Brass players of all ages and abilities recently got together in Dumfries and Galloway for a packed day of music making.

Evans and Black

More than 50 players met at Castle Douglas High School under the baton of Richard Evans (above), Musical Director Emeritus of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS), whilst the day also included a special 'breakaway' group of younger delegates led by Stuart Black.

Joy to behold

Alan Fernie, who helped organise and co-ordinate the event on behalf of the Scottish Brass Band Association, told 4BR: "The energy and enthusiasm from all the players was a joy to behold, and it promises much for the future development of all the bands in the area."

He added: "Learning from the likes of Richard Evans and the talented Stuart Black was of huge benefit to everyone involved. Hopefully, we can entice one or two more bands along to the next event."

Bands

Musicians from Annan Town, Dumfries Town, Stranraer Brass, Creetown Silver and Sanquhar Silver bands studied a wide range of music; from Gordon Langford's 'Sinfonietta' to the overture, 'Die Felsenmühle' — all added to with the wisdom and wit of one of the movement's most popular personalities.

The energy and enthusiasm from all the players was a joy to behold, and it promises much for the future development of all the bands in the areaEvent organiser, Alan Fernie

Event aim

The event followed on from a successful day in Dumfries in April which also aimed to bring bands in the Dumfries and Galloway region together, with a possible view to forming an Area Association.

A further workshop has been organised for April 2016, where it is hoped that a South of Scotland Brass Band Association will be launched.