Both senior and youth bands from Perthshire Brass recently spent Bonfire Night at Belmont Camp in the lovely Perthshire countryside, as part of an intensive residential rehearsal weekend in preparation for the forthcoming Scottish Youth and Challenge Shield contests.

A lot of hard work was undertaken thanks to MD George D Annan and Youth Band conductor Jason Blyth.

Full schedule

Band spokesperson Brian Roper told 4BR: "Particular mention must be made of several players who are playing in both contests, as these folks had very little free time and coped fantastically with the full schedule of band and sectional sessions."

The Saturday evening was set aside for a social event and this year the band broke new ground by having a firework display in the camp grounds.

Particular mention must be made of several players who are playing in both contests, as these folks had very little free time and coped fantastically with the full schedule of band and sectional sessionsBrian Roper

Pop master

Ably organised by Chairman Anthony Lole, with assistance from some members, the crisp evening with a clear sky made for an enjoyable interlude before the assembled company returned indoors. The evening continued with a "Popmaster" quiz and supper, which set everyone up nicely for renewed rehearsal efforts on the Sunday.

The weekend marked the start of a very busy winter for both bands, with the usual Christmas engagements as well as providing music for the wedding of former player Natalie Tosh.