Annan Town to host workshop amid MD search

Leading lights of Scottish banding will be on hand at a workshop hosted by Annan Town Band next month.

Open to all players in Dumfries and Galloway and the surrounding area, the free workshop takes place at Dumfries Academy on Saturday October 26 in association with the Holywood Trust.

Led by conductor Colin Mackenzie (cooperation band), the workshop will also welcome a number of expert tutors including cornet star Jimmy Hayes, euphonium soloist Chris Shanks, Whitburn solo trombone player Paul Kiernan, renowned tuba player Andrew Warriner and percussionist Kenny Carlyle, with more tutors still to be confirmed.

A limited number of places are still available, and anyone wishing to register their interest should contact Michelle McDougall at michellemcdougall20@gmail.com before October 11.

Fresh from representing Scotland at the European Brass Band Championships in Montreux, Switzerland, Annan Town Band is also seeking applications for a musical director and resident conductor.

Following on from one of the busiest and most successful years in their history, including a trip to the National Finals in Cheltenham and taking the title at the Borders Entertainment Contest, the band is looking for new leadership to help them build on this success.

Annan Town Band rehearse on Monday and Wednesday evenings in their band hall above the Blue Bell Inn in Annan high street (less than 10 minutes from junction 20/21 of the M74 and 10 minutes walk from Annan railway station).

The band has a sensible calendar of events including contests, concerts and community events, and will compete in the Scottish second section for the 2020 contest season.

Applications should be made, in confidence, to band secretary Samantha Bryden on 07784699965 or at samanthabryden@hotmail.co.uk.