A recent joint concert between Newtongrange Band and Scottish champion, the cooperation band in the heart of Scotland's capital was marked by a surprise presentation.

The event took place at the Parish Church of St. Cuthbert in Edinburgh with the band appearing under the banner of 'Brass in the Capital'.

The evening probed to be a great success with the band's providing the large and appreciative audience with a wide-ranging selection of music — from Gavin Higgins' 'Fanfares and Love Songs' and Rossini's overture, 'The Italian Girl in Algiers' to Darius Millhaud's 'Scaramouche' to Ravel's 'Bolero'.

Life Membership

The evening was also marked by the presentation of Life Membership of the Scottish Brass Band Association to Newtongrange MD, Anne Crookston, made on behalf of SBBA by the cooperation band's conductor, Katrina Marzella-Wheeler.

It is the latest recognition for Anne who over her career has encompassed playing, conducting and adjudicating at the highest level — with her latest adjudication appointment at the Elite Division of the Norwegian National Championships.