Coalburn players honoured at awards night
MEMBERS of Coalburn Silver, Bronze and Intermediate bands have been honoured at the organisation's annual awards night.
Several prizes were handed out at the event, which was attended by more than 100 band members and supporters.
Receiving the conductor's award in the silver band were percussionist Jenny Alexander and tenor horn player Alex Sheridan. Section of the year was awarded to the front row cornet team consisting of Ronnie Wotherspoon (principal), Euan Meikle, Joanne Buchanan and Calum Miller. The band person of the year prize is voted for by band members and was given to band secretary and treasurer, Daniel Beadle, as his work ethic and contribution was recognised by his peers.
One of the major awards of the evening was silver band player of the year, chosen by MD Gareth Bowman. The winner was Jamie Millar, principal percussionist, whose instrumental role in the band's success proved to be a popular choice.
The intermediate band celebrated its second awards night following its inception in 2013. Ross Lyttle, of the band's horn section, won most improved player while the player of the year award was presented to David Fehilly on euphonium. The players' player of the year was a unanimous decision in favour of the band's flugel horn player, Alex Sheridan.
Coalburn Bronze Band celebrated a successful year under the baton of conductor Euan Meikle and special recognition was given to percussionists Finlay Damer, 10, and 14-year-old Elle Henderson, who won the best section award.
The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy was established in memory of the late band stalwart, who led the children's band for many years, and was awarded to the most improved player. Christine Blackwood presented the prize to eight-year-old tenor horn player, Rory Hunter.
Band person of the year in the bronze band, receiving a silver salver, was Adam Cowan. The 15-year-old was chosen by the band's committee who recognised his outstanding contribution during the course of the year.
Alan Court, band president, commented: "This has been a wonderful night of celebration for the organisation and we look forward with much anticipation to the forthcoming year, where in addition to a full diary of events we plan to further develop our newly formed percussion academy."
Coalburn Silver Band has a busy schedule ahead, starting with the first of its spring concerts entitled An American Adventure on Friday, April 24, in Livingstone Memorial Church, Blantyre.
The band is also due to perform at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra's Tectonics Festival 2015. Held at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow's Merchant City on Sunday, May 3 at 3pm, the event will see the band perform an experimental work by Hold Sofie Tafjord called Mural. The concert will be recorded for BBC Radio 3 and will be filmed for BBC use online.
Also featuring in the band's schedule is the Northern Counties contest and the second of its American Adventure concerts, in East Kilbride Parish Church, on Friday, June 5.
More information on the organisation's engagements and news on vacancies is available by logging on to the Coalburn Silver Band website.
