THIS Sunday sees an exciting full day of music-making for young people, organised by the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association, in the Volunteer Hall, Galasheils.
The morning session will see the annual solo and ensemble contest, which acts as the Borders qualifying round for the Scottish Youth Solo and Ensemble finals which take place in Livingston at the beginning of February.
After a short lunch break, there will be a youth band contest, with groups from all over the Borders playing a short own-choice programme.
The adjudicator for the whole day will be the popular tuba soloist, Les Neish, whom, as well as delivering a short masterclass/workshop with the winners in each section of the solo contest, will adjudicate each band in situ immediately after their performance in another new idea being tried out by the innovative Borders association.
Chairman Alan Fernie said: “It promises to be an exciting and inspirational day of brass and percussion playing, and a glowing testament to the work done here in the Borders by both the schools and our bands.
“We’re particularly thrilled to have such an in demand and charismatic musician as Les Neish to be our judge for the day – I’m sure we’ll all learn a lot.
“And although it is a competiton, we’d prefer to think of it more as a festival, highlighting just what talented young people, and teachers, we have here in this area.”
The action begins at 10am with the solos, accompanied by the talented Fiona Dickson on piano, and ensembles, followed by Les’s masterclass, and concludes with the band contest.
Entry is by silver collection, and for further details contact Alan Fernie on 07947254961.