New Direction For Newland
Newland Concert Brass is delighted to welcome Stephen Baird as Musical Director and Robert Fraser as Training Band Tutor.
Stephen started playing Cornet at the age of thirteen with his local band in Northern Ireland (3rd Carrick Old Boys). At the age of sixteen he joined the Army Junior School of Music where he undertook two years musical training. He was a member of the Army Junior School of Music?s Brass Band during the year that the band got to the finals held at the Royal Albert Hall London.
Stephen has played under the baton of many Directors of Music throughout his Army career and has travelled all over the world, taking part in International Music Festivals, ceremonial duties in Edinburgh and not forgetting our own world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo on many occasions. During his Army career, Stephen has gained great experience in a wide range of music through the diverse range of ensembles he has been part of. Through his postings within the Army, Stephen has had the opportunity to play with several Brass Bands taking part in many competitions, concerts and tours. He is currently principle cornet of the Lowland Band of The Scottish Division. 
Robert has worked with some of the top directors of music and many of Scotland?s leading brass bands through his involvement in workshops with the National Association of Brass Band Conductors.
He has played various brass instruments over a period of 11 years and now plays E flat tuba with the prestigious Whitburn Band. Robert won ?Bandsman of the Year? for his services to the band in 2005.
Despite being only 23yrs he has played in many great competitions and concerts in his brass band career. This includes the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall London, the European Championships in the Netherlands and tours to Germany and the Faroe Islands. He has also worked with and played with the West Lothian Schools Brass Band.
Robert is currently studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Glasgow University doing the Bed course to become a secondary school classroom music teacher.
Both Stephen and Robert are looking forward to an exciting and busy future with Newland Concert Brass.
