Coalburn Celebrate 2015
The 4 ensembles that form the Coalburn Brass Band family, Silver, Intermediate, Bronze and Percussion Academy came together on 30st January to celebrate the successes of 2015.
Over a hundred players, parents and supporters filled the Hollandbush Golf Club for the organisations 7th Annual Awards night and were joined by special guest for the evening, Elaine Duffy who is South Lanarkshire Council’s Assistant Instrumental Services Co-ordinator who presented the awards.
Following a buffet, the first of the awards ceremony focussed on the children of the Bronze Band. The best section prize was awarded to the cornet team. The Band Person of the Year, voted for by the Bronze Band committee was awarded to Rachel Struthers, the band’s baritone player. During the past year, Rachel has worked incredibly hard being an ever present at both engagements and rehearsals and this coupled with her positive attitude and desire to help others made her an obvious choice.
The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy for the Most Improved Player was presented to trombonist and percussionist Kirsty Traynor. Kirsty has had a tough year with dental braces being fitted resulting in her not playing the trombone at the moment, however she moved over to the percussion team and has performed admirably. She received several positive remarks from adjudicators at contests regarding her timpani playing.
There was a lovely moment at the end of the Bronze band prize-giving when Euan Meikle, the band’s MD last year received a presentation from the children in recognition of all his hard work in his time as conductor.
The Intermediate Band awards followed with the band’s MD Kyle MacCorquodale on hand to announce the prize winners. The award for Most Improved Player went to the band’s solo baritone player Jayne Riley, Jayne has worked incredibly hard over the past year and the improvement simply couldn’t be over looked. The band’s young solo horn player Ross Lyttle was voted Players’ Player of the Year. Ross only stepped into the solo horn chair this year and his wonderful concert and contest performances made him a first choice for band members. The Player of the Year was awarded to band veteran, Alex Sheridan who has continued to thrill all with his lyrical and expressive flugel horn playing.
The Coalburn Percussion Academy then celebrated their first birthday with Gordon Millar giving an overview of the year and then presenting all of the students with a certificate of achievement. The Most Improved Player of the year award went to the Silver Band’s percussionist Jenny Alexander, Jenny has grown hugely in confidence over the past year and this has led to some fabulous concert and contest performances.
Finally it was the turn of the Silver Band and Gareth Bowman the Band’s Musical Director was on hand to announce the winners. The Best Section this year was the back row cornets (Irene Madden, Derek Blackwood, Emily Barclay and Daniel Beadle) Gareth commented on the commitment of each player and the great platform they had given the front row.
The Conductors Awards’ this year went to the band’s bass trombonist, David Fehilly along with 1st horn player, Susan Tough. Gareth commented on David’s willingness to learn a new instrument and fully rise to the challenge. David will basically lift any instrument in the band room and always give it 100%. Susan has been a member of the band for many years now and her unstinting dedication to the band through her commitment and consistency of performance was duly rewarded.
The Band Person of the Year, voted by band members went to Daniel Beadle, this is the 7th year in a row that Daniel has won this honour and that speaks volume for his commitment. Daniel has been the Band Secretary for nearly decade, combining this more recently with the treasurer’s role. His award for outstanding contribution to the working of the band last year was richly deserved.
The Player of the Year was awarded to the band’s new principal cornet, Calum Blair. Calum has been outstanding under mentor Ronnie Wotherspoon and stepped up onto the ‘top chair’ in the later part of the year producing some exceptional contest and concert performances.
Two very special awards followed as the band rewarded two of their members with Honorary Life Membership, this award is bestowed on those individuals who have given outstanding commitment over a number of years to the work of the band.
Gordon Millar joined Coalburn Silver Band in 1971 and has played, conducted, tutored and mentored over those years; he currently leads the percussion academy, plays 1st Baritone with the Silver Band, Trombone with the Intermediate Band and is a tutor with the Bronze Band. Band President Alan Court commented, 'Gordon is an example to all and is a true bandsman, his passion for education has resulted in an increased role throughout the organisation since his retirement. We are truly thankful to have him and this award is long overdue and richly deserved'.
Daniel Beadle joined Coalburn Junior Band in 1999, quickly moving to the Silver Band where he has played in almost every chair in the cornet ranks. He is currently Band Secretary and Treasurer and his drive and enthusiasm are linked to the band’s recent growth and success. Alan Court commented,'Daniel is the band’s superstar and richly deserves this award, he is incredibly well organised and his work ethic is quite incredible'.
Band President Alan Court, brought to an end a wonderful night of celebration, giving the vote of thanks.
The whole Coalburn Brass Band family will appear in concert on Saturday 5th March at Moncrieff Parish Church, Calderwood, East Kilbride. The concert also features the musical theatre group Studio 32 and the concert starts at 7.30pm, with tickets priced £6 available on the night.
Over a hundred players, parents and supporters filled the Hollandbush Golf Club for the organisations 7th Annual Awards night and were joined by special guest for the evening, Elaine Duffy who is South Lanarkshire Council’s Assistant Instrumental Services Co-ordinator who presented the awards.
Following a buffet, the first of the awards ceremony focussed on the children of the Bronze Band. The best section prize was awarded to the cornet team. The Band Person of the Year, voted for by the Bronze Band committee was awarded to Rachel Struthers, the band’s baritone player. During the past year, Rachel has worked incredibly hard being an ever present at both engagements and rehearsals and this coupled with her positive attitude and desire to help others made her an obvious choice.
The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy for the Most Improved Player was presented to trombonist and percussionist Kirsty Traynor. Kirsty has had a tough year with dental braces being fitted resulting in her not playing the trombone at the moment, however she moved over to the percussion team and has performed admirably. She received several positive remarks from adjudicators at contests regarding her timpani playing.
There was a lovely moment at the end of the Bronze band prize-giving when Euan Meikle, the band’s MD last year received a presentation from the children in recognition of all his hard work in his time as conductor.
The Intermediate Band awards followed with the band’s MD Kyle MacCorquodale on hand to announce the prize winners. The award for Most Improved Player went to the band’s solo baritone player Jayne Riley, Jayne has worked incredibly hard over the past year and the improvement simply couldn’t be over looked. The band’s young solo horn player Ross Lyttle was voted Players’ Player of the Year. Ross only stepped into the solo horn chair this year and his wonderful concert and contest performances made him a first choice for band members. The Player of the Year was awarded to band veteran, Alex Sheridan who has continued to thrill all with his lyrical and expressive flugel horn playing.
The Coalburn Percussion Academy then celebrated their first birthday with Gordon Millar giving an overview of the year and then presenting all of the students with a certificate of achievement. The Most Improved Player of the year award went to the Silver Band’s percussionist Jenny Alexander, Jenny has grown hugely in confidence over the past year and this has led to some fabulous concert and contest performances.
Finally it was the turn of the Silver Band and Gareth Bowman the Band’s Musical Director was on hand to announce the winners. The Best Section this year was the back row cornets (Irene Madden, Derek Blackwood, Emily Barclay and Daniel Beadle) Gareth commented on the commitment of each player and the great platform they had given the front row.
The Conductors Awards’ this year went to the band’s bass trombonist, David Fehilly along with 1st horn player, Susan Tough. Gareth commented on David’s willingness to learn a new instrument and fully rise to the challenge. David will basically lift any instrument in the band room and always give it 100%. Susan has been a member of the band for many years now and her unstinting dedication to the band through her commitment and consistency of performance was duly rewarded.
The Band Person of the Year, voted by band members went to Daniel Beadle, this is the 7th year in a row that Daniel has won this honour and that speaks volume for his commitment. Daniel has been the Band Secretary for nearly decade, combining this more recently with the treasurer’s role. His award for outstanding contribution to the working of the band last year was richly deserved.
The Player of the Year was awarded to the band’s new principal cornet, Calum Blair. Calum has been outstanding under mentor Ronnie Wotherspoon and stepped up onto the ‘top chair’ in the later part of the year producing some exceptional contest and concert performances.
Two very special awards followed as the band rewarded two of their members with Honorary Life Membership, this award is bestowed on those individuals who have given outstanding commitment over a number of years to the work of the band.
Gordon Millar joined Coalburn Silver Band in 1971 and has played, conducted, tutored and mentored over those years; he currently leads the percussion academy, plays 1st Baritone with the Silver Band, Trombone with the Intermediate Band and is a tutor with the Bronze Band. Band President Alan Court commented, 'Gordon is an example to all and is a true bandsman, his passion for education has resulted in an increased role throughout the organisation since his retirement. We are truly thankful to have him and this award is long overdue and richly deserved'.
Daniel Beadle joined Coalburn Junior Band in 1999, quickly moving to the Silver Band where he has played in almost every chair in the cornet ranks. He is currently Band Secretary and Treasurer and his drive and enthusiasm are linked to the band’s recent growth and success. Alan Court commented,'Daniel is the band’s superstar and richly deserves this award, he is incredibly well organised and his work ethic is quite incredible'.
Band President Alan Court, brought to an end a wonderful night of celebration, giving the vote of thanks.
The whole Coalburn Brass Band family will appear in concert on Saturday 5th March at Moncrieff Parish Church, Calderwood, East Kilbride. The concert also features the musical theatre group Studio 32 and the concert starts at 7.30pm, with tickets priced £6 available on the night.
