The Irvine & Dreghon Band recently enjoyed a wonderful day of brass playing and masterclass teaching from a former local lass made good, as Foden’s horn star Lesley Poole led their Slow Melody Competition and Children’s Workshop.

Masterclass

The day stated with Leslie leading an informative and productive masterclass for the band’s beginners and youth players where she gave invalubale tips and tuition.

Lesley actually started playing at the local Blacklands Primary School before going onto Kilwinning Academy — the very schools many of those playing on the day were now attending.

Competition

The Slow Melody competition was well attended with players of all ages taking part. Nine juniors and ten seniors played slow melodies which Lesley adjudicated before telling everyone that she had thoroughly enjoyed their performances.

Senior soloist winner was euphonium player, Dawn Spence with cornet players, Derek Leitch and Iain Lowry just behind, whilst the Junior soloist winner was trumpet player Ross MacMillan.

Highlight

The highlight though was six beginners, affectionately known as ‘The Brasslets’ — who have only been playing for 6 months, who wowed the audience with their excellent solo performances.

Proud

Irvine & Dreghorn Musical Director John Boax later told 4BR: "I was very proud of them all today. They are a credit to themselves and their families.

The future looks bright and hopefully we can recruit more players — both beginners for our Brasslets programme and more developed players for the training and senior bands."

The future looks bright and hopefully we can recruit more players — both beginners for our Brasslets programme and more developed players for the training and senior bandsMD, John Boax

Concert

The evening concert with the senior band was also a huge success, with Lesley wowing the audience with her solos.

There were also additional performances from the training bands before the evening closed with a joint performance of Paolo Nutini’s ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’, featuring the senior, training and brasslet bands!

Lots of talent

Lesley told 4BR: "I really enjoyed the day. There is lots of talent and the band has such a great set up. The future is bright for Irvine and Dreghorn", whilst one little Brasslet added: "I loved it today. I love playing my trombone and shaking eggs with the big band. I was proud today."

Solo Competition results:

Senior Solo:
1. Dawn Spence (euphonium)
2. Derek Leitch (cornet)
3. Iain Lowry (cornet)

Section Awards winners:
Phyl Fleming (horn)
Anne Taylor (horn)
Dawn Spence (euphonium)
Derek Leitch (cornet)

Junior Solo:
1. Ross Macmillan (trumpet)
2. Hannah Godfrey (euphonium)
3= Rebecca Smith (cornet)
3= Ashley McLaughlin (euphonium)