*
banner

Farewell Finnish to Coalburn tenure for Blair

Coalburn Silver principal cornet Callum Blair will head to Finland to study at the acclaimed Sibelius Academy.

Coalburn
  Calum will study for a Masters in Music at the Sibelius Academy

Coalburn Silver Band is to say a find farewell to their principal cornet player Calum Blair, who is to soon head to Finland to study for a Masters in Music at the acclaimed Sibelius Academy.

Calum joined Coalburn in 2015 from Barrhead Burgh and quickly became principal cornet. Since then, he has made a huge contribution to their success in qualifying for the Cheltenham National Finals on three occasions and in winning the 2023 Scottish First Section title in 2023 where he claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize.

A former principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, he also led the band from the end chair on their historic debut in the Championship Section this year.

He has brought so much to our band family, including wonderful performances, musicality, friendship, leadership as well as supporting the development of othersMD, Gareth Bowman

So proud

MD Gareth Bowman, who has twice presented him with the band's 'Player of the Year' accolade, said: "We're so proud of Calum and it has been amazing to see his incredible development as a player.

He has brought so much to our band family, including wonderful performances, musicality, friendship, leadership as well as supporting the development of others.

He added: "An exciting new chapter awaits him now and we'll be delighted to see what the future holds and to welcome him back to Coalburn in the future."

Be back

In response Calum added: "I'm incredibly sad to be leaving, but very much looking forward to moving to Finland. I know I'll be back and playing with Coalburn again in the future though."

Calum will be joined in Finland by former band member Jack Archibald who will also be studying at the Sibelius Academy from August.

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd