Budding soloists and ensembles are reminded to get their entries in ahead of the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships, featuring the youth contests on Saturday February 6 2016 in Livingston's Howden Park Centre, and the open competitions in the Regal Theatre, Bathgate on Sunday February 7. 

Urging people to get involved, Black Dyke's solo baritone player Katrina Marzella commented: “Looking back, I can now see how important solo competitions were in my development as a young musician. 

"Having the chance to play in front of an audience from a young age and on a regular basis was invaluable to me and I learned so much from the experience. I am still great friends with my fellow school quartet members and enjoyed both the musical and social aspects of ensemble contests too. I would encourage all young players to give it a go - you won’t regret it!”

Youth qualifiers should confirm their entries for the finals and completed youth entry forms should be sent to Ann Murray as soon as possible: annmurray37@hotmail.co.uk. Qualifiers are welcome to enter the open competitions too.

The Scottish Solo and Ensemble Championships are open to brass and percussion players of all ages, with the solos adjudicated in instrument categories (cornet, trombone etc). From the winner of each instrument category, a champion of champions will take the overall solo title as well as receiving the opportunity to perform at various events during the course of the year. 

All open brass soloists will also receive an invite to compete in the open slow melody competition. Solo pieces should be no longer than six minutes while the limit for ensemble works is eight minutes. Completed open solo and ensemble entry forms should be sent to Peter Fraser: fraserp3@virginmedia.com.

Photo: 2015 Besson Scottish solo champion, Dean Bromage, with adjudicators Owen Farr, left, and Tom Hutchinson, right.

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