2020 has got off to an eventful start for the Coalburn Brass Band family.

The organisation's Intermediate Band is preparing for their contesting debut in the Fourth Section at the Scottish Championships in March, led by MD David Fehilly.

It is made up of 16 players who have been developed through the Coalburn Bronze Band and will be joined by players from the Silver Band or have joined from other ensembles including Leadhills Silver and the Clyde Wind Ensemble.

Lovely to see

Speaking about the exciting news, David told 4BR: "The players are really looking forward to the Scottish Championships and it's lovely to see so many youngsters involved for the first time."

The organisation is also preparing for its annual 'Brass to the Future' open day which will take place on Sunday 26th January, where they hope to attract yet more youngsters to join up with them to play in a brass band.

The free day is organised in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council Instrumental Services and will take place at the Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill Community Wing. The activities will be led by Helen Minshall from Minshall Music Ltd, who will bring her plastic brass instruments to deliver fun filled learning and ensemble playing opportunities.

It kicks off at 10.30am and will conclude with a concert featuring all attendees and band members at 3pm.

The concert will also feature Scott Kerr, solo euphonium with the Whitburn Band and a performance from the Coalburn Percussion Academy who will be working with percussion tutor Sarah Naish.

The players are really looking forward to the Scottish Championships and it's lovely to see so many youngsters involved for the first timeConductor David Fehily

Additions

Meanwhile, the organisation's senior Silver Band has said farewell to young star Robyn Anderson who has moved to the Whitburn Band.

Robyn had progressed through from the Bronze to Intermediate and then Silver Band, latterly holding the position of principal trombone.

Band President Alan Court told 4BR: "We're so thankful for Robyn's contribution over these past years. We will miss her dearly but wish her every success in her move."

Meanwhile Anna Biggart has been promoted to solo trombone and the band welcomes Aileen Orr who joins from Whitburn Heartlands on bass trombone. Jen Crockett also joins from the cooperation band on solo horn.

Silver Band Musical Director Gareth Bowman added: "We're naturally sad to see Robyn leave but are delighted that we have been able to make a few tweaks and have a settled band ready for the challenge of the First Section in Perth."