performed at Kingdom's "Night of Brass".
3rd February 2008 - Kingdom Clean Up At Solos
Jim Smith clinched the title of 2008 Scottish Open Solo Champion, with Kingdom's quartet retaining the
Scottish Ensemble title.
27th January 2008 - FCBA Solo Contest - Full Results
The FCBA Solo & Quartet contest 2008 turned out to be a fantastic event, well supported by the member bands,
and with a much increased junior entry compared to 2007.
Placing. Name (Instrument, Band, Draw) Points
2. Craig Herriot (Euphonium, 3) 91
3. Alison Hall (Horn, 4) 90
4= Bill Giles (Trombone, 8) 88
4= Lee Bathgate (Cornet, 6) 88
4= Gordon Evans (Euphonium, 2) 88
7= Randi Holm (Cornet, 12) 87
7= Alan Douglas (Euphonium, 1) 87
9. Nicky McLaughlin (Horn, 5) 86
10= Mark McLauchlin (Cornet, 7) 85
10= Katy Anderson (Euphonium, 10) 85
12. Bill Guyan (Bass, 9) 84
Slow Melody Contest
2. Craig Herriot (Euphonium, 14) 87
3. William McLaughlin (Cornet, 7) 86
4. Carol Sandell (Baritone, 9) 85
5= Randi Holm (Cornet, 11) 84
5= Alan Douglas (Euphonium, 8) 84
5= Katy Anderson (Euphonium, 1) 84
5= Mark McLauchlin (Cornet, 5) 84
9= Bill Giles (Trombone, 6) 83
9= Murray McFarlane (Cornet, 15) 83
9= Dougie Harrower (Cornet, 17) 83
9= Jim Smith (Cornet, 13) 83
13= James Cowan (Trombone, 12) 82
13= Nicky McLaughlin (Horn, 4) 82
15. Bill Guyan (Bass, 2) 78
Senior Ensemble
2. Kingdom Brass (Trombones) (4) 90
3. Kingdom Brass (Mixed) (J) (1) 89
4. Tullis Russell (Mixed) (3) 87
5. Tullis Russell (Trombones) (4) 86
Junior Section - Under 12 solos
2. Michael McLaughlin (Trombone, Kingdom Brass Youth, 3) 73
3. David Sellars (Cornet, Dysart, 1) 72
4. Kieran Adamson (Cornet, Dysart, 7) 71
5. Karen Wilson (Cornet, Dunfermline, 2) 69
6. Ashley Cameron (Cornet, Buckhaven Brass Beginnings, 5) 68
Intermediate Section - 12 to 15 solos
2. Hannah Higgins (Baritone, Balwearie HS, 4) 81
3. Catherine Lockhart (Horn, Lochgelly HS, 2) 79
4= Shanna Hughes (Cornet, Buckhaven, 10) 78
4= Rebecca Coulter (Baritone, St. Columbas, 7) 78
6= Ross Hutchison (Horn, Buckhaven, 5) 77
6= Hannah Tibble (Horn, Buckhaven, 9) 77
8. Alana Brown (Cornet, Buckhaven, 6) 76
9. Catriona Boardman (Cornet, Dunfermline, 3) 75
Youth Section - 16 to 21 solos
2. Mark McLauchlin (Cornet, Kingdom Brass, 5) 87
3. Michael Abbot (Baritone, Dunfermline, 4) 86
4. Murray McFarlane (Cornet, Dunfermline, 2) 85
5. Rachel Neil (Horn, Dunfermline, 1) 84
Junior Ensemble
2. Buckhaven (1) 78
Intermediate Ensemble
2. Dunfermline (1) 77
27th January 2008 - Kingdom Win at Fife Solo Contest
Kingdom Brass returned victorious from the recent FCBA Solo & Quartet competition.
27th January 2008 - Clackmannan Success at Fife Solo Contest