Conductors Richard Evans and Stuart Black recently returned to lead a cracking brass band initiative supported by the Scottish Brass Band Association in the Dumfries & Galloway area of Scotland.

Packed day

50 brass band players of all ages and abilities got together to enjoy a packed day of music making at Castle Douglas High School, led by the batons of Richard (Musical Director Emeritus of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland), and Stuart, who took the lead with a specially formed
'breakaway' group of younger delegates

More delegates

Stuart told 4BR: "It was a superb day. We actually had more delegates than last year and the enthusiasm from everyone involved was great to see. I think this is an event that will continue to grow."

Musicians from Annan Town, Dumfries Town, Stranraer Brass, Creetown Silver and Sanquhar Silver bands studied a wide-range of music, ranging from Peter Graham's 'Galeforce' to the classic test-piece 'Labour and Love' — all enhanced by wisdom and wit of one of the movement's most popular personalities.

Association aim

The event followed on from two other successful days in Dumfries and Castle Douglas, which also aimed to bring bands in the Dumfries & Galloway region together with a possible view to forming an Area Association.

A meeting was held and steps were taken to form the South West Association and build for the future.

Musicians from Annan Town, Dumfries Town, Stranraer Brass, Creetown Silver and Sanquhar Silver bands studied a wide-range of music, ranging from 'Galeforce' to the classic test-piece 'Labour and Love'4BR

Productive

Stuart added: "We had a productive meeting where it was made clear by people that they wanted to take the great things that Alan Fernie and Emma Johnstone have set up in the region to a new formal level to benefit the brass band community."