Coalburn at the 2016 Nationals in Cheltenham
Coalburn Silver Band travelled to the Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse to represent Scotland in the 2nd section national finals on 17 September.
Coalburn joined 15 others bands from around the UK on Saturday morning to perform Stephen Bulla’s Images for Brass, written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Images for Brass was an excellent choice and the band thoroughly enjoyed preparing and performing the piece.
Coalburn were drawn 5th and on stage at 10.30am, the 2 adjudicators, Steve Sykes and Alan Fernie commented that the performance had much to enjoy and was well played and controlled with much to admire, although come results the band were placed 12th. Musical Director Gareth Bowman commented, “We are slightly disappointed with the result but not the performance. The band worked really hard on this most enjoyable music and I would like to thank each and every member for their commitment”.
The band also featured a number of contest debutants who all performed extremely well. The band enjoyed a meal and a night at the Karaoke before heading home on Sunday, tired but satisfied following a fun weekend.
The Silver Band are now looking forward to their next concert performance where they will be joined by the Intermediate Band and vocalist Stephen Kerr at Trinity Church, Larkhall on Thursday 13th October, 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door (£5) and proceeds will go to the Trinity Church Restoration Project.
The Coalburn organisation is also thrilled to announce a visit from the internationally renowned, principal trombone with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Dávur Juul Magnussen. Dávur will lead a day of workshops with the Coalburn Bronze and Coalburn Intermediate Bands in what will be a fun filled day of music. The event is free for all and is taking place on Sunday 30th October at Woodpark Primary School, Lesmahagow from 10am until 4pm. More information is available from www.coalburnsilverband.co.uk/davurworkshop