Coalburn Brass Band Family benefits from fantastic funding as it returns to rehearsals after a busy start to 2024
2024 has already been an incredibly busy and successful year for the Coalburn Brass Band Family. As the bands begin to return after a short summer break they reflect on the exciting events of the past seven months. This included the Scottish Championships; concert performances; VE day parades; summer engagements; welcoming new members; and receiving tuition from exceptional guest tutors.
Alan Court, Band President said “2024 has been a great year so far and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work shown by every member of the Coalburn Brass Band Family. Our bands have not only had great successes and performances but they have also had a lot of fun. This is all a testament to their commitment, teamwork and passion for making great music. I am excited for the opportunities and events in the coming months and look forward to our development as a band family and continuing to strengthen our community bonds.”
Coalburn Brass Band Family is extremely grateful to receive support and funding for a range of its activities. So far this year very generous donations have been received from Mazars Charitable Trust and the William Syson Foundation.Thank you also to the continued support from Unison’s Lanarkshire Health branch, they sponsor our uniform for our summer engagements.
Funding from Eilidh MacLeod’s Memorial Trust and South Lanarkshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund is contributing to 15 of our young members attending the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland’s summer course held in Strathallan. Grants towards conductors and tutors fees have been received from CDG (Coalburn, Douglas and Glespin) Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland and Renantis Auchrobert Wind Farm Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland.
Daniel Beadle, Treasurer said “Receiving funding has been vital for the development and sustainability of the Coalburn Brass Band Family. These funds enable us to take forward exciting new initiatives, especially providing exceptional learning opportunities for our young band members. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated or provided grant funding as your generosity ensures we can continue to grow as an organisation.”
Looking ahead, we are excited about various competitions, including the Scottish Festival of Brass in November. We anticipate announcing an October concert date for our Bronze and Intermediate bands, along with taster sessions for prospective members. The Silver Band will perform on Sunday 8 December with Strathaven Choral Society, and our Bronze and Intermediate bands will return to Hope Hub in Blackwood for a Christmas concert on Friday 13 December.
For more information about our organisation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our year so far
January: AGM and Welcoming David Roberts
The year commenced with our Annual General Meeting and Awards Night. We were pleased to welcome David Roberts who has been instrumental in preparing our bands for the Scottish Championships.
February: Open Day and Workshops
February was a highlight, with our open day featuring workshops and performances led by Glyn and Helen Williams, and Laura and Mark Good. Our Intermediate and Silver Band members also benefitted from lessons and sectionals with renowned players John Barber, Dewi Griffiths, Gareth Hand, Siôn Rhys Jones, Les Neish, and Sheona Wade.
March: Concerts and Championships
March saw our organisation performing at Cadzow Church in Hamilton, followed by a trip to Perth for the Scottish Championships. The Intermediate Band improved on last year’s performance, securing 9th place, while the Silver Band made an impressive debut in the Championship section, achieving 5th place. Additionally, the Bronze Band joined forces with the Hamilton Caledonian Bowling Club Male Voice Choir for a concert at Blantyre Old Parish Church.
May: Leadership Changes and Performances
In May, we welcomed Jim Park as the new conductor of our Bronze Band, succeeding David Fehilly, who stepped down due to career changes. Gareth Bowman, the Silver Band’s musical director, is now also conducting the Intermediate Band. Our bands also participated in the Parachute Regimental Association’s Victory in Europe Parade in Knightswood and performed at Livingstone Memorial Church in Blantyre.
Summer Season: Gala Days and Concerts
Our summer was filled with performances at Stonehouse, Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill, Douglas, and Coalburn Gala Days, as well as Lanark Lanimer Day. In June, the Intermediate and Silver bands performed at East Kilbride Old Parish Church.
Special Events
A standout event was providing music for Helena, our Silver Band’s 1st baritone player, and Shaz’s wedding at the Radstone Hotel.
New Members
Since April, we have welcomed five new players to our bands: Matthew and Paige (Bronze Band), Annette (Intermediate Band), and Dale, Richard, and Ross (Silver Band). We also bid farewell and thank Calum, Gregor, Rory and Sophie for their contributions, as they focus on their studies and careers.
Principal Cornet Vacancy
The Silver Band has a vacancy for a principal cornet player to lead the section. For more information or to apply, please contact Alan Court on 07727 648205 or [email protected]
Alan Court, Band President said “2024 has been a great year so far and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work shown by every member of the Coalburn Brass Band Family. Our bands have not only had great successes and performances but they have also had a lot of fun. This is all a testament to their commitment, teamwork and passion for making great music. I am excited for the opportunities and events in the coming months and look forward to our development as a band family and continuing to strengthen our community bonds.”
Coalburn Brass Band Family is extremely grateful to receive support and funding for a range of its activities. So far this year very generous donations have been received from Mazars Charitable Trust and the William Syson Foundation.Thank you also to the continued support from Unison’s Lanarkshire Health branch, they sponsor our uniform for our summer engagements.
Funding from Eilidh MacLeod’s Memorial Trust and South Lanarkshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund is contributing to 15 of our young members attending the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland’s summer course held in Strathallan. Grants towards conductors and tutors fees have been received from CDG (Coalburn, Douglas and Glespin) Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland and Renantis Auchrobert Wind Farm Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland.
Daniel Beadle, Treasurer said “Receiving funding has been vital for the development and sustainability of the Coalburn Brass Band Family. These funds enable us to take forward exciting new initiatives, especially providing exceptional learning opportunities for our young band members. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated or provided grant funding as your generosity ensures we can continue to grow as an organisation.”
Looking ahead, we are excited about various competitions, including the Scottish Festival of Brass in November. We anticipate announcing an October concert date for our Bronze and Intermediate bands, along with taster sessions for prospective members. The Silver Band will perform on Sunday 8 December with Strathaven Choral Society, and our Bronze and Intermediate bands will return to Hope Hub in Blackwood for a Christmas concert on Friday 13 December.
For more information about our organisation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our year so far
January: AGM and Welcoming David Roberts
The year commenced with our Annual General Meeting and Awards Night. We were pleased to welcome David Roberts who has been instrumental in preparing our bands for the Scottish Championships.
February: Open Day and Workshops
February was a highlight, with our open day featuring workshops and performances led by Glyn and Helen Williams, and Laura and Mark Good. Our Intermediate and Silver Band members also benefitted from lessons and sectionals with renowned players John Barber, Dewi Griffiths, Gareth Hand, Siôn Rhys Jones, Les Neish, and Sheona Wade.
March: Concerts and Championships
March saw our organisation performing at Cadzow Church in Hamilton, followed by a trip to Perth for the Scottish Championships. The Intermediate Band improved on last year’s performance, securing 9th place, while the Silver Band made an impressive debut in the Championship section, achieving 5th place. Additionally, the Bronze Band joined forces with the Hamilton Caledonian Bowling Club Male Voice Choir for a concert at Blantyre Old Parish Church.
May: Leadership Changes and Performances
In May, we welcomed Jim Park as the new conductor of our Bronze Band, succeeding David Fehilly, who stepped down due to career changes. Gareth Bowman, the Silver Band’s musical director, is now also conducting the Intermediate Band. Our bands also participated in the Parachute Regimental Association’s Victory in Europe Parade in Knightswood and performed at Livingstone Memorial Church in Blantyre.
Summer Season: Gala Days and Concerts
Our summer was filled with performances at Stonehouse, Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill, Douglas, and Coalburn Gala Days, as well as Lanark Lanimer Day. In June, the Intermediate and Silver bands performed at East Kilbride Old Parish Church.
Special Events
A standout event was providing music for Helena, our Silver Band’s 1st baritone player, and Shaz’s wedding at the Radstone Hotel.
New Members
Since April, we have welcomed five new players to our bands: Matthew and Paige (Bronze Band), Annette (Intermediate Band), and Dale, Richard, and Ross (Silver Band). We also bid farewell and thank Calum, Gregor, Rory and Sophie for their contributions, as they focus on their studies and careers.
Principal Cornet Vacancy
The Silver Band has a vacancy for a principal cornet player to lead the section. For more information or to apply, please contact Alan Court on 07727 648205 or [email protected]