Annan Town Band is hoping to carry on the momentum gained from a successful 2018 as they prepare for the new contest season — one that will include representing Scotland at the European Championships in Switzerland.

Before they head to the Challenge Section in Montreux they will first concentrate on their appearance at the Scottish Championships with help from cornet legend Philip McCann.

Philip will lead a weekend of workshops on February 16th and 17th, helping put in place the foundations of their performance of the First Section set-work, 'Symphony of Marches'.

Into shape

Band Chairman, Andrew Henderson told 4BR: "I'm old enough to remember Philip as the precocious principal cornet with Kinniel Colliery.

I could only listen in awe to his wonderful cornet sound and technical skill, so it's a wonderful pleasure to be conducted by him.

His renown as a conductor goes before him and I hope that he enjoys the challenge of getting us into shape for the challenge ahead in Perth."

Led by Musical Director Paul Drury the band has already enjoyed a busy start to the year, taking part in a live-stream workshop broadcast of the Fourth Section test-piece 'Stantonbury Festival' as part of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) Festival of Learning.

Meanwhile, the band is also planning a series of fundraisers to help them meet the costs of their Swiss adventure.

His renown as a conductor goes before him and I hope that he enjoys the challenge of getting us into shape for the challenge ahead in PerthBand Chairman, Andrew Henderson

Real honour

Band Manager Dale Simmons told 4BR: "If Annan were not competing in Montreux then there would be no Scottish representative, so it is a real honour to be asked to represent the nation.

We will be up against the best that Europe has to offer. It's the pinnacle of competition for us and I know that every member of the band is really looking forward to the challenge."