Connecting during the Corona crisis – Brass Central Strathearn

Continuing our feature on how Scottish bands are staying connected during the Coronavirus pandemic, Brass Central Strathearn is in the spotlight:

Brass Central Strathearn is one of Scotland’s newer bands, having been formed in Crieff during February 2012. There had been quite a few brass bands in the town over several years but none had been successful in maintaining a committee or players.

It was around eight years ago that a group of players from different bands who had moved into the area decided they would try to form a new band – and Brass Central Strathearn came into being.

There were some 20 adults and youngsters at the initial rehearsal at which Kenny Letham (now with Dysart) was appointed as MD. The band played at Crieff’s MacRosty Park bandstand on several engagements including fetes and gala days.

A highlight of the band’s short history was in April 2014 when it played for the Earl and Countess of Strathearn (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) when they were on an official visit to the area.

Two years later Brass Central Strathearn started a development band to encourage more players to learn and enjoy brass music. With the help of SBBA, the band appointed Tom Smith as its new MD and, through his efforts, in November 2017, the development band entered the Scottish Brass Band Youth Festival and has performed there every year since.

In January this year the band held a ‘come and try’ day (above) with the help of SBBA education officer John Boax which resulted in 12 adults and youngsters asking for instruments to play!

Brass Central Strathearn participated in the Scottish Championships in March in the 4b section and is planning to do so again when circumstances permit. Our website is at www.brasscentralstrathearn.co.uk

We wish all bands in Scotland and elsewhere all the best at present time.

• 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