Coalburn Awards 2016
On Saturday, 18th February, the Coalburn brass band family came together to celebrate the past year. Over 100 band members, supporters and family attended the event, held at Hollandbush Golf Club. The bands were delighted to welcome Carrie Boax, President of the Scottish Brass Band Association to present the awards.
Coalburn Bronze Band (Children’s Band) has a membership of 28 children and young people and celebrated another successful year under the baton of Musical Director David Fehilly. The first award of the night was the best section and this was awarded to the horn section, comprising 10-year-old Rory Hunter, 12-year-old Eilidh Court, along with sisters, 12 year old Georgia and 10-year-old Sarah Brown.
The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy was the next award and this trophy was established in memory of the late George Blackwood, a band stalwart who led the children’s band for many years and goes to the most improved player. This was awarded to 11-year-old cornet player Harry Cowan and presented by Mrs Christine Blackwood. The final Bronze Band award is the Band Person of the Year and this is chosen by the band committee and recognises outstanding contribution towards the band. This year’s recipient and receiving a silver salver was the band’s kit player, Finlay Damer. The final Bronze Band award, The Children’s Choice Award, was chosen by the children themselves. The majority of votes went to a young lady who the children recognised as helping them on a weekly basis. This award was presented to 15 year old Beth Damer.
A special thanks was given to Clyde Windfarm and Cake Stuff, Lesmahagow who kindly gave donations towards the Bronze Band awards.
Next up was the Intermediate Band Awards, now in their 4th year, the bands boasts a membership of 20. 3 awards were up for grabs, the Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year. Jack Archibald, the band’s solo euphonium player was the winner of the Most Improved Player. The Player of the Year Award was presented to the band’s solo tenor horn Ross Lyttle. Ross has been an ever present in the band room and his performances at rehearsal and engagements made him a natural choice for the band’s Musical Director Jayne Brownlie. Ross Lyttle was also recognised by his peers, as he collected the Players’ Player of the Year.
There was also recognition of the Coalburn Percussion Academy; the Academy has now been in existence for 3 years under tutor Gordon Miller. There are currently 9 children and adults involved in the academy and the award for the most improved player went to 8 year old George Anderson. The Academy aim to provide the percussion players of the future and all members are involved in one of the ensembles.
The Silver Band awards followed and the first award was the Conductor’s Prize and was presented to percussionist, Megan McGaghey. Megan only joined the band last year and her enthusiasm and all round playing meant she was an easy choice for MD Gareth Bowman. Next up was the section of the year and this was awarded to the trombone team consisting of Elizabeth Meikle, Anna Biggart and David Fehilly. The band members vote for the Band Person of the Year award and this year was presented to Band Secretary and Treasurer, Daniel Beadle whose work ethic and contribution to the organisation of the Silver Band was duly recognised by his peers.
The final award of the evening was the Silver Band Player of The Year and this was chosen by the band’s Musical Director Gareth Bowman, the recipient was flugel horn player Calum Miller. Calum’s performances at both contest and concert have been exceptional and this combined with his consistency in the band hall making him a very popular choice.
Band President Alan Court commented, ‘this has been a wonderful night of celebration for the organisation and we look forward with much anticipation to the forthcoming year, where in addition to a full diary of events we are looking forward to our trip to Oostende, Belgium to represent Scotland in the European Brass Band Championships in April.’
The Coalburn bands have a busy schedule ahead starting with their concert on Thursday 2nd March at Woodpark Primary School, Lesmahagow. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, pay on the door £5. This is a unique opportunity to see all 4 ensembles in concert together.
Thereafter both the Silver & Intermediate bands will head to Perth for the Scottish Championships in March.
The band is also delighted to announce the return of their popular quiz night. Friday 24th March at St. John’s Parish Hall, Blackwood. Max 6 per team, £3 per person entry. The quiz is a fundraiser for the European Championships.
Coalburn Bronze Band (Children’s Band) has a membership of 28 children and young people and celebrated another successful year under the baton of Musical Director David Fehilly. The first award of the night was the best section and this was awarded to the horn section, comprising 10-year-old Rory Hunter, 12-year-old Eilidh Court, along with sisters, 12 year old Georgia and 10-year-old Sarah Brown.
The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy was the next award and this trophy was established in memory of the late George Blackwood, a band stalwart who led the children’s band for many years and goes to the most improved player. This was awarded to 11-year-old cornet player Harry Cowan and presented by Mrs Christine Blackwood. The final Bronze Band award is the Band Person of the Year and this is chosen by the band committee and recognises outstanding contribution towards the band. This year’s recipient and receiving a silver salver was the band’s kit player, Finlay Damer. The final Bronze Band award, The Children’s Choice Award, was chosen by the children themselves. The majority of votes went to a young lady who the children recognised as helping them on a weekly basis. This award was presented to 15 year old Beth Damer.
A special thanks was given to Clyde Windfarm and Cake Stuff, Lesmahagow who kindly gave donations towards the Bronze Band awards.
Next up was the Intermediate Band Awards, now in their 4th year, the bands boasts a membership of 20. 3 awards were up for grabs, the Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year. Jack Archibald, the band’s solo euphonium player was the winner of the Most Improved Player. The Player of the Year Award was presented to the band’s solo tenor horn Ross Lyttle. Ross has been an ever present in the band room and his performances at rehearsal and engagements made him a natural choice for the band’s Musical Director Jayne Brownlie. Ross Lyttle was also recognised by his peers, as he collected the Players’ Player of the Year.
There was also recognition of the Coalburn Percussion Academy; the Academy has now been in existence for 3 years under tutor Gordon Miller. There are currently 9 children and adults involved in the academy and the award for the most improved player went to 8 year old George Anderson. The Academy aim to provide the percussion players of the future and all members are involved in one of the ensembles.
The Silver Band awards followed and the first award was the Conductor’s Prize and was presented to percussionist, Megan McGaghey. Megan only joined the band last year and her enthusiasm and all round playing meant she was an easy choice for MD Gareth Bowman. Next up was the section of the year and this was awarded to the trombone team consisting of Elizabeth Meikle, Anna Biggart and David Fehilly. The band members vote for the Band Person of the Year award and this year was presented to Band Secretary and Treasurer, Daniel Beadle whose work ethic and contribution to the organisation of the Silver Band was duly recognised by his peers.
The final award of the evening was the Silver Band Player of The Year and this was chosen by the band’s Musical Director Gareth Bowman, the recipient was flugel horn player Calum Miller. Calum’s performances at both contest and concert have been exceptional and this combined with his consistency in the band hall making him a very popular choice.
Band President Alan Court commented, ‘this has been a wonderful night of celebration for the organisation and we look forward with much anticipation to the forthcoming year, where in addition to a full diary of events we are looking forward to our trip to Oostende, Belgium to represent Scotland in the European Brass Band Championships in April.’
The Coalburn bands have a busy schedule ahead starting with their concert on Thursday 2nd March at Woodpark Primary School, Lesmahagow. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, pay on the door £5. This is a unique opportunity to see all 4 ensembles in concert together.
Thereafter both the Silver & Intermediate bands will head to Perth for the Scottish Championships in March.
The band is also delighted to announce the return of their popular quiz night. Friday 24th March at St. John’s Parish Hall, Blackwood. Max 6 per team, £3 per person entry. The quiz is a fundraiser for the European Championships.