Coalburn Band's special recognition for MD Gareth
At the Coalburn Brass Band Family annual awards presentation, special recognition was made to one person who had made a significant contribution to the band’s ethos.
The Beth Damer Memorial Award is presented to a member of the organisation who demonstrates determination, empathy, endeavour, support, spirit and teamwork.
Senior band musical director Gareth Bowman was the recipient of the 2024 award after the Coalburn committee had considered all the following nomination citations:
• “He encourages, coaches and inspires all band members, from beginner to experienced. He never puts people down, only picks them up.”
• “A true and lasting commitment to the organisation, coupled with a pastoral heart, never criticising and always looking for ways to support.”
• “His work ethic is unbelievable, making himself available to facilitate one to one sessions, on top of a minimum three rehearsals per week.”
• “He has a true love of the organisation, leading from the front, always demanding the very best from every player but all done in an empathetic way.”
The award was presented by Coalburn secretary Daniel Beadle (pictured) with awards evening special guest Mark Good.
Coalburn is delighted to announce that Apolonia is now available to purchase from PLC Music.
Paul Lovatt-Cooper was commissioned to write a musical tribute to Beth (cover photo), a cherished member of the Coalburn Brass Band Family who tragically passed away just days prior to her 21st birthday in 2022.
Apolonia was premiered by Coalburn in March 2024, conducted by Paul, and was performed in August by the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Reserve Band. Listen to the piece, which was introduced by Gareth, Paul and Coalburn’s Anna Biggart here.
The Coalburn Brass Band Family hopes that many bands can enjoy Apolonia and continue to remember Beth.
