The Scottish Brass Band Association’s recent Brass Band Repertoire Day at Culloden Academy, Inverness has been hailed a great success.

The initiative, organised by Mark Bell and conducted by Glenn Munro of Moray Concert Brass, was designed to promote brass bands in the Highlands, with the view to setting up a new ensemble in Inverness.

Positive

The initiative received positive pre-event publicity, including television coverage, and as a result Andrew Duncan, Development Manager for SBBA, reported that the event was a resounding triumph.

"It was great to see so many people involved and to witness a full band of 30 players of all ages, including 3 percussionists seated and ready to play at 10.00am."

Recording

Mark is the local brass instructor in Highland Region and he will be the new Musical Director.

He added: "Led by Glenn Munro, the rehearsals began on a number of pieces. Glenn worked on many musical details, giving the new band the benefit of his experienced insight into rehearsing and training techniques and which culminated in a recording being made of the repertoire at the end of the session."

Success

Meanwhile, Andrew Duncan was delighted that another SBBA led initiative had proved to be such a success.

"The trip to Inverness was very much worth the effort, and to see such an enthusiastic and large group of players at this formative stage was inspirational.

Everyone who attended seemed genuinely delighted that a new band is to be formed in the Inverness area. With the obvious goodwill and support shown at the weekend by everyone involved, the future of the band seems assured."

The trip to Inverness was very much worth the effort, and to see such an enthusiastic and large group of players at this formative stage was inspirationalAndrew Duncan, SBBA Development Manager

Growth

SBBA themselves added: "We are delighted to learn that through this initiative, the new band is set to begin rehearsals after the summer and have already put in place an ambitious plan to start up a new Inverness Youth Brass Band once the new community band has been established.

We look forward to seeing their growth and development and congratulate them on their innovative approach to bringing a new brass band to life."