Connecting during the Corona crisis – Hawick Saxhorn Band

Hawick Saxhorn Band is featured in our continuing series on how Scottish bands are staying connected during the Coronavirus pandemic:

A public petition in 1855 resulted in the formation of Hawick Saxhorn Band and its constitution states that it must play on two occasions annually. Both of these appearances are at the yearly Common Riding, including on the Friday morning when the band performs the Teribus March, arranged especially for the band by William Rimmer whose nephew Robert was bandmaster in 1904.

Beyond the Common Riding, the band plays throughout the year at community events, concerts and the occasional contest.

Historically, Hawick Saxhorn’s contesting highlight was winning the Scottish Championships in 1961 (pictured) and then playing in the National Finals in the Albert Hall.

Today our senior band and the young Saxhornettes rehearse in our own O’Connell Street band hall. We concentrate on local engagements and our early May concert is now being planned for a later date. The concert theme of ‘Music from the Movies’ should be ready to roll once things are back to normal.

During the lockdown, we’re keeping in touch via social media.

• 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