Queensferry to celebrate 40 years of brass
PAST players, family members and followers of Queensferry Community Brass Band have been invited to a concert celebrating 40 years of brass.
The event, in Queensferry High School, comes four decades after the group started out life as Queensferry High School Band in spring 1975. Formed by John Gilmour, the school's then head of music, the first engagement involved playing at Kirkliston Primary School's summer fete.
In the 1980s, the ensemble continued to develop and thrive, enjoying tours to Norway and Germany. A youth band was formed in the 1990s to offer players leaving school somewhere to continue their music making. Lottery funding was gained for the project and the band went on to win the Scottish Brass Band Association's youth championships in 1997 and 1999.
In 2004, John Gilmour retired from Queensferry High School and the band registered with SBBA as an adult outfit, changing its name to Queensferry Community Brass Band. John is still involved as band secretary and currently sits on the cornet bench. Former players have gone on to perform with a wide range of ensembles; Graham Clark went on to enjoy a distinguished career with the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines.
QCB still enjoys supporting local civic events, concerts and competitions under Musical Director James Anderson.
All are welcome to the spring concert on Friday May 29 at 7.30pm. Entry is via a £5 donation, with tickets available from band members, by calling 01506 824109 or by paying at the door.
