*
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    


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Derwent Brass

Results: 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass

November 1 • Derwent Brass leads the entertainment prize winners in Evesham, with section titles for Fulham Brass, Staines Brass, Avonbank (Evesham) and Arrow Valley Brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd