BLOWING HOT IN LESMAHAGOW
What a wonderful day was had last Sunday by over 30 children and young folk from the local area as Coalburn Silver Band welcomed the world renowned Tuba Star Les Neish to Woodpark Primary school for a brass workshop.
The children, predominately from Coalburn Bronze band were joined by members of the Leadhills Silver Band as Les lead them in a day of fun, games and teaching.
Les is a UK based Freelance Professional Tuba Player with a world-class reputation having worked with many of the world's leading orchestras, ensembles and artists. His day in South Lanarkshire was made possible through the generosity of Besson Musical Instruments and the Scottish Brass Band Association.
The day kicked off with Les leading the children in a series of warm ups, both on and off the instruments. He worked on a number of pieces of music throughout the day and also adjudicated 3 of the children as they played solo items for him. They were 10year old Euan Court, Blackwood Primary on Tuba along with cornet players, Drew Gupwell, 10 from Milton Primary and Emily Barclay 14 from Lesmahagow High School.
The day concluded with a mini concert to the parents and supporters, followed by a master-class by Les and a couple of solo numbers performed with the Silver Band.
All in all it was a quite brilliant day, thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated. The work of the Bronze Band (children's band) has been heavily supported by a partnership approach to tuition with South Lanarkshire Council, Instrumental Musical Services. Elaine Duffy, Assistant Instrumental `music Coordinator for the region was present and commented
‘' It was a delight to be here today and see the work that is going on in the community, we will continue to support young musicians with tuition through the instrumental specialist within the school establishments and are delighted that they will pursue their extra curricular activity through the Coalburn ensembles. At IMS we are delighted to support and encourage this partnership working and we will continue to promote brass throughout the authority and indeed the Clydesdale area''
Special thanks for the day go to the Musical Directors of both the Bronze and Silver Band, Jayne Brownlie and Gareth Bowman for their enthusiasm and commitment to brass banding. To Daniel Beadle, Alistair McCorkrell ,Michael and Liz Cowan for logistical support, Gordon and Jamie Miller for their mentoring support and the members of both bands.
The Bronze Band meet at the Band Hall, Coalburn every Wednesday night from 6.30pm onwards and would be delighted to welcome anyone with an interest in playing brass or percussion instrument.
Please catch up with both bands through the web site www.coalburnsilverband.co.uk
Exciting, new developments at Coalburn Silver Band
Last weekend's inspirational workshop day with the fabulous Les Neish was the perfect platform for Coalburn Silver Band to make two announcements about the future development of South Lanarkshires oldest remaining brass band.
The Coalburn Percussion Academy will start later this month and will be led by the Silver Band's principal percussionist Jamie Miller. Jamie commented ‘'this is an exciting new development for the band; I am thrilled to have been asked to lead the new academy. Our plan is to start small, we already have 5 youngsters in the Bronze Band set up and we plan to go forward and build on these numbers''
The other major announcement is the establishment of a third tear in the Coalburn Structure. The band currently boasts a very successful and highly motivated senior band, Coalburn Silver Band along with the ever-growing children's band, Coalburn Bronze Band. Commenting on this latest development Band President Alan Court commented ‘'With the continuing success and development of the senior band and the increasing numbers and range of abilities in our children's band we now feel its time to add a third tier to our structure. The new band will start in January of next year allowing us ample time to appoint a Musical Director''.
To keep updated about Coalburn Silver or Bronze Band or to get in touch please contact us through our web site at www.coalburnsilverband.org
