*
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    


Ben Dixon

Dixon docks at Marsden for York challenge

July 24 • Grimethorpe MD, Ben Dixon will lead Marsden Silver Prize Band at the First Section National Finals.


nybbs

Scottish youth ready for NYBBS experience

July 24 • 143 talented young players will head to Perthshire for what promises to be an inspirational week of fun and serious music making.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies: The new Sterling Royale Euphonium and Baritone now available

July 24 • Band Supplies has taken stock of the eagerly anticipated Royale Euphonium and Baritone from Sterling Instruments.


Bandamonium

Countdown on for Bandamonium

July 23 • There will be bandamonium in Devon on Saturday 25th July — and you can enjoy it all live and on demand thanks to NXTOD.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Ashington Colliery Band

July 24 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Rushden Town Band

July 23 • Trombone and Bb bass positions available.


Chinnor Silver

July 21 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join our ambitious,friendly and hard working 1st section band.Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up and down). Good but realistic diary of concerts and contests including tour abroad in 2027.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd