An Angus youth brass group has been hailed as ”quite brilliant” after becoming the first to retain the UK’s top title.
Carnoustie and District Youth Brass Band beat 44 other outfits from across the country to take first place at the British Youth Brass Band Championships for the second year running.
Consisting of 42 players aged between 12 and 20, the team travelled to Manchester to compete in the competition at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Bryan Knight, chairman of the band’s organising committee, praised the work done by musical director Michael Robertson.
”He has just got something special,” said Mr Knight. ”It is all about way he teaches the children, gains their respect and sees them develop over the years.”
Mr Robertson added: ”I am extremely proud of the young players. They give me their full commitment every week at rehearsals and deserve everything they have achieved.”
Contest adjudicators Steven Mead and Dr Roger Webster said they were both ”blown away” with the performance of the band, before announcing them as clear winners of the competition.
In summing up, Mr Mead said the performance had ”defied expectations”.
He added: ”We just sat back and enjoyed every moment of it. It was quite brilliant. A truly memorable performance, so well directed and delivered with such musical maturity.”
Dr Webster said the performances were not only outstanding youth playing, but a top brass band display at any stage of experience.