CIVIC AWARD for PERTHSHIRE BRASS
Perthshire Brass were honoured to be granted a Civic Reception on Friday 27 January, during which the Band was presented with the prestigious D.K.Thomson award.
This award is presented annually by Perth & Kinross Council in recognition of exceptional service to the City and County of Perth, with the recipient being chosen by a board of Trustees representing both the Council and the family of the late Provost David K Thomson.
Speaking during the ceremony, Provost John Hulbert spoke warmly of the Band's efforts in promoting music throughout the county and further afield, with particular mention being made of the strong links maintained with Perth's twin city of Aschaffenburg in Bavaria. The band has visited Germany on six occasions, with two visits in recent years co-inciding with official visits by the Provost and other local dignitaries.
Special mention was made of the Band's founding conductor, George Annan senior. In 1978, he established the band as a means for teenagers to continue to make music after leaving school. From such low-key beginnings, the organisaton has grown into the busy and successful Band of today, with the Senior Band supported by a dynamic Youth section who have enjoyed notable competition results over the past few years under the direction of George Annan junior, twice being Scottish Champions at under-16 level.
Total playing strength now numbers well over sixty between the two Bands, and indeed an "taster" session held earlier this month attracted another fifteen aspiring Youth players for newly-appointed conductor Jason Blyth to work with, in response to invitations issued via local schools.
Mr Annan handed over the Senior band baton to his son in late 2009 and now enjoys "having a blow" again whilst concentrating in his new project - establishing a further source of players by holding sessions for any intested parties, be they adult returners or learners or even youngsters who do not have the opportunity to play at school.
The players, committee and supporters of Perthshire Brass are honoured indeed to receive the Award, and look forward to going from strength to strength in the future, starting with the Senior Band's participation in the forthcoming Scottish Championships.
