*
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    


uk fORUM

Endorsement and reservations from UKLBF to automatic National invitations

August 13 • The UK Leading Bands Forum has welcomed the return of the four band automatic invitation to Albert Hall Final — but with pointed reservations.


Presto

Make a presto decision to add to your recording collection...

August 13 • There are six more, new and classic CDs and downloads to consider as you build your brass collection through a new partnership between 4BR and Presto Music.


Star Crossed lovers

Fewer than 100 premium tickets left for British Open

August 13 • If you want to to snap up a ticket for the Stalls or Upper Circle for this year's British Open, then make sure you don't miss out.


Gregson

Gregson's Choice on National eve

August 13 • You can still grab a seat for the chance to hear an evening of great Edward Gregson music on the eve of the Albert Hall National Final from the ISB and Ian Bousfield.


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 8 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham GL51 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 15 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL52 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Wetherby & District Silver Band

August 14 • We have a back row cornet and horn seat available in our friendly, top end of third section band. Although we take our music seriously we also try to have as much fun as possible in the process! We rehearse Monday and Friday evenings 8-9:45pm in Wetherby


Epping Forest Band

August 11 • Epping Forest Band have a vacancy for a solo horn player.. We are a friendly social 3rd section band with a variety of concerts throughout the year.. We have our own band hut and are within easy distance of the M11 and the central line.


Ilkeston Brass

August 9 • Ilkeston Brass need a new MD! We are a 4th section band based in SE Derbyshire with a strong community presence. We have empty seats in the cornet section but a core of committed players fighting to keep the band going.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd