The Dalmellington Band will be presenting a free brass workshop this weekend led by Hedley Benson, one of Scotland’s leading professional trumpet players and a member of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Open workshop

The workshop is open to all brass players of all ages, with particular enthusiasm for younger instrumentalists from universities, colleges and schools to come and gain valuable insight and guidance from Hedley.

Free entry

Entry is completely free and the workshop will run from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday 25th August at Ivy Cottage, South Beach Ayr Street, Troon.

Land O' Burns

To further support the world of musical opportunities available through brass playing, all students attending the workshop will also have the opportunity to enjoy free entry to the latter half of the renowned ‘Land O’ Burns — Battle of the Bands’ brass band contest taking place at the Troon Concert Hall (next door) from 9.45am the same day.

This competition, now in its 18th year, showcases 16 of Scotland’s top bands each performing short concert programmes as they look to claim a share of the magnificent £6,000 prize fund.

It offers audiences a wealth of musical entertainment and demonstrating the vast variety of musical styles available through the brass band genre. Tickets for Land O’ Burns — Battle of the Bands are available at the door, priced at £6.00 (£4.00 concessions).

Through their dedication and hard work, the Dalmellington Band has developed this as a key event in the brass band calendar of ScotlandSBBA

Key event

A Scottish Brass Band Association spokesperson told 4BR: "Through their dedication and hard work, the Dalmellington Band has developed this as a key event in the brass band calendar of Scotland.

Through this year’s combination of the free educational workshop, together with the entertainment of the brass band contest, the organisers have created a day of music that truly offers something for everyone – players and audiences alike – where all can listen, learn and enjoy!"