Scottish Championships Training Day

The new decade has started off in full swing for the band as we prepare for the Scottish Championships in later this year. On Sunday 19th January, the band were hosted once again by our fantastic supporters, SimpsInns who provided us with the use of their stunning Lagavulin Suite at The Gailes Hotel and kept us well refreshed with an array of sandwiches, soup, tea and coffee.

The day started off with a full band rehearsal led by musical director, Lewis Bettles, giving our tutors the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves into Kit Turnbull’s; The Golden Sabre. After this, we broke for a quick lunch break before heading to sectionals where our tutors could guide us through the piece to strengthen our attention to the great detail throughout. The band are extremely grateful for the time and effort dedicated to us from such fantastic tutors:

• Front Row Cornets: Mark James

• Back Row Cornets: John Boax

• Horns: Karin McKenzie

• Trombones: Lewis Bettles

• Euphonium/Bartitone: Richard Leonard

• Basses: Danielle Price

• Percussion: Ruaridh Neil

After sectionals, it was once again time for another full band rehearsal where there was a remarkable difference in both sound and technicality throughout the band.

The band are excited for the year that lies ahead as soon after the Scottish Championships in March, we will take ownership of our very own band hall in Dreghorn, The Dunlop Memorial Hall. This will enable to band to continue to develop and grow and hopefully enable us to provide an asset that can be used with the local community and musical education partners in the local area.

As always, the band welcome any players who wish to come along and join us. Currently, we still rehearsal in Woodlands Pavilion, 7:30-9:30, Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. Feel free to pop in anytime you wish, or get in touch with our Band Manager, Derek, 07772498076.