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DISAPPOINTING RESULT IN FIFE
(20.4.08)
1. Clackmannan, 190 BAND WELCOMES NEW CORNET PLAYER (11.4.08) The Band is delighted to welcome David Richardson to the solo cornet bench. Dave is a very fine player, bringing with him a wealth of experience. His input has already made a difference to the Band. Dave will be playing at his first contest with the Band on Saturday 19 April in Dunfermline. Welcome to St. Ronan's, Dave! BAND SET FOR FIFE FESTIVAL CONTEST (9.4.08) The Band is currently preparing for participation in the Fife Brass Band Festival contest to be held in Carnegie Halls, Dunfermline on Saturday 19 April. The Band will play a fifteen minute programme and will be one of twenty seven bands in the contest. HISTORIC OCCASION FOR ST. RONAN'S (9.3.08) The members of St. Ronan's Silver Band faced their toughest test yet with their entry into the First Section of the Scottish Championships which were held in Glenrothes, Fife on Sunday (9 March). This was the first time in its 198-year history that the Innerleithen Band has ever contested at this level. St. Ronan's was conducted by Alex Knox, with Max Giegerich in the principal cornet chair, and was awarded 9th place - a result which helped to keep the local band up in the 1st section. The full result can be found here. ST. RONAN’S TO MAKE HISTORY IN FIFE (29.2.08) The members of St. Ronan's Silver Band are getting set to make history by competing in the First Section of the Scottish Championships to be held in the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes, Fife on Sunday (9 March). This will be the first time in its 198-year history that the Innerleithen Band will have ever contested at this level. St. Ronan's will be conducted by Alex Knox, who led them to victory in the second section at last year’s Championships and to a fifth entertainment prize at the Borders Contest in November.
Each
Band in the first section at Glenrothes will play Gilbert Vinter’s
"James Cook - Circumnavigator." A classic work for
brass band which is proving to be a stern, but enjoyable, challenge
for the lads and lasses from Hall Street.
“It has been a very busy and eventful year since the Band’s win at last year’s Scottish Championships,” explained Band Secretary Keith Belleville. “Everyone has been working really hard under Alex and David Robb, the Bandmaster, and we just want to do our best for the town as we make a wee bit of history for Innerleithen,” he said.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT (5.12.07) A
feast of seasonal music is on offer from St. Ronan's Silver Band at
the annual Christmas Concert to be held in Innerleithen's Memorial
Hall on Saturday 15 December at 7.30pm. The concert will
feature an exciting selection of pieces from the Band's repertoire,
including a host of Christmas favourites. The Band, recently
crowned entertainment kings of the Borders for a fifth time, will
also present a clutch of numbers that impressed judges at the Borders
Entertainment contest last month. The Future Band will also
make a welcome appearance in the programme. Tickets cost £5.00
(£4.00 concessions) can be obtained from Adam's Bakery in Innerleithen,
Robb’s KeyStore, Eastgate in Peebles, by ringing 01896 831721 or
email. There will be a bar available at the concert. 1. Clackmannan District, 190 2. Bo’ness & Carriden, 185 3. Arbroath Instrumental, 184 4. St. Ronan’s Silver, 182 5. Jedforest Instrumental, 181 6. Lochgelly, 180 7. Selkirk Silver, 178 8. Tullis Russell Mills, 175 It was a busy
weekend for the Band and Bandmaster Robb, who also conducted the St.
Ronan's Future Band at the Scottish Youth Championships held the next
day in the same venue. The young players did a great job and
were given a Bronze Award.
ST. RONAN’S TO DEBUT IN CHALLENGE SHIELD
(21.11.07) Following on from the Band’s success at the recent Borders Entertainment Contest, the members have been busy rehearsing the test-piece for the Perth event. The Band will be under the direction of Bandmaster David Robb on this occasion due to Musical Director, Alex Knox, being admitted to hospital for an emergency operation. "We are saddened that Alex is not able to conduct on Saturday, but wish him a speedy recovery. The Band is very fortunate to have such an able musician as David Robb to lead us at this contest and we are looking forward to a good day in Perth," said Band Secretary, Keith Belleville. The day after the main band’s participation in the Scottish Shield, the St. Ronan’s Future Band will take part in the Scottish Youth Championships in the same venue. Bandmaster David Robb will lead the young ensemble as they compete in the Development Section. After Saturday’s contest, the Band will turn its thoughts to Christmas with events such as the Festive Lights Switch-on (Sunday 9 December) and the annual Christmas Concert (Saturday 15 December). PERSONNEL CHANGES (8.11.07) The Band is delighted to confirm the appointment of Ross Brotherston as Principal Cornet. Ross is a very fine young player and the Band is very pleased that he has accepted this position. Ian Aitchison moves to the bumper-up seat with Max Giegerich moving to fourth solo cornet while he sets out on his degree course at Edinburgh University. This leaves a vacancy on soprano cornet and the Band would welcome applications to fill this exciting position - click here for further info. BAND RETAINS ENTERTAINMENT CROWN (3.11.07) The Band has retained the title of the "Borders' most entertaining band" while gaining third place over all to secure high marks for their technical and musical ability. Adjudicators Chris Wormald and Craig Anderson praised the band for their performance while also providing very useful comments to help the band attain even higher standards in their pursuit of musical quality, under Alex Knox. Andrew Campbell, the entertainment adjudicator, placed the band ahead of the eleven other ensembles to award St. Ronan's with the entertainment prize for the fifth time out of seven contests, re-affirming the band's place as entertainment kings of the Borders. The contest was won by Johnstone Band, under Raymond Tennant, who shone as a real force to be reckoned with in the Memorial Hall. Meanwhile, St. Ronan's Future Band wowed the audiences with their programme in the event's first ever youth and development section, gaining a Gold award under conductor, David Robb. The full result: First Prize: The Scottish Borders Trophy & £150 : Johnstone Band Entertainment Prize : The Queen’s Head Inn Shield & £150 : St. Ronan’s Silver Band Best First Section Band: The Caerlee Quaich & £100 : Lochgelly Band Best Second Section Band: The Souter Ronnie Trophy & £100 : Johnstone Band Best Third Section Band: The John A. Wilson Memorial Trophy & £100 : Annan Town (APD) Band Best Fourth Section Band: The Harry Pearce Memorial Trophy & £100 : Brass Sounds Inverclyde Best Soloist: The Walter Nichol Memorial Trophy & Medal : Cornet Player with Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery Band Best Instrumentalist : The Jedforest Instrumental Band 150th Anniversary Trophy & Medal : Soprano Cornet player with Croy Best Basses : The Bert Neil Memorial Quaich : Johnstone Band Best Percussion : The Jenny Corbett Memorial Cup : Johnstone Band
YOUTH & DEVELOPMENT SECTION Adjudicator: Iain Fleming Abbey Brass (Jedforest) – J. Mabon – Gold Award Beltane Brass (Peebles) – D. T. Ward – Silver Award St. Ronan’s Future Band – D. Robb – Gold Award BUSY NOVEMBER FOR THE BAND (21.10.07) Following on from the Band's participation in the National Finals, the members are busy working towards the Borders Entertainment Contest which will be held in Innerleithen on Saturday 3 November. The contest is returning to the Memorial Hall after a gap of four years during which time it has been held in Jedburgh and Selkirk... Later in the month the Band will be appearing for the first time in the Scottish Shield Contest in the new Perth Concert Hall. Band members and supporters will make the trip to "The Fair City" on Saturday 24 November with St. Ronan's Future Band making the same journey the next day for the Scottish Youth Championships. THIRTEENTH PLACE AT NATIONALS (1.10.07) The Band was placed 13th in the Second Section National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain in Harrogate on Sunday. The Band played a solid performance of the test-piece and everyone felt satisfied that they had done their best. "Four years ago, the band was placed in the same position in the third section finals and went on to build on this to establish itself in the second section," explained Band Secretary, Keith Belleville. "Our aim now is to use the experience from Harrogate to take the Band forward," he added. The Band is now looking forward to taking part in the Borders Entertainment Contest which will be held in Innerleithen's Memorial Hall on Saturday 3 November, followed by the Scottish Shield Contest in Perth three weeks later on 24 November. Full result from Harrogate: 1. Newbridge (Celynen), Paul Holland, 3, 189 2. Beaumaris B, Gwyn Evans, 8, 186 3. Phoenix West Midlands Brass, David Maplestone, 13, 184 4. Wakefield Metropolitan, Norman Law, 10, 183 5. Kippax, Alan Morrison, 16, 181 6. Wardle and Anderson District Brass, Sean Conway, 2, 180 7. Portishead Brass, Ian Dickinson, 11, 179 8. Wansbeck's Ashington Colliery, Nigel Stedman, 14, 178 9. Blackpool Brass, Andrew Warriner, 6, 177 10. Ocean Brass, Ivan Hutchinson, 15, 176 11. Egham, G. Green, 7, 175 12. Granite City, Tom Paulin, 12, 174 13. St Ronan's Silver, Alex Knox, 9, 173 14. Cawston, Colin Swaep, 1, 172 15. Harborough, Chris Groom, 4, 171 16. Cockerton Prize Silver, G. Nicklin, 5, 170 FINAL COUNTDOWN TO HARROGATE (26.9.07) The final countdown has begun to the Band's participation in the 2nd Section National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain in Harrogate on Sunday 30 September. The band has upped its rehearsals over the last few days; two very productive and inspiring sessions were led by Steven Mead at the weekend and rehearsals are continuing this week under Musical Director, Alex Knox. The Band was even featured on Border TV's Lookaround programme on Tuesday. Bandmaster David Robb and youngest member playing in the finals, David Tait, were interviewed and the Band played a few bars of the test-piece, much to the delight of Lookaround presenter, Lindsey Archibald. The Band sets out on Saturday at noon for the long-waited trip to Harrogate. As well as the players there are another forty supporters travelling by bus and car to hear the Band in action.
ST. RONAN’S SILVER BAND TO REPRESENT SCOTLAND (17.9.07) This will be the Band’s third appearance at the finals in eight years The competition is being held in the International Conference Centre, Harrogate and will feature the finalists from the eight “regions” across the UK, including bands from England, Wales and Scotland The Band will play the set test-piece, “Toccata, Elegy and Scherzo” by Darrol Barry in the 2nd Section finals – this being the highest level that the Band will ever have played at. St. Ronan’s will be led on the contest platform by Musical Director, Alex Knox, who, along with Bandmaster, David Robb, has steered the band through an intensive rehearsal schedule over recent weeks. The trip has cost over £5,000 to finance and the Band has had to work hard to raise this money. Band secretary Keith Belleville said: “the Band has been very lucky indeed to have had the support of the local community in raising a good proportion of necessary funds,” he said. The Band’s success over recent years is attributed to the hard-work and commitment of players and conductors and the pro-active youth policy is also seen as an important contributing factor. “Many of today’s players are the product of our youth programme and we’re very proud of that,” Keith said. In fact, playing in his first-ever contest will be 3rd cornet player, 12 year-old David Tait. For the future, the Band has promotion to the first section to look forward to. “This will be the first time that the band will have competed at this level, but we are just looking forward to the challenge and taking things one step at a time,” explained Keith. The Band has gradually risen from the fourth section to the first, since it re-commenced contesting in 1995. Prior to this, there had been a period of decline and the Band was threatened with closure only 20 years ago. The Band is now very well-known for its concert, contest and marching performances throughout the Borders. Before the journey to Harrogate, the Band is due to perform a concert on Saturday (22 September, Memorial Hall, Innerleithen, 7.30pm) alongside top-section Scottish Champions, Kirkintilloch, and euphonium soloist, Steven Mead - see below. COUP FOR BAND AS STEVEN MEAD COMES TO TOWN (1.9.07) St. Ronan’s Silver Band is delighted to announce that current Scottish Champions, The Kirkintilloch Band will perform a joint concert on Saturday 22 September in the Memorial Hall, Innerleithen at 7.30pm. And in a fantastic coup for music lovers in the Borders, the Innerleithen Band has also secured the services of euphonium legend, Steven Mead, to appear at the event, playing with both the local and visiting bands as guest soloist.
The concert will be opened by the excellent St. Ronan’s Future Band conducted by David Robb and fresh from their success at the recent Brass in the Park contest where they received a silver award. The Future Band will be followed on stage by St. Ronan’s Silver Band under the baton of Musical Director, Alex Knox. The guest band will be next up and will be led by Nigel Boddice, who has appeared in Innerleithen in the past conducting both the Yorkshire Building Society Band and the Norwegian outfit, Molde Brass. “Both Kirkintilloch and St. Ronan’s have prepared a fantastic programmes for the concert, filled with something for everyone,” said Keith Belleville. As well as the three bands, the organisers have also secured the services of Steven Mead whose extraordinary pioneering work with the euphonium has gained him worldwide fame as perhaps the foremost euphonium soloist in the world today. He is without doubt most travelled soloist in the history of the instrument. His hectic schedule sees him playing concerts with leading ensembles, orchestras, brass and wind bands the world over. He is currently in great demand as a recitalist and clinician throughout the world of brass playing. Steven has been a professional euphonium soloist for some 18 years after a successful career with some of the top British brass bands and as a full time music teacher. It is this wealth of experience that has helped to create a musician who communicates with his audiences. “Steven will be leading some development work with St. Ronan’s Band, as well as leading a Borders-wide school masterclass session, and we are delighted that he has also agreed to perform in the concert,” said Keith. The Kirkintilloch Band was formed in 1890, but it was not until around 1948 that their contesting prowess came to light. The band progressed through the sections in the 1950s and 60s. They made their debut in the 1968 National Championships in the Royal Albert Hall. In the 70’s the Band moved back to the 2nd Section until 1974 when they were promoted back to the Championship Section. The Band won the Scottish Championships in 1984, 1985, 1990 and again in 2002. Success at the Scottish Championships meant further appearances in the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall and to the band competing in the European Championships in Copenhagen, Wales, Rotterdam, Luxembourg, Bergen and in 2008 they will again represent Scotland at the European Championships in Stavanger, Norway. In 2001 the Band won the Grand Shield Contest in Blackpool conducted by Alan Ramsay, which qualified them to take part in the British Open Championships for the first time in their history, recording a fourth place there in 2004, which was undoubtedly the bands best result at a national event since its formation in 1890. This year under the leadership of Nigel Boddice they once again became Scottish Champions in the top section. Tickets for next the concert are available from Adam’s Bakery in Innerleithen; Robb’s KeyStore, Eastgate, Peebles; tel. 01896 831721 or email. They cost £5.00 and £4.00 for concessions. BRASS IN THE PARK (26.8.07) St. Ronan’s Future Band is taking part in the annual Brass in the Park event in Newtongrange on Saturday 1 September. The band is set to perform a programme of music at 3.45pm, in the Development Section contest. ANNUAL PRESENTATIONS (25.8.07) At the annual presentation night awards were made to Player of the Year and Band Member of the Year. In a break with tradition, Musical Director Alex Knox and Bandmaster David Robb awarded the “Player of the Year” award to the whole band in recognition of their outstanding achievement in winning the second section Scottish Championships . Band Member of the Year went to baritone player, Bob Soutter as an acknowledgment of all the work that he has done for the Band over the last year... ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (23.8.07) Christopher Wilson has been re-elected as the Chairman of St. Ronan’s Silver Band at the recent annual general meeting. There was a large attendance of band members and members of the public at the meeting where the Secretary, Keith Belleville, reviewed an eventful year and the Treasurer Mark Cockburn presented the audited accounts. The following officials were elected to serve for 2007-08: Chairman, Christopher Wilson; Vice Chairman, David Allan; Secretary, Keith Belleville; Treasurer, Mark Cockburn; Committee: Lynne Campbell, Wendy Fulton, Ann Hamilton, Shelley Hamilton, David Lindsay, David Phillips, Bob Soutter; Librarian, David Allan; Assistant Librarian, Craig Tait; Band Sergeant, David Lindsay; Depute Band Sergeant, David Phillips. Louise Wilson was appointed again as the Band Auditor. SUCCESSFUL GAMES WEEK (22.7.07) The Band has taken part in another very successful St. Ronan's Border Games & Cleikum Ceremonies. Leading all of the parades throughout the week, the culmination of the Band's involvement came with their joint performance with Innerleithen Pipe Band for the Beating of the Retreat. Often described as the envy of other towns, the Retreat is organised by the local Bands as a way of saying 'thank you' to the people of Innerleithen for their support throughout the year. Presiding over the performance for the last time was the President of St. Ronan's Border Games Keith Belleville. St. Ronan and the Dux Girl, Standard Bearer Caine and Lass Sandi Scott, their Supporters, Monks, and the De’il made up the rest of the official party. The two town bands marched on together behind the Silver Band Sergeant David Lindsay and Drum Major Andy Lyon. They played David Robb’s “Games Pipe Marches” which combines “The Bear Gates,” “Lass of Fyvie,” and “Galloway Hills.” The Silver Band then rendered “Sunset.” The Pipe Band followed with a highly imaginative Drummers Call which included a drummer’s battle. This was a real highlight of the Retreat and the Drummers are to be congratulated on this very well choreographed display.
Confirming the events reputation as a real “show,” the Silver Band played a version of the Proclaimers “500 Miles” which was a genuine hit with the crowds and saw Band Sergeant and Ex-Standard Bearer David Lindsay dancing with a number of people, including the Chairman’s wife, Caroline Belleville! The Pipe Band then gave a superb rendition of the Queen classic, “We Will Rock You” which saw Drummer and Ex-Standard Bearer Robert Doherty help crowds get into a party mood.
Another combined effort was the beautiful folk tune “Leaving Leithenside” by Kenny Speirs. The hymn tune “Eventide” was played by Max Giegerich and conducted by Alex Knox.
Drum Major Andy Lyon and Band Sergeant Lindsay then approached the Cleikum party where the President introduced him to the principals before he was given permission to march off. To resounding applause, the bands made their retreat playing “On St. Ronan's”. The Scottish Borders Brass Band Association has launched its first-ever website – www.bordersbrass.org.uk .. The Association, which was re-formed in 1998, hopes that the site will help it in its aim to raise the profile of the region’s brass bands as well as keeping everyone informed of the activities of the Association. “We have included sections on our major activities, such as the Borders Festival of Brass and the Borders Entertainment Contest,” explained Association Chairman, Alan Fernie. “There is a calendar of Borders brass events and lots of other useful information. It is possible to download entry forms for our contests and Festival events from the site and we hope that the site will develop and grow in the future,” Alan said.
Visit the online home of the Scottish
Borders Brass Band Association at – www.bordersbrass.org.uk
The Band's President, Mr Jackie Laidlaw, then made the presentation
of medals to the players who had been part of the contest win.
Recalling his long involvement with the Band, Jackie said, "When
I joined the Band at the end of the Second World War, the men coming
back to the Band were still in uniform and the McGlasson Family were
to the fore. Mark Cockburn's and Alan Patterson's grandfathers
and Leckie Smith’s father were Band members then and we have always
remained a family Band. It’s great to see the progress that
the Band has made. Reaching the First Section as a family Band
from a small town in the Borders is a great achievement and I would
like to congratulate everyone who is involved."
Commenting on the new arrangements, Alex said: “David Robb's appointment will without doubt be a great benefit to the band. He is an experienced and respected brass instrumental tutor who has a great wealth of knowledge in the Brass Band scene. I know we will work extremely well together and hopefully we can bring continued success to St Ronan's Silver Band, both in the community and on the national stage, when we represent Scotland at Harrogate in the National Finals in September."
David Robb, who served the Band as Conductor between 1995-2002, makes a welcome return in the new role of Bandmaster and will lead rehearsals when Alex is not there and direct the Band at other engagements Commenting on his appointment, David said, “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the Band again. St. Ronan's is one of the hardest working bands in the country and I look forward to working with Alex Knox to help guide them through this most exciting period in the Band's history.” David will continue to play with the band when Alex is conducting, filling the repiano cornet seat as well as leading the Band’s youth set-up, the St. Ronan’s Future Band.
“We are very pleased with the new arrangements,” explained Band Secretary, Keith Belleville. “I know that Alex and David will work very well together; their combined talents will be of real benefit to St. Ronan’s as we move forward into another exciting chapter in the Band’s history,” he added.
Following
the Band’s success at the Scottish Championships, they are now
working towards a Celebration Concert on Saturday 19 May in Innerleithen’s
Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are now available from Adam's Bakery
in Innerleithen; Robb's Newsagency in Eastgate, Peebles or tel. 01896
831721. They are priced at £5.00 (£4.00 for senior citizens
and under 16s) or email
here.
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