Gorbals Youth Brass Band pass the baton and much more
The newly formed Gorbals Youth Brass Band, based in the Gorbals, Glasgow have enjoyed a very busy start for their new group. After a few weeks of learning core musicianship skills, their instruments arrived and all their preparation was to be put into practice.
Their hard work and determination then meant that only weeks later, the enthusiastic, 18-strong group, made up of young players from the local primary schools, St Francis Primary School and Blackfriar's Primary School, made their debut public performance at Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, playing their part in the ‘Brass the Baton' initiative in honour of the forthcoming Olympics.
This growing ensemble is also delighted to confirm that they have been invited, together with neighbouring Coatbridge Youth Brass Band, to attend a special concert on 20th June by the brass section from the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, offering them an inspirational experience and to see first-hand the opportunities that can be achieved through music.
Upon their return and to finish up the term in style, the players will then enjoy an early evening celebration to formally launch the band, marking the occasion with a short concert demonstration to supporters, parents and friends.
Helen Douthwaite and Lauren McComick jointly run the new band and commented: "It has been an amazing three months. From having just an idea, we now have a band, instruments and a wonderful collection of young players who are showing an impressive level of commitment to their new hobby!
The Scottish Brass Band Association have been extremely helpful in getting us up and running, as have the two local primary schools who have enabled us to go in and recruit through demonstrations. It's so good to see how much has been achieved in such little time and the launch celebration on 20th is a lovely way to mark the start of even greater things to come."
