Shotts St Patrick’s Brass Band was amongst the winners when it competed at Dunfermline’s Carnegie Hall at the weekend.
The North Lanarkshire band was named best in its section at the Fife Brass Band Festival.
The band, founded in 1878, has 33 members and competes in Scotland’s Third Section. It narrowly missed out on promotion earlier this year. And while there was no promotion or relegation involved this time around, the band members were delighted to be named best in section. Shotts musician Andrew Shaw also finished ninth in the individual competition.
Long-time member Tommy Nayles, said: “We finished fourth in the Scottish at the start of March, which meant we missed out on promotion to the second section by a couple of points. But hopefully we can do it next year.
"The season sort of runs in two halves, there are about four contests between January and June, then there are a few between August and December. But there’s only one contest that puts you up or down.”
Band member Bill McLelland turned 85 at the end of last year and is still playing but the band are always on the look out for new blood to join them, regardless of age.
Tommy added: “We’re still looking for players who can play in the senior band, people who are average players would fit in quite easily. Brilliant players want to play in the top section bands. We’re looking for cornet players, bass, horns and trombones. It’s getting harder to find them.
"We kind of miss out on the kids from school who can play. There’s maybe not as many taking up playing these instruments. The only other bands nearby are Newmains and Coalburn in South Lanarkshire.”
Eleven bands took part in the new-look entertainment contest, each providing a 20-minute programme of varied music, for adjudicators Andrew Duncan (music) and Susan Chown who awarded the separate “Most Entertaining Band” accolade to Coalburn Silver.
Whitburn Band gave an imposing display of musical quality to win the Fife Brass Band Festival title outright.
The recently crowned Scottish Champion warmed up for its forthcoming trip to Blackpool to compete at the Grand Shield contest with a clear victory over Championship rivals Kingdom Brass. Scottish First Section champion Bo’ness & Carriden carried on a fine run of form by securing third place.
Speaking about the success of the event, a spokesperson said: “Our congratulations go to all prize winners, and to all competing bands. Our thanks are also extended to our adjudicators and to Alasdair Hutton for kindly stepping in to act as our compere for the day, as well as our generous supporters and volunteers.
"We were delighted to see friends from bands across the country take part in the contest today, and we look forward to welcoming you all back warmly next year.”
Shotts St Patrick’s Brass Band practice at the band hall in the town located in the former St Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Windsor Street. As well as playing at competitions during the year they also take part in the Shotts Gala Day.
For more information or to contact them see their Facebook page or visit: shottsbrassband.com
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