Excellence was the order of the day at Coatbridge Concert Brass, who held their first band Solo & Ensemble competition on the weekend.

Great time

Over 20 children had a great time of it too, with talented contenders aged 9 – 12 battling it out for the prizes in two sections.

The difficult, but highly enjoyable job of sorting things out was given to Ronnie Tennant of Band Supplies – and he later told 4BR that he had a great time too, as there was a wonderful atmosphere all day – right from the early morning draw right thought to the presentation of the prizes.

Only one rule!

The Training Band Section saw ensembles perform a soloist test piece – with the only rule that they enjoy themselves!

Aimed at players who have only been learning to play from 6 weeks to 1 year, there was plenty of tremendous playing on show from group consisting trumpets, cornets, trombones, horns and euphoniums.

The eventual winner was Murray MacDonald a sure fire star of the future on trumpet.

Great enthusiasm

The Intermediate Section that followed saw the playing of three pieces for players who have been playing between one and two years.

One again there was plenty of great enthusiasm and talent on show, with young cornet player Morgan Tait taking the honours after a very close run contest.

The event was a huge success, and this was in no small part to the efforts of Elaine Smith who organised the whole event almost single handedRonnie Tennant

Talented duo

After a small break it was time for the children to play their own choice of music within their own learning group, where the section winners were once again the talented duo of Murray MacDonald and Morgan Tait, although there was a special mention for the amazing Olivia O’Hara, who came third – especially at it was later revealed that she had only been playing for less than six weeks!

Cracking

The Ensemble Section saw 3 cracking competitors take to the stage, with the foursome of Louise Sneddon, Morgan Tait, Claire Getchel and Ross McArthur taking the honours and with Morgan picking up the extra proize as ‘The Most Meritorious Performance.’

This was the first time most of the children have been in any sort of music competition, and with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment, they delivered a thumping thumbs up verdict when Ronnie Tennant asked if they all wanted to do it again!

Not a dry eye!

With parents, grandparents and family friends packed in to hear the performers, there wasn’t a dry eye of pride in the house either.

Ronnie told 4BR: "The event was a huge success, and this was in no small part to the efforts of Elaine Smith who organised the whole event almost single handed. We hope to be able to make this event an annual occasion so the children have something to aim for each year."

Coatbridge Concert Brass was formed in April this year and is jointly sponsored by the NHS, Scottish Brass Band Association and North Lanarkshire Council.

It is headed up by Elaine Smith, supported by Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre in Coatbridge and was set up to give local children access to a musical group by giving loaned instruments and lessons.

The band is open to children between the ages of 9 -15 within the Lanarkshire Area. It is on a Thursday evening between 7pm – 9pm. For more information call 01236 426200, or come along on a Thursday evening.

Results:

Training Band: Test Piece
1. Murray MacDonald
2. Stephanie Power
3. Elizabeth Toal

Training Band: Own Choice
1. Murray MacDonald
2. Christopher Leggate
3. Olivia O’Hara

Intermediate: Test Piece
1. Morgan Tait
2. Emily Moore
3. Louise Snedden

Intermediate: Own Choice
1. Morgan Tait
2. Louise Snedden
3. Sarah Spencer

Ensembles:
1. Louise Snedden, Morgan Tait, Claire Getchel, Ross McArthur
2. Murray MacDonald, Christopher Leggate
3. Emily Moore, Sarah Spencer, Sarah McDonald

Special Awards: Training Band
Best Low Brass Performance: Kirsty Wilkes
Bronze prize over two sections: Natasha Peebles
Bronze Prize: Mark Toal & Martin Toal

Special Awards: Intermediate
Best Low Brass Performance: Claire Getchel
Bronze prize over two sections: Megan Wilkes
Bronze Prize: Ross McArthur

Overall Most Meritorious Performance: Morgan Tait