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2 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary 35th Anniversary 1983—2018

Gordon Evans MBE When asked to write a foreword to celebrate 35 years of Campbeltown Brass I found it hard to believe it was that long ago that I decided to turn what started off as a school lunchtime activity for our brass players into the magnificent organisation that you have today. In those 35 years there have been many great successes and memorable occasions. There have also been disappointment, tears and tragedies. At the heart of it all has been the support of this wonderful community, the backing of parents and friends and the amazing hard work and achievements of so many fantastic players who have represented the band in concerts and contests all over Great CentralBritain.tothis success has been the hard work behind the scenes, a strong infrastructure, good organisation and a training programme second to none in the Brass Band world. Reaching the age of 65, seeing a large number of now senior band members, some with music degrees, all contributing so much, I felt it was time to retire and let them take you into the future. Sitting on the bus coming home from a very successful day at Dunfermline where the band gave me one of their best performances ever, I felt a very proud Withman. the continuing success at the Youth Championships and never ending conveyor belt of young talent coming through the ranks, I feel confident that the band can only go from strength to strength and I look forward to following your progress in the future.

FOREWORD

4 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Mid Argyll Music Festival 1986 Photo Courtesy of the Courier and Advertiser

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It is quite astonishing how this band, tucked away in a far corner of Scotland, has achieved so much and influenced so many in its short 35 year history, and continues to do so with great success. May be even more astonishing is that it all started with the arrival of an Englishman from Colchester! Gordon Evans came to Campbeltown in 1978 as the first full time instrumental instructor to teach brass and woodwind instruments in the local schools and to form a wind band. He was given 50 instruments and names and told to get on with it – which he did! By 1985, the school band was a local phenomenon and Campbeltown Grammar School Concert Band were the British However,Champions.itwasbrass banding that was really in Gordon’ s blood. From the age of eight, he learned to play the cornet and tenor horn in the Salvation Army and by twelve, he had joined the Kettering Citadel Band where he began learning the euphonium. At seventeen, he joined the Regimental Band of the Scots Guards and the following nine years saw him studying under various musicians in London, travelling round the world meeting and playing with many other musicians and bands. This was, as he once commented, “…a great life, the best possible training with pay.” Gordon holds the ARCM Diploma for tuba performance and in recognition of his work in Kintyre, he was awarded the MBE and The Mortimer Medal in 1997.

The Band has competed in the Scottish Championships since 1985, with only two withdrawals. Over the years the Championship has been held in various venues and this has meant that the band has clocked up some miles for this one competition alone. estimated total of 10,400 miles, slightly more than the distance from UK to Australia! 300 334 384 392

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Brass Banding isn’t entirely new in Campbeltown, as odd reports have been found in old local newspapers of several bands that have existed over the years, chiefly in 1902 until 1909 (one reforming in 1919), and a band was very prominent in the 1930s. The Salvation Army also had a brass band for several years but none at present. According to the Scottish Amateur Brass Band Association, no band from Campbeltown ever joined the National Association or competed at the same level and standard. Campbeltown Brass was therefore seen as a new band, fresh with ideas and full of young people. you know?

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Front row: Darren Neillie, Iona Campbell, Alastair Drew, Alastair Hunter, Gordon Evans, Stephen Craig, Katrina Robertson,

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain - Fourth Section

Middle row: Paul Craig, Michelle Hunter, Morna Irvine, Carolyn McNaught, John McConnachie, Alan Hutchinson, Richard Pollock, Johnny Togneri, Iona Irvine, Gordon Neillie, Robert Sharp, Andrew Bawn.

Back row (from left to right): Ian Craig, Callum Renton, Stephen Neillie, Paul McGougan, James McVicar, Stephen Drew, Alexander Mitchell.

5th October 1985 | Royal Albert Hall, London

6 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary

Over the years, the band has seen its fair share of high and lows and after 25 years in Campbeltown, Gordon and Libby decided it was time to depart; they left in 2003. There was some concern as to how the band and indeed the young musicians would fare. For a short period, Rob Farmer took over the reins as instructor and conductor.

Then in 2004, a brass quintet from the RSNO came to Campbeltown to work with the band, which led to a new chapter in the band’s history. Craig Anderson, one of the musicians of the ensemble became the band’s Musical Director. Under Craig’s leadership, the band undoubtedly enjoyed their most successful period, winning both the Scottish Championships (Third Section) and the Scottish Challenge Cup in 2007. In 2008, they became Scottish Champions in the Second Section. Jamie McVicar took the band to third place in the 2012 Scottish Championships, after which Paul Stone also took over the baton for a period.

From the outset, the band was in full swing, with its first major senior contest at the Scottish Championships in Motherwell, coming second in the Fourth Section and six months later, were on the stage of London’s Royal Albert Hall. Three years later, they were playing in Section Two. This, however, is where the band differs from any other band in the country: the inevitable cycle of building up a successful contesting band only to lose it a few years down the line. Campbeltown keeps very few of its young academics and sure enough, many will be moving away to further their education or find employment. Nevertheless, despite the challenges of living in a remote community, there has never been a lack of young people wanting to join. With an average age seldom exceeding 16 years, Campbeltown Brass continues to compete at a high standard against the best bands in the country in both junior and senior contests.

8 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary 2015 saw the return of Gordon Evans to Campbeltown, whereupon the band won the Best Third Section band at both the Scottish Challenge Cup and Fife Charities. In 2016, the band won the Scottish Championships in Perth, and in early 2017, Best Second Section at the Fife Brass Band Festival. Gordon left Campbeltown in 2017 for the last time. He can be proud of what he has started all those years ago and be assured that this rich legacy of music making will continue to inspire many generations to come. Paul Kiernan conducted the band to Best Third Section at the Fife Charities contest in 2017 and in 2018 directed the band to victory winning the Scottish Championships Second Section and a place at the National Championships in Cheltenham.

Campbeltown Brass is more than just a competing band: it is a band for the community. Throughout the last 35 years, the band has performed and entertained the local community in abundance. From regular concerts, Remembrance Day parades, carol services, church services and music festivals, to supporting many local events and activities. To the members, both past and present, it’s a social activity, a way of life and being part of something special.

Cornet Section—1984 Did you know? Over the years there have been roughly 30 sets of siblings in the band with 15 sets currently playing in the band. We are certainly a family friendly band!

Summer Concert ‘Doon the Green’ —1989 Mr & Mrs Evans—early 1980s Scottish Championships 1st March 1986 | Falkirk Town Hall Third Section, 3rd place Test Piece—Suite in Bb Conductor: Gordon Evans

The volunteers Over the years, there have been a huge number of people who have played an integral part in the continuation and success of the band. Some have moved on and sadly others are no longer with us, but we wish to thank everyone from players to helpers, from committee members to supporters, for all that you have done for the band over the years. The band wouldn’t be where it is today without your efforts and contribution. We especially wish to thank the following: Alex Irvine, Andy Oliver, Barbara McCormick, Charlie Farren, David McEwan, Jimmy Taylor, Katrina Barr, Tom and Ann Fuge.

The Youth For many years, the Junior section of the band has been synonymous with the word Champions, beating a cohort of the best youth brass bands in Scotland. Between 2004 to 2018 at the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships, they have won thirteen titles and three runners up. They have won the Preparatory Section consecutively for the last five years and the Novice Section for the last two. Equally, in the Besson Solo and Ensemble Contest, the young players of Campbeltown Brass have dominated the competition from the 90s to the present day, with champions in both junior and intermediate solos and junior and intermediate ensembles.

I had always admired Gordon Evans and the work he did in Campbeltown and as a tutor at the national youth brass band of Scotland I had talked to Gordon a lot about the band and had met quite a number of the current and past members so although the travel was a huge undertaking I agreed to take on the role.

Craig Anderson Principal Tuba Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Scottish Opera Freelance with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ballet & the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Brass Teacher & Conductor

I don't think I've ever been treated with such kindness and generosity anywhere I have been. Such a wonderful and supportive community. Long may Campbeltown Brass prosper.

My memories of my time with Campbeltown Brass began when I visited the town as part of the RSNO brass quintet who were doing a concert in the town. After the concert I was approached by the band to become their new musical director and to possibly assist with some lessons in the area as their current teacher was moving away. As a young player

What followed was a fantastic 5 years of wonderful music making and memories. The young band I started with were very young, inexperienced and a little tentative but they grew together both in maturity and musically. The band went from the 3rd section to the 1st section and were only a few points away from becoming a championship section band. An incredible achieve ment for any group never mind one so young. Many other contest wins and concerts occurred along the way and some memorable trips to the National Brass Band Championships. The recording of our CD at the RSNO centre was another highlight. My lasting memory is of the people and the town itself.

One lunchtime, I think it was a Wednesday, we all gathered together in the Music Block and set up for band. This time it was different, though. We were in the smaller room, and there were no flutes or clarinets. Or percussion. I remember us all sitting there expectantly, waiting for Mr Evans to hand out the new Brass band music; well new to us it was. From the opening few bars of Dean Goffin’s Rhapsody in Brass and the Grand March from Tannhäuser, by Wagner, I was completely hooked. That was the first rehearsal of what was to become the mighty Campbeltown Brass machine. My next big memory of the band was competing at our first contest the Scottish Areas in 1985. I still consider A Malvern Suite, by Philip Sparke, to be one of my favourite test pieces (continuing to listen to it and conduct it to this day), and we played it well. Of course, we didn’t really know we played it well. Most of us had never even heard another brass band live and had no idea what we were up against. Until we got to the contest, and saw big, professional looking, well turned out, adult bands struggling to play the music. I mean really struggling. The trombone slide coming off and falling on the floor kind of struggling. Then we knew we weren’t half as bad as that! Next thing, we were undertaking a huge expedition. To London. To the National Finals. In the Royal Albert Hall. Making history. A real once in a lifetime experience or, as it turned out, the first of many such once in a lifetime trips for Campbeltown Brass.

To say that Mr Evans and Campbeltown Brass changed my life is not really doing justice to the profound and transformative effect that both had on me and on many others, and on the town. But I can really only speak, with any certainty, for myself when I confess that much of the rest of my life so far my family, my friends, my work, and my home has followed directly from that first Wednesday lunchtime. And it was such a privilege to be able to give back a little to the place and the people that started it off, by working with Campbeltown Brass, for a few short years, as teacher and conductor, and for the rest of my life as loyal supporter and friend. Because for me it’s personal. Campbeltown Brass will always be my band.

Jamie McVicar Former Brass Teacher, British Forces Cyprus 2000 Campbeltown Brass Section Leaders 1984 Band members who joined the Scottish Brass Band on their visit to Denmark.

Paul Kiernan TromboneConductor Soloist

12 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary

My first encounter with Campbeltown Brass Band was almost 20 years ago when myself and other principal players from the Scottish Co op Band would come and tutor for the weekend once or twice a year for many years great times and super memories. With Gordon Evans at the helm the organisation was outstandingly successful and the production line of young talent was relentless.

Russell Gray Freelance Conductor Yamaha International Artist

Over the years I have always looked forward to visiting Campbeltown Brass. My good friend Gordon Evans was the conductor on both occasions, and the concerts were great. Campbeltown Brass always go the extra mile in everything they do, building an audience in the local area, teaching their own players (some of them have gone on to make music their career), travelling great distances to attend competitions, supporting the NYBBS with many players. They are known and respected around the UK for their positive get up and go Congratulationsattitude.onyour

35th Anniversary. May I wish you every success this year, and for the many years you have in front of you.

More recently I have had the privilege to have been working with the band as their Musical Director and with many special performances culminating with a Scottish Championship win and an appearance at the 2018 National Championships. It is difficult to put into words of how proud and lucky I am being allowed to conduct this fabulous band. My appreciation must also be expressed to the current committee and splendid helpers who ensure the smooth management and running of what I can only describe as the finest and most sustainable brass band structure from youth to senior players that Scotland has ever seen.

The day Gordon Evans arrived in the town was a major turning point in the history of Campbeltown. To bring his musicality and experience and nurture kids in the town has changed many a family and given children an excellent start for their futures. Personally, my life would never have been the same without the band and Gordon in particular. I am about to start my 30th year as a professional musician and will forever be in debt for all he has done for me. Over the years I have met up with many fellow band members during contests and everyone of us have often talked about how the school and brass band in the town has changed our lives. In this time of technology it is warming to follow all the band’s going’s on and have met up with the band on contest days even in Cheltenham and to now hear not only are the band current section champions but once again will represent Scotland on the national finals where I once again look forward to meeting up with them with my own band.

Stephen Craig Band Sergeant Major The Kings Division Band

First of all, Congratulations to the Campbeltown Brass Band on reaching 35 Inyears.that time, I have seen many, many players come and go. Not only go, but go to high quality bands around the country.

Again, a good proportion have gone on to study Music. Some have returned and passed on their knowledge and skills. Some are teachers here and in other parts of the country. The talent that comes out of Campbeltown Grammar School is Gordonphenomenal.formed the school concert band about 1978. Some of the parents at that time would go on the bus with him to competitions and school exchanges. It was coming back from one of these trips, I think it was a competition in Harrogate, that Gordon asked me if I would help him form a Brass Band. I knew less than nothing about Brass Bands. I did know the difference between a cornet and a trombone though and that was it. After a long discussion on the bus, nearly the whole trip, I finally agreed. Gordon said it would be quite easy all I had to do was register the players and go to the draw first thing in the morning to find out when they were playing and let him know. I never believed a word he said after Beingthat.astring player, I found brass to be somewhat harsh on the ear. This was something the young players would tease me about as I seldom listened to the competitions. One year, after winning the Scottish Championships they gave me a thank you card. It pictured an old man walking along a corridor with a fiddle under his arm and a sign with an arrow which read “Brass Band Competition”

One time we were in London at the Albert Hall we were staying in the Atlantic Hotel, which I had booked through an agency. We were shown our rooms and Catherine, my wife, sat down on the bed and fell through it. The mattress was sitting on the frame with no support. About ten minutes later two of the boys came to our room, “Mr Irvine” they said “Our door has come off its hinges.” They hurriedly added, “it just came away in our hand.” Gordon and I went to inspect and, sure enough the door was lying on the floor in the room. There were no screws in the hinges. I remained the band secretary and treasurer until 1989 when I went to college in Glasgow to further my nursing career. Allan Meyrick took over the running of the band. I have many fond memories of the band and have watched scores of young people go from nothing to absolutely brilliant players. I have nothing but admiration for Gordon Evans and his many players who have brought brass banding in Campbel town to what it is today. Here’s to another 35 years. “It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.” Johann Sebastian Bach - Alex Irvine (First Band Secretary) Violin Tutor

16 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Campbeltown Brass 2008

On 21st June 2008 Campbeltown Brass celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a concert which was a showcase of talent from the Junior Band, Senior Band, Kintyre Schools Pipe Band and Campbeltown Grammar School Senior Choir. The double Scottish Champions Campbeltown Brass conducted by Craig Anderson were also joined by many players from the past, along with some guests. The evenings performance culminated in a spectacular massed band, Pipe Band and Choir performance of Highland Cathedral.

21st June 2008 | 25th Anniversary Gala Concert at the Victoria Hall

I know that SA music has been significant to the band and hope that the quality of our music and the message behind it has enriched the lives of the band’s members and the people they have performed to.

It is an immense pleasure to offer my good wishes at this time. I have known something of the band through my friend Gordon Evans –he and I used to play football together each week and that, and our army connections, helped form a lifelong friendship. His work, and the tireless efforts of others too, have shaped a remarkable success story for the Brass Band movement suggesting very powerfully to me that the medium of the brass band remains a legitimate musical group providing individuals with a rich fellowship and the community a very meaningful resource.

- Dr Stephen Cobb Director of Music and Creative Arts Conductor The International Staff Band The Salvation Army

I wish you continued success and hope that this 35 year anniversary is a launching pad to even greater things.

5th October 1985

18 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary In 1985 Campbeltown Brass competed at the Scottish Brass Band Championships for the first time. Held at the Civic Centre, Motherwell, this relatively new Band was in competition against 20 other bands from across Scotland in the Fourth Section. Up against many bands with older and more experienced members, they tackled the difficult test piece A Malvern Suite, by Philip Sparke well and earned the praise of adjudicator Mr Godfrey Whitham. The performance, he said, “had so much to commend it.” Gordon Evans was delighted with the Band’s performance and praised the band for rising to the occasion but added soloists Darren Neillie (cornet), Alan Hutchinson (horn) and Stephen Drew (trombone) played the tricky solos beautifully. The success meant the Band qualified for The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in October. National Finals 1985 82 bands, 72 in the senior sections, qualified from 9 regions of England, Scotland and Wales. These 82 had qualified from an original entry of 630 bands. Representing Scotland in the Fourth Section was Campbeltown Brass and Irvine Youth. The 28 young players, in their first National, gave a spirited performance of the test piece by Goff Richards: A Saddleworth Festival Overture. Although the Band didn’t win any prizes, it did however, gain great credit for holding its own amongst Britain’ s finest bands. ‘11 year old Richard Pollock was awaiting his place on the stage when an elderly member of one of the opposing bands came along patted him on the head and said: “You look smart son, are you the band mascot?” “No” replied Richard “I’m the tuba player”, turned round picked up his instrument bigger than himself and proceeded to take his place on the stage, leaving the man rather aghast.’

An excerpt from the Courier and Advertiser, Saturday 12 October 1985 Scottish Championships & National Brass Band Championships

Fourth Section Finalists Royal Albert Hall, London Test Piece A Saddleworth Festival Overture (Goff Richards) Conductor: Gordon Evans

Scottish Championships Fourth Section Runners up 2nd March 1985 | Civic Centre, Motherwell Test Piece—A Malvern Suite (Philip Sparke) Conductor: Gordon Evans

20 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Championships Third Section, 3rd Place 1st March 1986 | Falkirk Town Hall Test Piece Suite in Bb (Gordon Jacob) Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Dunfermline Trust Contest Third Section Runners-up 4th April 1987 | Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Photo: Mid Argyll Festival

21 Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Winners 23rd April 1988 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships Third Section, 3rd Place 6th March 1988 | Falkirk Town Hall Test Piece Folk Song Heritage (Michael Kenyon) Conductor: Gordon Evans Campbeltown Brass Trevorwith Walmsley Photo: Tarbert Boat Race

22 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Fife Charities Band Association Contest Second Section Winners & Open Contest, 3rd Place 22nd September 1990 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Whitburn Invitation Contest Third Section Winners 3rd November 1990 | Whitburn Academy Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships - Third Section 2nd March 1991 | Civic Centre, Motherwell Test Piece Triptych (Philip Sparke) Conductor: Gordon Evans Whitburn Invitation Contest Third Section Winners 2nd November 1991 | Whitburn Academy Conductor: Gordon Evans European Youth Brass Band Championships Competitors 1990 & 1991

23 Scottish Championships Third Section, 3rd Place 8th March 1992 Falkirk Town Hall Test Piece—Suite for Brass (Segers) Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Winners 16th May 1992 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Runners up 15th May 1993 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band AssociationContest Third Section Winners 4th September 1993 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy Conductor: Gordon Evans

Front row: Kieran Campbell, Willie Ralston, Ruth Evans, Gordon Evans, Paul Johnson, Kenny Ralston, Stephen Johnson.

24 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Championships - Third Section 27th February 1993 | Civic Centre, Motherwell

Middle row: Valerie Poppleton, Anne Kelly, Jennifer Meenan, Helen Miller, Lynsey Wardrop, Fiona Marrison, Rhona Ralston, Jenny Rae, Zoe Cleland (nee Metcalf), Dominic Campbell, Ross McGlashan, Damaris Chalmers.

Back row (from left to right): Catherine Cunningham, Angela McEwan, Morvern Gilchrist, Katrina Barr, Kevin McGeachy, Craig Metcalf, Paul McGougan, Kenny Campbell, Stuart Campbell.

Test Piece The Shipbuilders (Peter Yorke)

Conductor: Gordon Evans

25 Scottish Championships - Third Section 25th February 1995 | Civic Centre, Motherwell Test Piece Snowdon Fantasy (Thomas James Powell) Conductor: Gordon Evans 1994 Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Winners 23rd April 1994 | Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie1995 Invitation Contest Third Section Winners 22nd April 1995 | Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band Association Third Section Winners 3rd September 1995 | Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy Conductor: Gordon Evans

26 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Championships Third Section Runners up 24th February 1996 | Falkirk Town Hall Test Piece—Divertimento (Kelly) Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section, 3rd Place 20th April 1996 | Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans National Brass ChampionshipsBandofGreat Britain Third Section Finalists 21st September 1996 Cardiff International Arena Test Piece Sinfonietta for Brass Band ( Langford) Conductor: Gordon Evans 1997 National Youth Brass Band Championships Intermediate Section, 3rd Place 16th February 1997 Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester Conductor: Gordon Evans Photo: Mid Argyll Music Festival

Test Piece—A New Buckenham Suite (Andrew Jackman)

Conductor: Gordon Evans

27 Scottish Championships - Second Section 1st March 1997 | Civic Centre, Motherwell

Back row: (from left to right) Peter Willet, Craig McGlashan, Jennifer Meenan, Arlene Taylor, Graham Fuge, Damaris Chalmers, Helen Miller, Gemma Hall, Andrew Ralston.

Front row: Willie Ralston, Kenny Ralston, Peter McConnachie, Ross McGlashan, Gordon Evans, Dominic Campbell, Murray Ralston, Mark Johnson, Paul Johnson.

Middle row: Rhona Ralston, Katrina Barr, Catherine Cunningham, Emma Gannon, Jilly McIlchere, Lesley Bell, Lynsey Wardrop, Ricky Evans, Fiona Marrison, Julie Watson, Dorothy Ralston.

28 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary 1999, 2000 & 2001 Carnegie InvitationContest Second Section, 3rd Place Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Gordon Evans Photo shoot for the CD ‘From the Mull of Kintyre’

Conductor: Gordon Evans

Front row: Iain Hill, Willie Ralston, Julie Brown, Becca Hall, Gordon Evans, Katrina Barr, Ranold Rixon, Brendan Campbell, Iain McConnachie. Section Runners up Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline

2002 & 2003 Carnegie Invitation Contest Third

Middle row: Karen McCormick, Rhona Barr, Alistair Howell, Alex Hales, Paula Harrow, Laura Hall, Fiona Bell, Thomas Ralston, Andrew Ralston, Kenny Campbell.

Back row (from left to right): Leigh Ann MacInnes, Claire McLean, Hazel Barr, Lisa Hardie, Kirsteen Howell, Laura Millar, Emma Morrison, Jane McIlchere, Rhona Watson, Julie Watson.

Test Piece—St Austell Suite (Kenneth Downie)

Conductor: Gordon Evans

29 Scottish Championships - Third Section 10th March 2002 | Civic Centre, Motherwell

30 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain Junior Section, 3rd Place 16th February 2003 | Royal Northern of College of Music, Manchester Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Youth Championships 2003 Winners of the under 16 and 21 sections Conductor: Katrina Barr

Back row (from left to right): Jillian Ogilvie, Alistair Howell, Arlene Taylor, Karen McCormick, Kerrie Watson, Paula Harrow, Becca Hall, Thomas Ralston, Andrew Ralston, Kenny Campbell.

Test Piece—Vizcaya (Gilbert Vinter)

Middle row: Jane McIlchere, Rhona Watson, Colleen Miller, Stephanie Mitchell, Lisa Hardie, Jennifer McCormick, Lauren Milsted, Hazel Barr, Hannah McSporran, Ricky Evans.

25th April 2004 | Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline

Third Section Winners

31 Scottish Championships - Third Section 13th March 2004 | Civic Centre, Motherwell

Conductor: Katrina Barr

Carnegie

Back row: Willie Ralston, Robin Barr, Stuart Gorringe, Jennifer Martin, Rob Farmer, Katrina Barr, Julie Brown, Ewan Bannatyne, Iain McConnachie Invitation Contest

Conductor: Rob Farmer

32 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Youth Championships Community Section and Development Section Gold Award & Winners 28th November 2004 | Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Conductor: Katrina Barr Land o’ Burns Third Section Winners 4th September 2004 Walker Hall, Troon Conductor: Craig Anderson

33 Scottish Youth Championships 27th November 2005 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Conductor: Katrina Barr Fife Brass Band Festival Third Section Runners-up 23rd April 2005 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Craig Anderson

34 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Fife Brass Band Festival Scottish Championships -Third Section Third Section Winners 11th March 2006 | Perth Concert Hall 22nd April 2006 |

Middle row: Lindsey Armour, Jennifer McCormick, Lorna Armour, Jillian Ogilvie, Craig Anderson, Mark Good, Andrew Black, Scott MacAlister, Hannah McSporran, Erin McSporran.

Front row: Willie Ralston, Elida O’Brian, George Good, Rachel McGeachy, Stephanie Mitchell, Julie Brown, Lynne Campbell, Greg Bannatyne, Jamie Hardie, Ewan Bannatyne.

Conductor: Craig Anderson Conductor: Craig Anderson

Back row (From left to right): Catherine Cunningham, Rhona Watson, Kenny Campbell, Dorothy Ralston, Ricky Evans, Katrina Barr.

Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Test Piece Entertainments (Gilbert Vinter)

35 Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Gold Award Runners up 24th November 2006 Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Katrina Barr Brass in the Park Marches & Hymn Tune Third Section Winners 2nd September 2006 | Newtonrange Conductor: Katrina Barr Tom & Ann Fuge Leaving Concert 2006

Conductor: Craig Anderson

Middle row: Andrew Black, Lorna Black, Gillian Ogilive, Lorna Armour, Hannah McSporran, Margaret Robertson, Erin McSporaan, Lindsey Armour, Katrina Barr, Ricky Evans, Dorothy Ralston.

36 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Championships Third Section Winners 10th March 2007 |

Back row (from left to right): Jennifer McCormick, Fraser Cosgrove, Rachel McGeachy, Lynne Campbell, Jamie Hardie, Mark Good, Kenny Campbell, Andrew Ralston, David Cosgrove.

Caird Hall, Dundee Test Piece Prelude and Jubilate (Darrol Barry)

37 Front row: Willie Ralston, Scott MacAlister, Greg Bannatyne, Sally Chute, Craig Anderson, Stephanie Mitchell, Murray Ralston, George Good, Ewan Bannatyne.

38 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Fife Brass Band Festival Third Section Winners 21st April 2007 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Conductor: Craig Anderson National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain Third Section Finalists 29th September 2007 Harrogate International Centre Test Piece—Imperium (Bruce Fraser) Conductor: Craig Anderson Brass in the Park Development Section Runners up Conductor: Jamie McVicar Scottish Open Brass Band Championship Winners of the Scottish Challenge Cup 24th November 2007 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Craig Anderson

39 National Brass ChampionshipsBandofGreat Britain Second Section Finalists 28th September 2008 | Harrogate Test Piece Rhapsodic Variations (Dean Goffin) Conductor: Craig Anderson Brass in the Park Development Section Winners 30th August 2008 | Newtongrange Conductor: Jamie McVicar Scottish Championships Second Section Winners 8th March 2008 | Rothes Hall, Glenrothes Test Piece Three Part Invention (Kenneth Downie) Conductor: Craig Anderson

40 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Open Brass Band Championship Winners of the Scottish Challenge Shield 28th November 2009 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Craig Anderson Scottish Youth Championships Novice Section Gold Award & Winners 21st November 2010 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Jamie McVicar Brass in the Park Youth Section, Gold Conductor: Jamie McVicar

41 Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Gold Award &Winners | 26th November 2011, Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Jamie McVicar Brass in the Park Development Section Gold Award &Winners | 10th September 2011, Newtongrange Conductor: Jamie McVicar

42 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Gold Award & Winners 24th November 2012 Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Katrina Barr Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Gold Award & Runners up 17th November 2013 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Katrina Barr Scottish Championships Second Section, 3rd Place 10th March 2012 | Rothes Hall, Glenrothes Test Piece Cross Patonce (Goff Richards) Conductor: Jamie McVicar

43 Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory and Novice Section Gold Award & Winners 23rd November 2014 | Perth Concert Hall Conductors: Gordon Evans and Katrina Barr

44 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Cup Third Section Winners 28th November 2015 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band AssociationContest Third Section Winners 26th September 2015 Adam SmithKirkcaldyTheatre, Conductor Gordon Evans

45 Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory Section Gold Award & Winners 21st November 2015 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Gordon Evans

46 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Championships Third Section Winners 12th March 2016 | Perth Concert Hall Test Piece—A Cambrian Suite (Michael Ball) Conductor: Gordon Evans SBBA Band of the Year Third Section National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain Third Section Finalists 18th September 2016 The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse Test Piece Lake of the Moon (Kevin Houben) Conductor: Gordon Evans

47 Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory Section Gold Award & Winners 27th November 2016 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Katrina Barr Scottish Youth Championships Novice Section Gold Award & Winners 27th November 2016 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Gordon Evans

Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory and Novice Section Gold Award & Winners 25th November 2017 | Perth Concert Hall Conductor: Katrina Barr

49 Fife Brass Band Festival Second Section Winners 22nd April 2017 | Carnegie Hall, Dunfermine Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships - Second Section 11th March 2017 | Perth Concert Hall Test Piece—Rhapsody in Brass (Dean Goffin) Conductor: Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band Association Contest Second Section Winners 30th September 2017 | Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy Conductor: Paul Kiernan

50 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Under the baton of Paul Kiernan the band produced a winning performance at the Scottish regionals, taking the crown for the Second Section and earning a place at the National Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham. ’For such a young band it’ s heart-warming to hear such mature sounding soloists. Another thing that separates this is that the tuning is absolutely on point and there is music making in abundance.’ British Bandsman SCOTTISH CHAMPIONS

51 Fife Brass Band Festival Second Section Winners 21st April 2018 Community Centre, Lochgelly Conductor: Stephanie Mitchell Scottish Championships Second Section Winners 10th March 2018 | Perth Concert Hall Test Piece Ex Terra Lucem (Jonathan Bates) Conductor: Paul Kiernan

52 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Youth Championships 25th November 2018 | Perth Concert Hall

A celebratory end to 2018! Campbeltown Brass Juniors took Gold and are once again champions of the Preparatory Section. Competing in the Development Section for the first time since 2013, Campbeltown Brass Intermediate gave a fabulous performance achieving a Gold Award and finishing second place. As we come to the end of 2018, we can all look back at the last 35 years with a lot of joy and a lot of pride. For a band, tucked away in the far flung corner of Scotland, it has achieved much, influenced many and continues to ensure music and the opportunity to learn an instrument is available to all.

53 Preparatory Section Gold Award & Winners Conductor: Stephanie Mitchell Development Section Gold Award & Runners-up Conductor: Katrina Barr

54 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Championships Fourth Section Runners up Conductor: Gordon Evans National Brass Band Championships Fourth Section Finalist Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships Third Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Dumfermline Trust Third Section Runners up Scottish Championships Third Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band Association Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships Third Section Runners up Conductor: Gordon Evans National Brass Band Championships Third Section Finalist Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Gordon Evans Land O Burns Second Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Runners up National Youth Championships Junior Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Youth Championships Under 16 & 21 Sections Winners Conductor: Katrina Barr Fife Brass Band Festival Third Section Winners Conductor: Katrina Barr Land O Burns Best Third Section Conductor: Craig Anderson Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Winners Community Section Winners Conductor: Katrina Barr Fife Brass Band Festival Third Section Runners up Conductor: Craig Anderson Fife Brass Band Festival Third Section | Winners Conductor: Craig Anderson Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Runners up Conductor: Katrina Barr Brass in the Park Open March & Hymn Tune Best Third Section

55 Fife Charities Band Association Second Section Winners Open Contest, 3rd Place Conductor Gordon Evans Whitburn Invitation Contest Third Section Winners Whitburn Invitation Contest Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships Third Section, 3rd Place Conductor Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Runners up Conductor Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band Association Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Second Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Second Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Second Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Gordon Evans Carnegie Invitation Contest Third Section Runners up Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships Third Section Winners Conductor: Craig Anderson Scottish Challenge Cup Third Section Winners Conductor: Craig Anderson Fife Brass Band Festival Third Section Winners Conductor: Craig Anderson National Brass Band Championships Third Section Finalist Conductor: Craig Anderson Brass in the Park Development Section Runners-up Scottish Championships Second Section Winners Conductor: Craig Anderson National Brass Band Championships Second Section | Finalist Conductor: Craig Anderson Brass in the Park Development Section Winners Scottish Challenge Shield Winners Conductor: Craig Anderson Scottish Youth Championships Novice Section Winners Conductor: Jamie McVicar Brass in the Park Youth Section Gold Award

56 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Winners Conductor: Jamie McVicar Brass in the Park Development Section Winners Conductor: Jamie McVicar Scottish Championships Second Section, 3rd Place Conductor: Jamie McVicar Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Winners Conductor: Katrina Barr Scottish Youth Championships Development Section Runners up Conductor: Katrina Barr Scottish Youth Championships Novice Section Winners Conductor: Katrina Barr Preparatory Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Challenge Cup Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band Association Third Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Championships Third Section Winners Conductor Gordon Evans National Brass Band Championships Third Section Finalist SBBA Band of the Year Third Section Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory Section Winners Conductor: Katrina Barr Novice Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Fife Charities Band Association Second Section Winners Conductor: Paul Kiernan Fife Brass Band Festival Second Section Winners Conductor: Gordon Evans Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory Section Winners Novice Section Winners Scottish Championships Second Section Winners Conductor: Paul Kiernan Fife Brass Band Festival Second Section Winners Conductor: Stephanie Mitchell National Brass Band Championships Second Section Finalist Scottish Youth Championships Preparatory Section Winners Conductor: Stephanie Mitchell Development Section Runners up Conductor: Katrina Barr SBBA Band of the Year Second Section

Front row: Willie Ralston, Andrew Colville, Suen Yee Walker, Beth MacPherson, Paul Kiernan, Fraser Cosgrove, Alastair Cupples, Kenny Ralston, Scott MacAlister.

Second

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain Section Finalists September 2018 | The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse

15th

Middle row: Rona Campbell, Iona McDougall, Amy Paterson, Andrew McMillan, Scott Oman, Amy Paterson, Peter Chute, Jack Campbell, Jamie Colville, David Cosgrove, Caius Walker, Lucy Kerr.

Back row( from left to right): Hannah McCaig, Rebecca Semple, Kirsten Souter, Katrina Barr, Stephanie Mitchell, Drew Cunningham, Erin McLellan, Catherine Cunningham, Fiona Oman, Hannah Oman.

Conductor: Paul Kiernan

Test Piece Firestorm (Stephen Bulla)

58 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Former & Current Band Members Campbeltown Brass 1983 - 2018

A Adie, Rachel Armour, Douglas Armour, Lindsey Armour, Lorna B Bannatyne, Emma Bannatyne, Ewan Bannatyne, Greg Barbour, Tommy Barr, Hazel Barr, James Barr (nee: MacNab), Katrina Barr, Mae Barr, Rhona Barr, Robin Barrett, Flint Phoenix Bawn, Andrew Bell, Fiona Bell, Lesley Bennie, Emily Bennie, Liam Black, Andrew Black, Cath Black, Lorna Borg, Francesco Borril, Michelle Brian, Donald Brian, Eilidh Brian, Kiera Brown, Iain Brown, Julie C Campbell, Alison Campbell, Brendan Campbell, Dominic Campbell, Iona Hill, Iain Houston, Callum Howarth, Craig Howarth, Susan Howell, Alistair Howell, Kathryn Howell, Kirsteen Hunter, Alistair Hunter, Michelle Hutchinson, Alan I Irvine, Morna Irvine, Iona J Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Mark Johnson, Paul Johnson, Stephen K Kelly, Anne Kerr, Fergus Kerr, Lucy L Lavery, Charl Lavery, Islay Lavery, Skye Lawrie, Catriona Lawson, Lee Lynsey, Gavin M MacAlister, Scott MacDonald, Kirsty MacGougan, Paul MacInnes, Leigh Ann MacInnes, Ross MacKintosh, Jessica MacLaren, Mia Campbell (nee: Patton), Kathleen Campbell, Jack Campbell, Judith Campbell, Kenny Campbell, Kieran Campbell, Lynne Campbell, Murray Campbell, Rona Campbell, Stuart Casey, Stuart Chalmers, Damaris Chute, Aimilia Chute, Peter Chute, Sally Cleland (nee: Metcalf), Zoe Cockburn, Peter Colville, Andrew Colville, Charlie Colville, Jamie Colville, Lucy Cook, Emma Cosgrove, David Cosgrove, Fraser Cosgrove, Rachel Craig, Gregor Craig, Ian Craig, Keith Craig, Paul Craig, Stephen Crossan, Ewan Cunningham, Ben Cunningham (nee: Wooton), Catherine Cunningham, Drew Cunningham, Rebecca Cupples, Alastair D Doogan, Sean Doogan, Stephen Drew, Alistair Drew, Stephen Dryer, Ann Duncan, Katie E Euart, Jim Evans, Bryan Evans, Gordon Evans, Louise Evans, Ricky Evans, Ruth F Farrell, Andrew Fuge, Graham G Galbraith, Sophie Gannon, Emma Gilchrist, Morvern Good, George Good, Mark Gorringe, Alistair Gorringe, Stuart Graham, Moira H Hales, Alex Hall, Becca Hall, Gemma Hall, Ginny Hall, Laura Hardie, Jamie Hardie, Lisa Harper, Heather Hart, Bethany Harrow, Paula Harvey, Nicole Hill, Alistair

59 McLean, Claire McLean, Kaila McLean, Paula McLean, Taylor McLellan, Erin McMillan, Andrew McMillan, Ben McMillan, Taylor McNair, Robert McNaught, Carolyn McPhee, Ducan McShannon, Isla McSporran, Erin McSporran, Hannah McTaggart, Barbara McTaggart, Christina McTaggart, Grace McVicar, Archie McVicar, Clare McVicar, Iona McVicar, Jamie Meenan, Gemma Meenan, Jennifer Metcalf, Craig Metcalf, David Meyrick, Rowena Millar, Colleen Millar, Laura Miller, Helen Milne, Iain Milsted, Lauren Mitchell, Alexander Mitchell, Stephanie Morrison, Emma N Neillie, Darren Neillie, Gordon MacPherson, Beth Marrison, Fiona Marrison, Susan Martin, Jennifer Mathieson, Abbie Matthews, Angus McAlistair, Alison McAllister, Louise McAllister, Stewart McArther, Alex McCaig, Gemma McCaig, Hannah McCoatup, Angus McConnachie, Iain McConnachie, John McConnachie, Peter McCormick, Jennifer McCormick, Karen McDonald, Maureen McDonald, Robert McDonald, Tanya McDougall, Iona McFadzean, Cara McGeachy, Adele McGeachy, Kevin McGeachy, Rachel McGlashan, Craig McGlashan, Ross McGougan, Amy McGougan, Paul McIlchere, Jane McIlchere, Jilly McIlchere, Louise McIntosh, Feuna McKay (nee: Ronald), Lorna McKeown, Dominic McKeown, Tim Robertson, Brian Robertson, Katrina Robertson, Margaret Robinson, Eilidh Roy, Innes Roy, Madeleine S Semple, Karen Semple, Lindsay Semple, Rebecca Sharp, Robert Smith, Les Souter, Kirsten Stalker, Cara Stevens, Stacey Stewart, Ewan Stickland, Ali T Tanner, Mathew Taylor, Arlene Togneri, Johnny W Walker, Caius Walker, Elyce Walker, Hannah Walker, Suen Yee Walmsley, Trevor Wardrop, Fallon Wardrop, Lynsey Watson, Annie Watson (nee: Colville), Eilidh Watson, Julie Watson, Kerrie Watson, Rhona West, Sean Willett, Peter Wylie, Iain Neillie, Stephen O O’Brian, Elida Ogilvie, Jillian O’Hanlon, Jessica Oman, Emma Oman (nee: Wilkinson), Fiona Oman, Hannah Oman, Scott O’May, Rhona P Paterson, Amy Paterson, Emma Paterson, Kyle Peach, Nicholas Pickering, Owen Pollock, Iain Pollock, Richard Poppleton, Valerie R Rae, Jenny Ralston, Andrew Ralston, David Ralston, Dorothy Ralston, Eric Ralston, Jenny Ralston, Kenny Ralston, Murray Ralston, Rhona Ralston, Thomas Ralston, Willie Reid, Emma Renton, Callum Renton, Kirstie Renton, Sophie Rich, Karis Rixon, Ranold

60 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary Memories

62 | Campbeltown Brass 35th Anniversary

A final thought “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It was impossible to include everything from the last 35 years but I hope it has given you a flavour of the band’s journey so far, a small memento for some and hopefully an inspiration for others to be a part of this musical family.

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

Emily Walker

To the staff at Campbeltown Library for letting me go through reels and reels of microfiche and archives.

Regardless of language or cultural background, music has the remarkable ability to bring people together from all walks of life. Personally, I think music is at its best when shared. Compiling this celebratory booklet for the band, has given me a picture that this band meant a lot to many people.

My thanks to: Gordon Evans, Katrina Barr, Willie Ralston, Fiona Oman, Liz Richardson and many others I’m unable to list here but has helped me with this booklet.

To all who shared a message and provided photos.

Not solely for the idea of winning titles and competitions but the experience of being part of a musical community, the opportunity to learn to play an instrument to a very high standard, making lifelong friends and even the times spent on epic bus journeys have all contributed to many fond memories.

Thank you also to the Scottish Brass Band Association for permission to use their photos.