*
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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd