GCB Rise to Championship Challenge
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- 3 min read
Granite City Brass enjoyed a positive and rewarding weekend at the 2026 Scottish Brass Band Championships, delivering a committed and musical performance in the Championship Section following months of focused preparation.
Conducted by guest conductor Raymond Tennant, the band rose to the challenge of Elgar Variations by Martin Ellerby, a demanding Championship‑section test piece requiring musical control, stamina, and confidence throughout. While the final results saw Granite City Brass placed 10th overall, the contest proved to be an encouraging experience, clearly demonstrating the band’s continued progress at Championship level.
The adjudicators’ remarks offered a constructive and balanced assessment of the performance of Elgar Variations. Both adjudicators acknowledged the significant technical and musical demands of Ellerby’s score, praising the band’s musical approach, well‑judged tempos, and moments of strong balance and sound. Particular recognition was given to the commitment and quality of the soloists, with several passages highlighted as confident and musical under pressure. While areas such as ensemble security, clarity, and control in quieter, exposed moments were identified as points for refinement, the overall impression was of a band engaging positively with a challenging work and delivering a credible and musical reading.
A standout moment of the day came with individual recognition for Eilidh James, Granite City Brass’s Musician of the Year, who was awarded the James MacMillan Medal for Best Baritone. This prestigious accolade is a fantastic achievement and a fitting reward for an outstanding performance, and the band is immensely proud of Eilidh’s success.
Reflecting on the weekend, Chairman Paul James said:
“We’re extremely proud of what the band achieved at this year’s Scottish Championships. Every player showed real dedication, not just in rehearsals, but through the effort put in at home, the extra rehearsals and sectionals, and the commitment required to prepare for a contest of this level. There’s a strong community feel within the band just now, and that really came through in the performance. The result doesn’t tell the whole story, but the progress, attitude, and togetherness on display give us a very positive platform to build on.”
Granite City Brass would like to extend sincere thanks to Raymond Tennant for his leadership, expertise, and guidance as guest conductor in preparing the band for the Championships. The band also thanks Musical Director Alan Haggart for his invaluable support in assisting Raymond throughout the preparation process and helping to bring the band to the contest in strong musical shape. Appreciation is also extended to everyone who supported the band in the lead‑up to and on the day itself.
🎥 Performance Recording
You can hear Granite City Brass’s performance of Elgar Variations by Martin Ellerby from the Scottish Championships here:
**RECORDING TO FOLLOW**
🌍 International Women’s Day
This year’s Championships coincided with International Women’s Day, providing an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women within Granite City Brass.
The band is proud to include 10 women among its playing membership, with three serving as section principals—a reflection of the talent, leadership, and musical strength they bring to the ensemble.
The Scottish Championships always present a formidable test, and Granite City Brass leave this year’s contest with confidence, pride, and a strong sense of progress.
Onwards and upwards.
Place | Band | Conductor | Points |
1 | Whitburn | Florent Didier | 192 |
2 | the cooperation band | Glen van Looy | 191 |
3 | Kirkintilloch | Christopher Binns | 188 |
4 | Dalmellington | Erik Janssen | 187 |
5 | Coalburn Silver | Gareth Bowman | 186 |
6 | Bon Accord Silver | Adam Cooke | 185 |
7 | Newtongrange Silver | Anne Crookston | 184 |
8 | Bo'ness and Carriden | Philip Chalk | 183 |
9 | Kingdom Brass | Eoin Tonner | 182 |
10 | Granite City Brass | Raymond Tennant | 181 |
Terris Medal (Best Solo Cornet) | Chris Bradley (Whitburn) |
Gavin Lindsay Quaich (Best Soprano Cornet) | Richard Bromley (Coalburn) |
Alex Chalmers Memorial Quaich (Best Flugel) | Kenny Crookston (Newtongrange) |
Bram Thompson Medal (Best Horn) | Andrew McMillan (Whitburn) |
James MacMillan Medal (Best Baritone) | Eilidh James (Granite City Brass) |
Curly Wilson Memorial Trophy (Best Euphonium) | Valentin Duc (Whitburn) |
John Campbell Award (Best Trombone) | Paul Kiernan (Whitburn) |
Angus Pearse Memorial Trophy (Best Bass) | Dean Logan (cooperation Band) |
James Hills Memorial Trophy (Best Bass Section) | the cooperation Band |
Hugh Johnstone Memorial Trophy (Best Percussion Section) | Dalmellington |
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