Over 50 young players recently enjoyed a brilliant 'Brass & Beyond' workshop day presented by tuba artist Richard Fox.

Richard was the welcome visitor to the Coalburn Band organisation to lead the innovative recruitment and training day which was supported by the Scottish Brass Band Association and South Lanarkshire Council.

All over region

Hosted at Woodpark Primary School in Lesmahagow, young brass and percussion players came from all over the region to enjoy a morning session which saw Richard lead rehearsals with both the Coalburn Bronze (Children's) Band and the Coalburn Intermediate Band.

The afternoon saw the arrival of several young brass players currently involved in the local authority's instrumental services programme, along with the senior members of Coalburn Silver Band.

Richard led two sessions working on an improvised piece of music for the end of day concert, with several budding young conductors having great fun as they were given the opportunity to take the baton.

Concert finale

The concert attracted a host of family and friends, supporters and local councilors, as well as Elaine Duffy, the Assistant Musical Coordinator from South Lanarkshire Council Instrumental Services.

Performances were given by the Bronze and Intermediate Bands with everyone then taking part in the improvised piece conducted by some of the younger children.

The Coalburn Silver Band concluded the concert with flugel player Calum Miller showcasing 'Libertango' and Richard Fox delighting the audience his virtuosic playing on his own composition 'Lost Property' and a very tasty (given his surname!) 'The Chicken'. The day was brought to a close with a smashing rendition of 'The Circle of Life'.

Richard led two sessions working on an improvised piece of music for the end of day concert, with several budding young conductors having great fun as they were given the opportunity to take the baton4BR

Wonderful day

Band President Alan Court told 4BR: "It was a truly wonderful day of music making led by Richard and all the talented youngsters.

We are indebted to the Scottish Brass Band Association and South Lanarkshire Council for their support and our thanks also go to Coalburn's conductors Gareth Bowman, Jayne Brownlie, David Fehilly and Gordon Miller."