*
banner

Kirky aims to take first step back to brighter future in Perth

After enduring perhaps the most difficult period in its history, Kirkintilloch aims to return to the contest stage — but with long terms aims and objectives built on solid Scottish realism.

Kirky
  It is hoped the appearance at the Scottish Open will be another solid step in the band's long term future plans

There is welcome news for one of the major names of recent Scottish banding history, as Kirkintilloch has announced that it is aims to return to the contest stage later this year.

It is hoped that an appearance at the Scottish Open at Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 17th November will mark a significant step in the efforts of dedicated members to underpin the long term sustainable future of a band that as recently as 2015 was still competing at the British Open.

Realism

Realism though is the key, as Band Manager John Needham told 4BR.

"We've endured a couple of very difficult years that's for certain,"he said. "Perhaps, like many bands we took things for granted for too long and paid the price, but now we're very realistic about where we stand and how we want to build for the future.

We've touched our lowest point, but thanks to the passion and dedication of a core of players and administrators who have the 'Kirky' name in their blood, we're now looking ahead with realistic confidence.

At present we just want to get back onto the contest stage, continue to build on a solid foundation and enjoy our banding once more."

Looking forward

Formed in 1890, Kirkintilloch's last contest appearance was at the Scottish Open in 2017, before they took the difficult decision to withdraw from the Scottish Championship — a contest they have won on five occasions — and the British Open Spring Festival.

John added: "We're all looking forward to the Scottish Open — although we know exactly where we stand. Then the focus will be on a return to the Scottish Championships in the First Section and building slowly but surely for the future.

There has been a great deal of hard work that has gone on behind the scenes — but we know this is now a long term plan for revival and not a short term fix for fleeting success.

It's also why we have welcomed players who share our aims and ambitions and why we hope to add a few more to the ranks.

Kirkintilloch will return. It may take us some time to reach the heights again, but we are certainly going to do it the right way and enjoy it too."

There has been a great deal of hard work that has gone on behind the scenes — but we know this is now a long term plan for revival and not a short term fix for fleeting successJohn Needham

Sharing outlook

John added that everyone has been delighted by the progress made so far, with the band currently on the outlook for a couple of tuba players and a repiano or tutti cornet.

"We continue to build in the right way,"he added. "So if players want to be part of what we want to achieve and how we want to do it, then please get in touch.

We currently rehearse in Kirkintilloch on Sundays 7.30 to 10.00pm with plans to revert to Wednesday/Sunday ahead of returning to the contest stage, so it would be great to hear from anyone interested."

Contact

John can be contacted on 07775 823026 or by email: john.needham2@blueyonder.co.uk

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    


nybbgb

Celebration theme for National Youth Band concert in London

July 9 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be in musical celebration mode for their Summer Concert in London next month.


ai rOBOT

Artists combine with AI to win composition prize

July 9 • AI technology fuses with the 'human essence' to create award winning compositions in global competition.


pRESTOCDS

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

July 8 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd