The Coalburn Silver Band has announced the formation of their new Percussion Academy, which was launched at the beginning of the month at their rehearsal facility in the town.

Funding

The academy has been made possible with funding assistance from Creative Scotland’s YMI (Youth Music Initiative) — Access to Music Making Programme, and will offer children and young people within the community the opportunity to engage, discover and develop their musical abilities.

Development

The project leader is Gordon Millar, principal baritone with the Coalburn Silver Band, who will play a pivotal role in the development of children and young people through the organisation’s Bronze and Intermediate Bands.

Gordon is highly qualified and has recently retired following a career in musical education.

The Academy will endeavor to equip students to study and play the full range of orchestral percussionCoalburn Silver Band

Equip students

He told 4BR: “The Academy will endeavor to equip students to study and play the full range of orchestral percussion.”

Band President Alan Court added: “We are delighted to launch our new Academy and hope in time it will provide the percussion teams for all of our bands. We are equally delighted to have Gordon Millar as the project lead.”’

To find out more go to: www.coalburnsilverband.co.uk