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 50^th 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.