Milnrow band take to the stage for Scottish Open Brass Band Championships

The Co-operative Milnrow Band competed in the Scottish Open Brass Band Championships on Saturday (26 November) and came fifth out of 16 bands from across the UK.

The band’s contest piece was “Music for Battle Creek” by Philip Sparke and they were under the direction of Musical Director Marieka Gray.

Ken Watts, Band President, said: “The band made a bright and lively start to the first of three movements and settled in well, immediately getting to grips with the technical difficulties presented.

“The second movement was of a different character, having certain hymnal qualities which required finesse and lightness of touch.

“Marieka certainly had the band well in control, producing the many nuances and tonal qualities required for such a lovely and listenable piece of music, certainly a tear jerking performance here.

“Movement three certainly was the climax of Music for Battle Creek with all individual players being required to play to their limits with finger gymnastics and a big quality sound required right up to the abrupt ending of the piece.”

Mr Watts said the band’s result was “due to all round team effort.”

The Co-operative Milnrow Band is currently ranked 79th in the World Brass Band Rankings and at Perth, beat several bands ranked above them.

Milnrow Band are currently seeking sponsorship either of a Corporate or Singular nature. A presentation pack is in preparation for issue to interested parties.