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2006 was another busy year for Newland Concert Brass!
In January the main band enjoyed a belated Christmas meal and drinks at the
Fairway Hotel in Bathgate!
In February the band were delighted to welcome Robert Fraser who took on the
role of the Training Band Tutor. (see his profile) This was also the month
that Mark Bell told the band that after four years conducting Newland, he
now wanted to concentrate on his trombone playing. He decided that his last
engagement with Newland Concert Brass would be the Scottish Championships in
March. Although the band members were sorry to see him go, they and the
committee respected his decision and wished him every success for the
future. In his time at Newland, Mark took part in many memorable concerts
including the annual Christmas concerts at St John’s Church, concerts in
Germany and concerts with the Lowland Band of the Scottish Division and the
Lemvig Amatorokester from Denmark. Newland won the Borders Entertainment
Contest with Mark and also qualified for the Nationals at Harrogate, gaining
promotion to the third section.
In March the band were pleased to welcome Stephen Baird who took on the role
of Musical Director of Newland Concert Brass. (see his profile) The band
also held a Quiz Night and raised £200 for band funds. It was an enjoyable
evening and special thanks must go to our Quiz Master Neil!
In May the band took part in a joint concert with Boghall Primary School.
An appreciative audience of more than 200 were treated to a wide variety of
music from Newland Concert Brass plus Newland Training Band, Boghall
Primary’s choir, string and recorder groups and Bathgate Academy’s string
groups. Everyone particularly enjoyed participating in the singalong finale
of “Is This The Way to Amarillo?” Mark Bell also guested on trombone at
this concert. Newland Concert Brass presented Mark with a gift in
appreciation for all his hard work and enthusiasm during his time as Musical
Director.
June saw the band on the march around West Lothian at Bathgate Procession
and John Newland Festival, Torphichen Gala Day and Armadale Gala Day. The
band and the Training Band also took part in an Open Rehearsal for friends
and family.
A small group of Newland members played at the opening of the Boghall
Primary School Garden. They provided music during the Garden Party,
entertaining the school children and invited guests. Band members also
enjoyed a bowling night before the summer break.
In August fun was had by all at the Annual Summer Barbeque at Beecraigs
Country Park.
13 delegates from NCB visited our twinning band the Fanfaren Korps Neheim
Husten, Germany to join in the 50th Anniversary celebrations in
September.
Both bands took part in a concert in The Royal British Legion for the
Bathgate Pensioners Association in October. This included various styles of
music including the children’s classic “Scooby Doo” from the Training Band
and the popular “Songs that won the war” from the main band.
Newland Concert Brass led the Rememberance Parade and Service in Armadale.
The band also took part in the Borders Entertainment Contest in Selkirk and
were reasonably pleased with the way they played. Special thanks to our
loyal supporters who came along and cheered us on and to Karen for providing
food and drink afterwards! The band played a concert at St David’s Church
for the Women’s Guild in November.
The month of December saw Christmas engagements in Bathgate such as carols
in the Steelyard, Annual Concert at St John’s Church, the Torchlight
Procession and Christmas Eve Service at St David’s Church.
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