Night of celebration for Coalburn

Members of Coalburn Bronze Band at the organisation's awards night.

MEMBERS of the Coalburn Brass Band family have gathered to celebrate the successes of 2015 at the organisation's seventh annual awards night.

More than 100 players, parents and supporters connected with the Silver, Intermediate and Bronze bands, as well as the percussion academy, came together on January 30 to reflect on the past 12 months.

Special guest for the event at Hollandbush Golf Club, South Lanarkshire, was Elaine Duffy, assistant instrumental services co-ordinator of South Lanarkshire Council.

Following a buffet, the first of the awards focused on the children of the Bronze Band. The best section prize was awarded to the cornet team. Each player also received a medal.

The bandperson of the year, voted for by the Bronze Band committee, was awarded to Rachel Struthers, the band’s baritone player. Rachel was praised for working incredibly hard, being an ever-present at both engagements and rehearsals, coupled with her positive attitude and desire to help others.

Rachel Struthers, Bronze Band bandsperson of the year, with Elaine Duffy.

The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy for the most improved player was presented to trombonist and percussionist, Kirsty Traynor. Kirsty faced having dental braces fitted, resulting in her not playing the trombone but moved to the percussion team and performed admirably. She received several positive remarks from adjudicators at contests regarding her timpani playing. 

Kirsty Traynor receives her player of the year award from Gordon Millar.

There was a lovely moment at the end of the Bronze band prize-giving when Euan Meikle, the band’s MD last year received a presentation from the children in recognition of all his hard work in his time as conductor.

The Intermediate Band awards followed with the band’s MD Kyle MacCorquodale on hand to announce the prize winners. The award for most improved player went to the band’s solo baritone player, Jayne Riley. Jayne has worked incredibly hard over the past year and the improvement simply couldn’t be overlooked.  The band’s young solo horn player Ross Lyttle was voted players’ player of the year.  Ross only stepped into the solo horn chair this year and his wonderful concert and contest performances made him a first choice for band members. The player of the year was awarded to band veteran, Alex Sheridan who has continued to thrill all with his lyrical and expressive flugel horn playing.

The Coalburn Percussion Academy then celebrated its first birthday with Gordon Millar giving an overview of the year and then presenting all of the students with a certificate of achievement. The most improved player of the year award went to the Silver Band’s percussionist Jenny Alexander. Jenny has grown hugely in confidence over the past year and this has led to some fabulous concert and contest performances.

Intermediate Band player of the year Alex Sheridan, centre, with MD Kyle MacCorquodale and Elaine Duffy.

Finally it was the turn of the Silver Band and Gareth Bowman, the band’s Musical Director, was on hand to announce the winners. The best section this year was the back row (Irene Madden, Derek Blackwood, Emily Barclay and Daniel Beadle). Gareth commented on the commitment of each player and the great platform they had given the front row.

Coalburn Silver Band enjoyed a night of celebration.

 The conductor's awards this year went to the band’s bass trombonist, David Fehilly along with first horn player, Susan Tough. Gareth commented on David’s willingness to learn a new instrument and fully rise to the challenge. David will basically lift any instrument in the band room and always give it 100%. Susan has been a member of the band for many years now and her unstinting dedication to the band through her commitment and consistency of performance was duly rewarded.

The bandperson of the year, voted by band members went to Daniel Beadle. This is the seventh year in a row that Daniel has won this honour and that speaks volume for his commitment. Daniel has been the band secretary for nearly a decade, combining this more recently with the treasurer’s role. His award for outstanding contribution to the working of the band last year was richly deserved.

The player of the year was awarded to the band’s new principal cornet, Calum Blair. Calum has been outstanding under mentor Ronnie Wotherspoon and stepped up onto the ‘top chair’ in the later part of the year producing some exceptional contest and concert performances.

Two very special awards followed as the band rewarded two of their members with honorary life membership, this award is bestowed on those individuals who have given outstanding commitment over a number of years to the work of the band.

Gordon Millar joined Coalburn Silver Band in 1971 and has played, conducted, tutored and mentored over those years; he currently leads the percussion academy, plays first baritone with the Silver Band, trombone with the Intermediate Band and is a tutor with the Bronze Band. Alan Court, band president, commented: “Gordon is an example to all and is a true bandsman, his passion for education has resulted in an increased role throughout the organisation since his retirement. We are truly thankful to have him and this award is long overdue and richly deserved."

Daniel Beadle joined Coalburn Junior Band in 1999, quickly moving to the Silver Band where he has played in almost every chair in the cornet ranks. He is currently band secretary and treasurer and his drive and enthusiasm are linked to the band’s recent growth and success. Alan Court added: “Daniel is the band’s superstar and richly deserves this award, he is incredibly well organised and his work ethic is quite incredible."

Band President Alan Court, brought to an end a wonderful night of celebration, giving the vote of thanks.

The whole Coalburn Brass Band family will appear in concert on Saturday, March 5 at Moncrieff Parish Church, Calderwood, East Kilbride. The concert also features the musical theatre group, Studio 32, and the concert starts at 7.30pm, with tickets sold at the door.