Under the spotlight: Johnstone
WORKING hard ahead of its appearance at the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge is Johnstone Band, under the baton of Martyn Ramsay.
Based in Renfrewshire, the band used to be one of around nine brass bands within a six mile radius. Times may have changed and others have disappeared, but the first section outfit continues to proudly represent its town in concerts and competitions across the country.
Here is what members of the band have to say...
Soprano: Helen Equi
Principal cornet: Lesley Dardis
Flugelhorn: Jane Clark
Solo horn: Jennifer Crockett
Solo baritone: Louise Clark
Solo euphonium: Wesley Stuart
Solo trombone: June Deans
Solo Eb bass: Kevin Jerome
Principal percussion: Scott Cochrane
Johnstone is situated 12 miles outside Glasgow, in Renfrewshire, and has an estimated population of 68,142. Johnstone Silver Band was formed in 1834 by workers in the local textile mills. At that time, Johnstone and Paisley were second only to the north of England in the manufacturing and processing of cotton.
By the 1850s, Johnstone Band was one of around nine which existed within a six mile radius. Most have now disappeared, along with the mills and engineering works that died away at the turn of the century and following two world wars. In 2009, the band celebrated its 175th anniversary.
Led by Martyn Ramsay, in 2015 the band has been raising the profile of brass bands through local events. This included a performance at the opening of the new Johnstone Town Hall in May. This excellent facility was later the venue for a well-received Proms style concert. The band has enjoyed a successful collaboration with conductor Leigh Baker, presenting an open access concert at a local high school, followed by an entertaining programme at the Land o' Burns contest. This year, the band has also been working alongside Renfrewshire schools brass pupils to prepare and present a concert in nearby Paisley, and is looking forward to future engagements.
