The Coalburn Brass Band organisation recently hosted its annual awards evening where the inclusive family atmosphere made for a great night of celebration.

Band President Alan Court was joined by special guest Mark Good, the MD of Riverside Youth and Renfrew Burgh Bands, as well as the Marketing Coordinator for John Packer Musical Instruments, Rath Trombones and Taylor Trumpets.

Awards

Awards were presented to players from all the ensembles within the Coalburn Band family — Brass Beginners, Percussion Academy, Bronze, Intermediate and Silver Bands.

Speaking about the evening, Gill Howarth, the tutor for the Brass Beginners said: "It's an honour to work with the beginners group. They have made fantastic progress and gave an incredible performance at the Christmas concert. They bring along such excitement and enthusiasm to every session and work hard at home."

Joy

Percussion Academy tutor, Robbie Bremner was also delighted at the progress made by his players, as he added: "They have been a joy to teach and we keep going from strength to strength pushing each other forward. I can't wait to see what 2025 brings."

Jim Park also commented on how much he had enjoyed conducting the Bronze Band since his appointment in May, leading them to be crowned Novice Section champion at the Scottish Youth Championships.

Pride

Intermediate Band MD Gareth Bowman also spoke of his pride in his ensemble's performances since he took over in March — rewarded at the Borders Entertainment contest where they received the trophy for the 'Best Fourth Section Band'.

Gareth also commented on the successful year for the senior Silver Band as they secured their place in the Championship Section for 2025, and on their fine performance at the West of Scotland contest where they came runner-up.

Mark Good led the congratulations, telling everyone that Coalburn was a fantastic beacon of how band organisations should be run.

It's an honour to work with the beginners group. They have made fantastic progress Gill Howarth on the Beginners Group

Award Winners:

Brass Beginners:

Amber Hamilton, Amelie Beedel, Carra Beadle, Eloise Beedel, Gabriel Hadley, Isaac Patterson, Rebecca Cosgrove and Sophie Bryson.

Percussion Academy:

Clare Symonds, Graham Pate, Gregor Naismith, Hollie Reid, Lincoln Martin-Barrera, Megan Cowan and William Glassford.

Percussion Academy:

Hollie Reid

Bronze Band:

Children's Choice: Lincoln Martin-Barrera
Band Person of the Year: Gregor Naismtih
Best Section: Back row cornets
George Blackwood Memorial Trophy: Mara Ramsay

Intermediate Band:

Players' Player of the Year: Katie Abernethy
Conductor's Award: Katie Abernethy
Most Improved: Joshua Glassford
Best Section: Trombones
Player of the Year: Raymond McGaghey

Silver Band:

Band Person of the Year: Catriona Squires and Daniel Beadle
Players' Player of the Year: Euan Roberts
Conductor's Award: Ross Abernethy
Best Section: Basses
Player of the Year: Euan Roberts