Like all bands around the world, the Coalburn Brass organisation have had to adjust to the changes that Covid-19 brought with it.

However, despite not being able to meet up for their weekly rehearsals (this picture was taken before the current Covid-19 restrictions) it has not stopped their members from pulling together to keep the band running and keep making music.

Bronze help

Members of the Bronze Band were issued with future concert pieces arranged by conductors David Fehilly and Gareth Bowman. In order to help them learn their parts, a group of Silver Band players recorded the music for them to play along with.

Meanwhile, Silver Band conductor Gareth Bowman designed 'Guided Practice Sessions' to support Silver and Intermediate band players with their home practice routines.

Not to miss out the Percussion Academy has met regularly on-line to continue lessons with tutor Caitlin Monaghan as she herself prepares for the future in relocating to start a Masters course at the RNCM in Manchester.

Fantastic response

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We've had a fantastic positive engagement to our virtual recordings. The Intermediate Band joined Leadhills Silver to produce a performance of 'A Song for Health' by Steven Verhelst, and this followed by the Silver Band's recording of Alan Fernie's arrangement of 'Baggy Trousers'."

Both video recordings, produced by flugel player Calum Miller recordings can be viewed on the Coalburn Silver Band Facebook page.

despite not being able to meet up for their weekly rehearsals (this picture was taken before the current Covid-19 restrictions) it has not stopped their members from pulling together to keep the band running and keep making music4BR

Financial help

Although six of the band's regular Gala Day events were cancelled due to the pandemic, funding from Foundation Scotland has meant that when they do return, new pieces will be played at them, whilst the band was also grateful for financial support from South Lanarkshire Council's Renewable Energy Fund to help compensate for lost income during the lockdown.

The spokesperson added: "The whole Coalburn family extends our best wishes to fellow bands throughout the UK during this unprecedented time and thank all frontline workers for their efforts against Covid-19.

We hope that we can resume rehearsals and perform for our audiences as soon as it is possible to do so."