Tennant Leads Granite City’s Championship Return

Granite City Brass is delighted to announce that Raymond Tennant will lead the band at the Scottish Brass Band Championships, marking the band's first appearance in the Championship Section since 2015.

Raymond brings a wealth of experience to the rostrum, with a distinguished record in Scottish brass banding both as player and conductor. His extensive career includes directing several of Scotland’s leading brass bands, among them Unison Kinneil, The Kirkintilloch Band, and Kingdom Brass. Reflecting on the upcoming contest preparations, Raymond said:

“I look forward, with great enthusiasm, to conducting the band in rehearsals up to and at the upcoming Scottish Championships. The contest will present a new and long-overdue challenge to the band, being its first appearance in the top grade of Scottish banding in over a decade.”

In the run-up to the Championships, Raymond will be assisted by the band’s Musical Director, Alan Haggart, as the band prepares for the Championship Section set test piece — Martin Ellerby’s Elgar Variations. The work poses both technical demands and rich musical opportunities, something Raymond is keen to explore with the band:

“I relish the prospect of working in the development of the band, both as a team and individually with the players, in tackling the technical complexities and (mainly) musical aspects of the Elgar Variations. Let’s hope it will be a rewarding process.”

Chairman Paul James also welcomed the appointment, noting the positive momentum within the organisation:

“We’re absolutely delighted that Raymond has agreed to work with us for this year’s Championships. His experience and musical insight will be invaluable as we take on this exciting challenge. Alan has brought great energy and focus to the band since stepping in as Musical Director earlier this year, and we’re confident that this partnership will give the band the best possible preparation for our Championship Section return.”

Founded in 1850, Granite City Brass is one of Scotland’s longest-established brass bands, with over 175 years of musical tradition and community heritage. Raymond’s leadership marks another positive step in the band’s ongoing development and ambition as it prepares to return to Scotland’s top flight of brass banding.