A new youth band has been formed in the North Lanarkshire town of Coatbridge, to the east of Glasgow.

Unique

Coatbridge Concert Brass has been established through a unique partnership between the local community and the NHS, with the support of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA).

The Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre saw 48 children aged between 9 & 12, put through their initial paces by Jim Smith, Head of Brass for North Lanarkshire.

Pilot scheme

After 18 months of preparation, a 32-week pilot scheme has been launched with support from SBBA and the NHS Lanarkshire Engagement Fund.

Achievement

The prime musical motivator of Coatbridge Concert Brass is Jim Smith, who recently received the SBBA President's Award for his achievements in the brass band movement in Scotland.

Itching

He has long been aware of the lack of brass band opportunities in North Lanarkshire: "There used to be lots of mining bands and town bands. There's nothing left now.

In 1980, I managed to build up the Monklands Youth Brass Band but today we now only have 13 young cornet players in the whole of North Lanarkshire, but over 600 trumpeters playing concert bands.

Brass bands have always been a part of my life and I've been itching to try and do something to reinvigorate them."

Brass bands have always been a part of my life and I've been itching to try and do something to reinvigorate themJim Smith

Meeting

The opportunity came about through a meeting with Paul Campbell from NHS Lanarkshire, who was building projects that could link into NHS policies of lifelong learning and Scottish Education's curriculum for excellence.

Jim continued: "Paul was looking for ways of ensuring the mental health and well-being of children and households. I mentioned the idea of building a youth band, or a centre where young people can develop all aspects of music. I was also encouraged by the work of SBBA Youth Development Officer, Alan Edmond."

Perfect example

SBBA President George Burt added: "We've developed a 'Brass Band Starter Pack', which provides funding and support to a new band committee so that it can get organised. This is a perfect example of how it works. The NHS involvement is a new feature we're sure will be taken up in other parts of the country."

Grow

Kirkshaws Project Manager, Willie McBride, is enthusiastic about the initiative: "We were delighted when we were approached. I have no doubt that with the support already on offer Coatbridge Concert Brass will grow in stature to provide children and young people a wonderful musical experience."