New conductor at Dysart

Ross Brotherston is the new Musical Director at Dysart Colliery Silver Band.

DYSART Colliery Silver Band has announced the appointment of Ross Brotherston as its new Musical Director.

The news comes ahead of trips to the Fife Charities Brass Band Association Contest and the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge. It also marks a new period in Dysart's development, as the Fife band aims to gain promotion from the fourth section. The milestone was last achieved in 1968, when the band came second in the third section under the leadership of Drake Rimmer.

A spokesman for Dysart Colliery Silver Band said: "The appointment of Ross marks an exciting new chapter in the band's history.

"Ross brings with him a wealth of high level playing and conducting experience which will can only bode well as we look to build on the progress which has been made."

Ross takes on the role following the departure of Bruce Fraser, who led the band for more than five years. During that time, he achieved three top six finishes and one third place.

The spokesman continued: "The band wishes Bruce the fondest of farewells. He led DCSB through a transitory season in its history with musical gustro, dedication and professionalism which everyone has benefited from."

Ross Brotherston started playing the cornet aged seven with St Ronan’s Silver Band, based in the Scottish Borders. He progressed into the youth band and was quickly promoted to the senior band.

Making his way through the cornet ranks, Ross entered a number of solo contests, picking up a few awards along the way including the 2004 Scottish Youth Championship in the Under 16s category.

In 2005 he moved to Newtongrange Silver Band aged 16 playing with the band at the 2006 European Brass Band Championships. For 10 years Ross had a fruitful relationship with Newtongrange, playing in a number of cornet seats and also a spell on soprano cornet. Ross played with the band at the National Championships of Great Britain on three occasions, two of which resulted in top six finishes for the band. His spell on soprano cornet included winning the Scottish 1st Section Championships and the Senior Trophy in 2013.

It was at Newtongrange where Ross would start his conducting career, being appointed to conduct in May 2014 and spending six months with the band before family commitments forced a change.

In January 2016 Ross was appointed to the Tullis Russell Mills Band and played a big part in preparing the band for its Scottish Championship winning performance which resulted in gaining promotion to the championship section for the first time in 39 years.

Ross has worked under a number of conductors as a player including Richard Evans, Allan Ramsay and Steve Sykes and as a conductor, has worked alongside Raymond Tennant and Lee Skipsey in preparing bands for concerts and contests.