Under the spotlight: Annan Town

Annan Town Band performing at its 25th annual concert in September 2016

HARD at work ahead of the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge is Annan Town Band and its new resident conductor, Andrew Holland.

The Dumfries and Galloway band gained its present name in 1901 and is the oldest musical group in Annan. Annan Town will be looking to add another chapter in its extensive history when it takes to the stage in Kilmarnock's Grand Hall on November 19.

Principal players

History

In the 1950s an old piece of newspaper was found giving the rules of the Lower Annandale Brass Band – the date of the newspaper was 1834!  There are more than 180 years of brass band heritage in Annan.  Through the decades the band changed its name. In 1901 it was established as Annan Town Band and today is the oldest musical group in Annan.

In the 1930s the band was reported to have played at Saturday night dances in the Albert Hall (in Annan, not London) and also played at international football matches during World War II.  During its life the band has rehearsed in various buildings and in 1992 found a more permanent home in the Blue Bell Inn (yes, a pub).  In the same year the band competed in its first Scottish Championships and was awarded second place for its performance of The Seafarers by Bruce Fraser.

Further success at the Scottish Championships followed in 1993, 1997, 1998, 2008 and 2009 – always placed second, followed by representing Scotland in six National Championships (in London, Birmingham and Harrogate).

The band’s annual calendar is busy with approximately 30 varied events each year including fundraising events, galas, church services, Christmas events, concerts and contests. There are more than 30 members, aged from 12 to 74, and almost half the band has given more than 20 years of service.  The band is fortunate and thankful to have sponsorship from John Roddick & Son (solicitors from Annan).

The band has recently gone through a period of change and has welcomed Andrew Holland, newly appointed resident conductor. Andrew studied at Salford University and while in his final year, he won the university’s conducting prize.  He conducted Yorkshire’s Chapeltown Band to championship status as well as Broxburn and Livingston, Eccles Borough Band, Salford Youth Training Band and Silk Brass.

Andrew takes his first contest with Annan Town Band at the 2016 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge and the band is eager to produce a good performance for him to build on a successful partnership together.