Connecting during the Corona crisis – Newland Concert Brass

Newland Concert Brass is the first band to respond to our appeal to tell us a bit about yourselves in a bid to keep us all connecting during the Coronavirus crisis.

Newland are the current Scottish 4th section champions, having put in a winning performance of Neverland in Perth under the baton of musical director Simon Railton.

The band was formed in 1987 having taken its name from the venue where the first rehearsal took place, Newland Academy in Bathgate. There’s always a welcome awaiting brass and percussion players when rehearsals resume on Monday evenings.

Newland value youth development and have both a junior band (pictured below) and a training section. The band plays at concerts, contests, charity events, gala days and the Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival.

Newland, which has contested in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sections, is twinned with a German band and has taken part in many exchange trips.  Members have also taken part in music camps in France and Italy.

Newland members are currently keeping in touch through Facebook, emails and Zoom. You can find the band on Facebook and Twitter @newland_brass and at www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk

• Let us know about your band. Tell about some of your successes, when you were founded, where and when you rehearse (when things are back to normal), and how your members are coping during the Coronavirus emergency situation.

Just send a couple of photos and a short write-up to Nigel Martin at sbbapr@gmail.com