This coming Sunday January 20th sees an exciting full day of music making for young people, organised by the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association, in the splendid Volunteer Hall, Galasheils.

Solos

The morning session will see the annual Solo & Ensemble contest, which acts as the Borders qualifying round for the Scottish Youth Solo and Ensemble finals which take place in Livingston at the beginning of February.

After a short lunch break, there will be a youth band contest, with groups from all over the Scottish Borders playing a short own choice programme.

Masterclass

The adjudicator for the whole day will be the esteemed tuba soloist, Les Neish, who will delivering a short masterclass/workshop with the winners in each section of the solo contest, will adjudicate each band directly — immediately after their performance, in another new idea being tried out by the innovative Borders association.

"It promises to be an exciting and inspirational day of brass and percussion playing, and a glowing testament to the work done here in the Borders by both the schools and our bandsAlan Fernie

Exciting

Chairman Alan Fernie told 4BR: "It promises to be an exciting and inspirational day of brass and percussion playing, and a glowing testament to the work done here in the Borders by both the schools and our bands."

He added: "We're particularly thrilled to have such an in demand and charismatic musician as Les Neish to be our judge for the day — I'm sure we'll all learn a lot!

And although it is a competition, we'd prefer to think of it more as a festival, highlighting just what talented young people, and teachers!, we have here in this area."

Action starts

The action begins at 10.00am with the solos, accompanied by the talented Fiona Dickson on piano, and ensembles, followed by Les's masterclass and concludes with the band contest.

Entry is by silver collection, and for further details contact Alan Fernie on 07947254961.