TWO young Clacks musicians recently took part in a summer course at Scotland’s biggest brass band school

Amelia Westwood and Emily Kroegler, who play with the Clackmannan District Youth and Development Band, were among 150 like-minded instrumentalists who descended on the small Perthshire village of Forgandenny to take part in Scotland’s biggest brass band school last week.

The National Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) residential summer course at the Strathallan School took place from Sunday, July 31, until Saturday, August 6, and featured players aged between nine and 22 split into three bands – Children’s, Reserve and Senior.

For the brass and percussion players attending NYBBS 2022 from such diverse locations as Shetland and Stranraer, the emphasis was on having fun as well as enjoying the full learning experience.

Sectional practice sessions, master classes and full band rehearsals provided the opportunity for some serious music making for the students while extracurricular events will brought a more lively element to the course.

The NYBBS summer course is supported through funding from Creative Scotland through its Youth Music Initiative.

The fruits of the NYBBS players’ hard work during the week was showcased at two end-of-course concerts at the Albert Hall in Stirling on the Saturday afternoon.

Carrie Boax, course coordinator and SBBA president, said: “It is a real honour and privilege to know that, at the end of the week, our musical directors, tutors and pastoral staff will have made a small but positive difference to the musical journey of every youngster that attends our summer school and helped them make memories and friendships that I know will last a lifetime.”

The Clackmannan District Brass Band are currently looking to recruit a principal cornet player with immediate effect.

Anyone looking for a new challenge or a change of scenery is encouraged to contract enquiries@clackmannanbrass.co.uk or direct message the band on Facebook.

The group rehearses twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm, at their band hall in Alloa.

Visit clackmannanbrass.co.uk for more information.