Connecting during the Corona crisis – The Kirkintilloch Band

It’s The Kirkintilloch Band’s turn to take centre stage in our ongoing series on how Scottish bands are staying connected during the Coronavirus pandemic:

The Kirkintilloch Band was formed in 1890 with funds provided by public subscription and it is still a self supporting organisation.

The band’s first contesting appearances were in the 2nd section in 1898 and 1899 and it was not until 50 years later that their contesting prowess came to light, progressing through the sections in the 1950s and 60s. Their debut at the National Championships in the Royal Albert Hall came in 1968. 

Over the years, many conductors and musical directors have influenced the musical direction and teaching at Kirkintilloch but it was the appointment of Professor Walter B. Hargreaves as MD that marked a turning point in the band’s history when it won the Scottish Championships in 1984 and 1985 under his guidance. 

Kirkie, as they are known in the banding fraternity, later won the Scottish Championship in 1990 and 2002, conducted by Frank Renton. Success at this contest meant further appearances in the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall and led to the band competing in the European Championships in Copenhagen (1985), Wales (1986) and Rotterdam (1991) Luxembourg (1995) Bergen (2003) and Stavanger (2008).

In 2001 victory at the Grand Shield Contest in Blackpool, conducted by Alan Ramsay, qualified them to take part in the British Open Championships for the first time in their history. Three years later they appeared at the British Open again, this time under Steve Bastable, when they were place fourth, a result which is regarded as the band’s most successful since its formation.

Under the leadership of Nigel Boddice, Kirkintilloch once again became Scottish Champions in 2007. In the following two years, the band, conducted by Selmer Simonsen, came runners-up.

Another successful year came in 2013 with second place at the Scottish Championships and the Grand Shield with conductor Phillip McCann.

In 2019 the band gained promotion back to the Championship Section after a year in the 1st section.

The Kirkintilloch Band has never had the backing of a sponsor and members pay for all trips and visits to contests in various parts of the UK and Europe.

• 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