Talent on show at Coalburn

Alan Court, president of Coalburn Silver Band, receives the award for the best band at the 2016 Lanimer Day.

MEMBERS of the Coalburn brass band family have joined forces to take part in a day of music making aimed at inclusive performance.

Around 35 musicians gathered at Coalburn’s band hall and nearby Coalburn Church for the event on Saturday, June 18, under the direction of musical directors Gareth Bowman, David Fehilly and Gordon Millar.

The group rehearsed three pieces of music consisting of an excerpt from Brave, the drum solo Wipeout and Alan Fernie’s Prismatic Light.

Parents and supporters gathered at the end of the day for a joint performance by members of the silver, intermediate and bronze bands as well as the percussion academy. 

Nine participants, aged from six to 50-years-old, then entertained the audience with solo performances in a talent show.  Each of the soloists received a certificate with remarks from the adjudicators Gareth and David.

Gareth Bowman, Musical Director of Coalburn Silver Band, commented: “What a fabulous afternoon of music making we’ve had, the improvement and performances were outstanding and the standard of playing from all the soloists was phenomenal. This is a project we will definitely repeat.”

The day of music making comes during a busy time for Coalburn, with the silver and intermediate bands in good form at the recent Lanark Lanimer Day Celebrations.

Dumfries Town Band and Newmains and District Band joined Coalburn along with several pipe bands, with Coalburn Silver Band awarded the trophy for the best band on the day.

More information is available by logging on to the Coalburn Band website.