Advent Calendar of Carols: Loanhead Brass Roots – Good King Wenceslas

This performance of Good King Wenceslas, arranged by Matt Kingston, was Loanhead Brass Roots’ entry for the Virtual Youth Brass Band Festival – and a very seasonal piece of music it is too!

Officially formed in 2002 as the junior section of Mactaggart Scott Loanhead Band, the ensemble’s musical director is Alan Fernie.

The band has welcomed more than 150 players, many of whom have continued to be involved in the music world, whether it's going on to play with MacTaggart Scott or to study music at the highest level.

Over the last nine months Loanhead Brass Roots have adapted by having online weekly rehearsals and have given online performances, including a collaboration with Newtongrange Junior Band and Brass for Africa.

Distinguished ex-players Lloyd Griffin and Iain Mundy have talked to members about their work as young professional musicians.  The Roots have also hosted tuba superstar Les Neish for an evening and enjoyed a memorable session with Brass for Africa’s senior teacher, Ronald Kabuye.

Everyone at Loanhead Brass Roots wish all players, families and supporters of banding a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2021. 

Good King Wenceslas can be viewed at https://youtu.be/wkd7Rw40HhM

• If you would like to record – or have previously recorded – a favourite carol or melody as a virtual band, a socially distanced ensemble or as a soloist (with or without accompaniment) for inclusion in our Advent Calendar, please email sbbapr@gmail.com with your clip or link for it to be published on the SBBA YouTube channel.