Coalburn Silver and Bronze Bands recently held its annual awards night with plenty to celebrate.

The evening was a celebration of the year past and was attended by 150 band members, supporters and family members, with Graeme Barclay, Instrumental Music Co-ordinator for South Lanarkshire Council on hand to present the awards.

Ensemble

The night started with music from the Coalburn Ensemble, a group of 5 children who played a compilation of music from the stage show 'Chicago'.

The Children's Band (Coalburn Bronze) now boasts a membership of 45 children and young people and celebrated another successful year under the baton of MD Jayne Brownlie.

Awards

The first award went to the 'Best Section' and was won by the euphoniums of 11 year old Jack Archibald and 15 year old Charlie Anderson.

The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy for the 'Most Improved Player' went to 14 year old trombonist Rachel Ramsey, whilst the 'Band Person of the Year' went to 15 year old Emily Barclay.

Alternatives

The Bronze Band 'Alternative Awards' followed, with plenty of fun and hilarity greeting the reluctant recipients of the ‘Chatterbox of the Year’ and 'Most Infectious Laugh'!

The Intermediate Band Awards for 'Player Of The Year' and 'Most Improved Player' went to Emily Barclay and Ann McKillop respectively.

Silver

The Silver Band 'Conductor’s Award' was presented to Solo Euphonium player Chris Downing, whilst the hotly contested 'Section of the Year' went to the euphonium and baritone section of Chris Downing, Eilidh Brian, Ian Jamieson, Gordon Millar and Helena Dunsmore.

The 'Band Person of the Year' went to joint winners, Band Secretary and Treasurer, Daniel Beadle and Gordon Millar.

Main event

The main 'Player of the Year' chosen by Musical Director Gareth Bowman went to Rachel Carmichael who only re-joined the band last year.

Two special awards were presented to long term band member and recently retired hall keeper George Pirie and to the band’s Musical Director Gareth Bowman.

Coalburn's combined band awards evening saw fifteen awards bestowed on various people for their efforts4BR

Pride

Band President Alan Court spoke with pride when reflecting on the evening to 4BR:

"It was been a wonderful night of celebration for the organisation. We now boast over 100 members through our three bands and look forward with anticipation and excitement to the forthcoming year where in addition to a full diary of events we hope to establish our new percussion academy".