New Band in the Borders
New brass band launched in the Scottish Borders
Brass banding has been to the forefront of mainstream news just recently and the BBC's Band for Britain seemed to capture the public imagination and make them question the validity of one of the world's most traditional music genres...the brass band. What was obvious from the programme was that there is an ongoing affection within the country for the national treasures that are Britain's bands but that little thought goes into just how these institutions survive in today's monetary climate and dwindling numbers of players.
In spite of the difficulties involved in maintaining even an established organisation a group of keen players in the Scottish Borders has decided to test the waters to see if there is room to set up a brand new kind of band in the fairly out of the way location of Bonchester Bridge.
The philosophy is to have a band for all, young and old and to encourage participation in an exciting and diverse range of brass band music with crossover into other musical genres. The idea is to engage members in their own musical adventures using brass instruments as the foundation on which to layer and develop their own ideas.
A vibrant website www.bonchesterbrass.com has been launched in order to keep interested parties up to date with the band's progress. Already there has been support and sponsorship from local firms both large and small. Individuals in the neighbouring towns of Hawick and Jedburgh have also offered backing.
This will not be an easy undertaking but if the initial enthusiasm and response can continue then success will at least have a chance of following. The band hopes to grow from its humble beginnings and to add to its existing list of events as it continues forward in this, its exciting maiden year.
Bonchester Brass would like to say a big cheery "hello" to all fellow bandsmen and women out there and to welcome any interested persons to the band and to the website.
