After Galashiels Town Band formed it's own Youth Band last year in an innovative bid to secure its long term future, it has been announced that they have now set up a new Beginners Band.

Success

The success of the Youth Band has seen them secure a Silver Award at the Scottish Youth Championships, and now, thanks to a further award from Creative Scotland, under its Youth Music Initiative, they are setting up a Beginners’ Band under the direction of MD, Stuart Black.

workshops

In preparation, both the Youth and Senior Bands took part in workshops at local primary schools, performing to Primary 4, 5 and 6 pupils.

These were followed up with an Open Rehearsal at which youngsters and parents could hear the Youth Band perform and try the various instruments. As a direct result the Beginners’ Band now has 15 members.

Bandmaster, Neal Wade, was understandably pleased with the outcome as he told 4BR: "We had an excellent turnout. We know that the existing Youth Band enjoy learning and playing together and communicate this to their friends. We expect the new Beginners’ Band to be just as much fun.”

We had an excellent turnout. We know that the existing Youth Band enjoy learning and playing together and communicate this to their friends. We expect the new Beginners’ Band to be just as much funNeal Wade

Picnic

To encourage the young players further, and with support from Scottish Borders Council, the band has instituted a Diamond Jubilee Cup for Youth Bandsman of the Year.

This will be presented for the first time at the Jubilee Picnic which the band is hosting at Scott Park on 3rd June. The event is free and runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm with children’s games and activities.

Sunny weather

"We expect sunny weather, but have also arranged for a marquee," commented Neal. "The band is very much part of the community and we will be very pleased to see lots of townsfolk join us to take part in the games and activities and be entertained by the bands."