Coop duo rewarded for their long service to brass banding

Congratulations to Ewan Millar and Iain Chisholm of the cooperation band on receiving their lifetime membership medals from the Scottish Brass Band Association for 50 years service to brass banding.

Ewan began his musical journey when he was 10, learning the cornet from the peripatetic teacher at his school in Paisley. After joining the Barrhead Burgh Band and competing in his first Scottish Championships in 1977, his ambition led him to the CWS (Glasgow) Band, where he earned the 2nd cornet seat through a rigorous audition process.

The band won the Scottish Championship title in 1985, the Grand Shield in 1988 and the National Brass Band Championships in 1990 and 1996. Ewan’s impressive career includes 19 Scottish Championship titles, international tours and numerous recordings. His dedication and talent have been pivotal to the band's success.

Iain started playing the cornet at 11 under the tutelage of the late Hugh Johnstone MBE. After competing at the Scottish Youth Championships with Auchinleck Academy Band, in 1994 he joined CWS after a notable performance in a CD recording conducted by Joseph Horovitz.

As a tenor horn player, Iain has been integral to the band’s successes, contributing to National Championship wins, podium finishes at the British Open and European Championships, and securing 16 Scottish titles. Beyond his musical contributions, Iain is the band’s treasurer, an increasingly important role during challenging times post-sponsorship.

Ewan and Iain were presented with their medals at last weekend’s ‘An Evening with Bond’ concert.