The band was formed in 1987
with an emphasis on concerts as the name suggests. “Newland” was
taken from the venue where the first rehearsal took place ie. The
Old
Academy
in Bathgate whose benefactor was John Newland.
The blue uniform of Newland
is well recognised in West Lothian as a result of playing at gala
days, concerts, musicals, church functions and of course the
Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival. Other notable
engagements in the band’s history include a performance on the TV
programme Challenge Anneka, an appearance on the BBC Children in
Need, a performance in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen in
Linlithgow and a joint concert with the Lowland Band of the Scottish
Division.
In 1988 the band made its
first trip abroad; a concert tour of Hochsaurland in
Germany. This visit developed links
with both the area and a German band, Neheim-Husten Fanfarenkorps.
The following year a partnership was agreed and since then both
bands have taken part in several exchange visits. Newland last
visited Neheim in July 2004.
In June 2002,
the band welcomed the Lemvig Amatorokester from
Denmark
and organised various trips and concerts for them. They held a
joint concert in the Regal Theatre in Bathgate.
Newland have contested in
the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sections and
have qualified for the British Championships on three occasions.
Newland Concert Brass also
have a Junior Band (see Junior Band)
We welcome players of all
ages and levels of ability.
