Connecting during the Corona crisis – Kilmarnock Concert Brass

It’s Kilmarnock Concert Brass’ turn to take centre stage in our ongoing series on how Scottish bands are staying connected during the Coronavirus pandemic:

Kilmarnock Concert Brass is thrilled to have gained promotion to the 3rd section from next year after narrowly missing out for a couple of seasons. The band came runners up in the 4th section at the Scottish Championships in March and will represent Scotland at the National Championships in September.

Formed as Kilmarnock Youth Band in 1970, the band quickly went from strength to strength under Drew Keachie, taking part in numerous concerts and beginning to make an impact on the contesting stage. In 1978 KCB was crowned Scottish Band of the Year and then claimed the title of Champion Band of Scotland in 1979.

During the next 30 years the band continued to fulfill a busy programme of engagements and enjoy numerous contest successes. However, after a few years in the doldrums when, at one point, the band was down to just eight core members, Scott Walker became KCB’s musical director in the summer of 2015.

From then on the band started growing in numbers and performing at various concerts once again. For a while KCB remained just a community band and didn’t take part in competitions. But it was at the start of 2017 that the members made a decision to go back to competing and, under the excellent direction of Scott, the band has continued to work hard and improve over the past couple of years.

The band narrowly missed out on promotion to the 3rd section last year when it finished in third place at the Scottish Championships – which makes this year’s achievement all the more pleasing.

During the Coronavirus restrictions on movement and meetings, KCB members have been staying connected through their Facebook page and have just had their first get-together via Zoom in place of a Sunday evening rehearsal (pictured).

• Let us know about your band. Tell us 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