*
banner

Musical self sufficiency helps Coalburn through Covid

The Coalburn Band organisation has been keeping busy as they look to return to communal music making...

cOPALVBURN
  The players all hope to be able to get back together like this once again

Like all bands around the world, the Coalburn Brass organisation have had to adjust to the changes that Covid-19 brought with it.

However, despite not being able to meet up for their weekly rehearsals (this picture was taken before the current Covid-19 restrictions) it has not stopped their members from pulling together to keep the band running and keep making music.

Bronze help

Members of the Bronze Band were issued with future concert pieces arranged by conductors David Fehilly and Gareth Bowman. In order to help them learn their parts, a group of Silver Band players recorded the music for them to play along with.

Meanwhile, Silver Band conductor Gareth Bowman designed 'Guided Practice Sessions' to support Silver and Intermediate band players with their home practice routines.

Not to miss out the Percussion Academy has met regularly on-line to continue lessons with tutor Caitlin Monaghan as she herself prepares for the future in relocating to start a Masters course at the RNCM in Manchester.

Fantastic response

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We've had a fantastic positive engagement to our virtual recordings. The Intermediate Band joined Leadhills Silver to produce a performance of 'A Song for Health' by Steven Verhelst, and this followed by the Silver Band's recording of Alan Fernie's arrangement of 'Baggy Trousers'."

Both video recordings, produced by flugel player Calum Miller recordings can be viewed on the Coalburn Silver Band Facebook page.

despite not being able to meet up for their weekly rehearsals (this picture was taken before the current Covid-19 restrictions) it has not stopped their members from pulling together to keep the band running and keep making music4BR

Financial help

Although six of the band's regular Gala Day events were cancelled due to the pandemic, funding from Foundation Scotland has meant that when they do return, new pieces will be played at them, whilst the band was also grateful for financial support from South Lanarkshire Council's Renewable Energy Fund to help compensate for lost income during the lockdown.

The spokesperson added: "The whole Coalburn family extends our best wishes to fellow bands throughout the UK during this unprecedented time and thank all frontline workers for their efforts against Covid-19.

We hope that we can resume rehearsals and perform for our audiences as soon as it is possible to do so."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


NZ Championships

Exciting Antipodean challenges for NZ Nationals

June 4 • There is an encouraging outlook for the New Zealand Championships in Christchurch next month.


nybbgb

Thornton and Barton set to inspire Childrens Band

June 4 • Dr David Thornton and guest soloist Lewis Barton will lead the musical attractions at the NYBBGB Childrens' Band Summer Concert in August.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable). Rehearse Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Welwyn Garden City Band

June 3 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd