Paul’s recognition for his long service to Scottish banding

Congratulations to Shotts St Patrick’s Band baritone player Paul Gonnella who has received his life membership award from the Scottish Brass Band Association for over 50 years service to the brass banding community.

Paul began his playing career with Shotts St Patrick’s Parish Band in the late 1960s and first played as a SBBA registered player in 1972 at the Scottish Championships in Ayr.

Since then he has been a member of Hutchison’s Coaches (Newmains), Croy, Fauldhouse Miners, Coalburn Silver and Tullis Russell bands.

He has played in bands that represented Scotland at the National Mineworkers Contest in Blackpool and the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall and in Cheltenham, most recently with Shotts in 2023.

Paul, who used to play euphonium with the band, was presented with his SBBA medal by Shotts St Patrick's musical director Charlie Farren (pictured) at a recent concert.