*
banner

Coalburn's Got Talent — plenty of it!

Simon Cowell should have been in Coalburn as the band's 'Talent' showcased their brilliant playing.

Coalburn
  Coalburn's got talent — and plenty of it...

The Coalburn Band recently hosted their very own 'Coalburn's Got Talent' event aimed at providing a fun platform for players of all ages and abilities across the organisation's four ensembles to perform a spotlight solo item.

It was judged by Whitburn Band's solo euphonium player Scott Kerr at the local 'Fountain' village hall in Lesmahagow. He provided written feedback to each competitor as well as giving his own performance at the end of the night. The supportive audience were also treated to items from the Coalburn Percussion Academy.

Excellent entry

There was an excellent entry of no less than 19 soloists, which included two percussionists, with many accompanied by Nicola McKenzie on piano, whose sensitive playing undoubtedly assisted many of the 'first time' performers.

Seven Intermediate, seven Silver and five Bronze Band members played a variety of music, with all the participants receiving certificates and the winners also gaining the opportunity to enjoy further tutoring from Scott.

Award winners

Douglas Ormrod who brilliantly played 'Lily the Pink' on cornet took the Bronze Band award, with Intermediate Band flugel player Claire McGhee giving a fine winning rendition of 'Misty'. Silver Band tuba player David Fehilly gave a super performance of 'Ordner Seg' to take the Silver Band honours.

Scott also wowed the audience with his virtuosic rendition of his own composition 'Re-Imagined Contradanza' (A Workman's Lunch Break).

This was a wonderful night of entertainment, and it was so encouraging to see so many of our younger members taking part. The support and camaraderie from the band members was truly fabulousBand President, Alan Court

Wonderful night

Band President, Alan Court told 4BR: "This was a wonderful night of entertainment, and it was so encouraging to see so many of our younger members taking part. The support and camaraderie from the band members was truly fabulous."

Meanwhile Scott added: "It was inspiring seeing so many youngsters so excited to perform. The standard was great throughout and I would like to congratulate the Coalburn organisation for what was an excellent event."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Flugelhorn player.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd