Keep up to date with the latest news at Peebles Burgh Silver Band.

                                      *** Band Engagements 2008***

Saturday    19th July       St Ronan's                        Time Innerleithen 10.30am

Friday         3rd October  Brass Band Week  Concert    Time 6.30pm Bandhall

Sunday       9th November Remberance Sunday          Time 10.15am Bandhall

Friday         TBA              Xmas Concert                   Time 6.30pm Bandhall     

                               **   MAY  CONCERT REPORT   **

A Large and appreciative audience enjoyed the spring concert given by Peebles Burgh Silver Band at the Burgh Hall on Friday 2nd May. The concert marked the official public debut the band's new Musical Director Mr Alan Fernie, and it was hailed as one of the best to be given by the band for some while. The band played a varied program of music to suit all tastes, including pieces from the the classical repertoire, folk music from Wales and America, tunes from the Broadway stage and some original brass band music. The concert ended with a "guid auld Scots singalong" to quote the band's conductor, which saw the audience join in with the band in such numbers as "Campbeltown Loch", ! Donald Where's Yer Troosers" and Roamin in The Gloaming" bringing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd! The band's featured soloist was their principle Euphonium player Rhona Musgrave, the current Borders Champion, who played a moving version of "The Road and the Miles to Dundee", written especially for her. Also featured in the concert were the Peebles Junior Band, conducted by Allan Fernie, who delighted all with numbers such as "Eye of the Tiger", "Floral Dance" and music by the Beetles. The two bands combined at the conclusion of the evening to play a well received encore, "African Flunk".

Alan Fernie Hails from Newtongrange in Midlothian, where he learned his music both at school and with renowned local band. He studied music in Glasgow and London, and has been conducting bands for over 20 years. He and his family now live in Selkirk, where he divides his time between conducting,teaching,writing and adjudicating throughout the UK and beyond. Of his appointment as Musical Director of Peebles band, he says that "it's an exciting challenge,and since taking up the post in January, it's clear we have made a bit of progress in that time. The band has terrific potential,especially with regards the development of the Junior band, and I've been impressed so far with the patient work from all, and equally delighted with the level of support the band has locally."Alan continues "I'm under no illusions that the task in hand is to bring the band gradually forward after what has been quite a difficult period for them, but we are working on along term strategy, which eventually will see the band get back to full strength. We are short of a few players to make up a full contesting band, and we are very interested in anyone in the area who can play,or who maybe have played in the past and would like to take it up again!The Junior band is a particularly important part of what we are trying to achieve here, and we'd be delighted to see more young people take up brass and percussion playing. The band have spare instruments, and can supply free tuition to those interested".

The Senior band are preparing for their appearance at the prestigious "St Ronans's Mini Tattoo"at Traquair House on Sunday I st June, before embarking on their busy Summer schedule, and the junior band will be taking part in a "Youth Showcase" at the Eastgate Theatre on Friday 23rd May.

If anyone is interested in joining either group, please get in touch with either Jackie Hamilton(01721 722674) Christine Grant (01721 723411) or indeed Alan Fernie himself(01750 725213) and be part of the band at this exciting and interesting time!

Article submitted by Mr Alan Fernie

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