Under the spotlight: Tullis Russell Mills
READY to take to the stage at the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge is Tullis Russell Mills Band (TRMB) from Fife.
Not only has the band welcomed its fair share of famous conductors, it has also produced several brass playing superstars of its own.
Time for TRMB to say hello...
Principal cornet: Dean Bromage
Flugelhorn: Laura Herriot
Solo horn: Steven Craig
Solo euphonium: Tom Smith
Solo trombone: Robbie King
Solo Eb bass: Tom Donaldson
Principal percussionist: Fiona Balsillie.
Formed in 1919 by the paper mill as a social outlet for its workers, the Tullis Russell Mills Band has since gone from strength to strength. The band has enjoyed much success over the years under the leadership of many famous conductors such as Drake Rimmer, Ray Farr, John Maines and Alan Morrison. Even some of the world's most outstanding players and tutors are products of the Tullis band, examples being John Wallace, John Miller and James Gourlay.
The band has been Scottish champion on five occasions: 1952 (championship section) under the directorship of Drake Rimmer; 1985 (third section) under the baton of James Miller; 1995 (second section) due to the dedication of the Musical Director, Bruce Davis; 2006 (third section) where the band was directed by world-renowned professional conductor Alan Morrison; and in 2014 (second section) under the direction of Paul Drury.
As well as taking part in contests the band continues to play at local gala days, fetes and church concerts and is available for all occasions. The strength of the Tullis band organisation continues to this day. In addition to the Mills band there is now also a Tullis Intermediate and Tullis Youth Band, ensuring the future of the brass banding tradition in Glenrothes.
The conductor
Paul Drury was born in Dundee, receiving his early music tuition at the Salvation Army. He was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and gained the ARCM Diploma aged 17. While still at school, Paul appeared as a tuba concerto soloist with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Paul's conducting career started in 2005 when he was appointed Resident Conductor of Unison Kinneil Band and has since worked with the likes of Whitburn, Kirkintilloch, Newtongrange, Lochgelly and Bon Accord.
Paul became MD of Tullis Russell Mills in 2013 and led the band to victory at the Scottish Championships in 2014 and to the European Challenge Contest in Perth, although he is still actively involved in music within the Salvation Army, being the Songster (choir) Leader at Edinburgh Gorgie Corps.
An experienced composer and arranger who has written for Hayley Westenra, Phillip McCann, Roger Webster, and others, his popular march ‘Jubilee' won the Best March prize at the 2004 Brass in Concert Championships.
