Johnstone Band was delighted to provide four pop-up concerts to mark the start of the 2014 European Festival of Brass, supported by the Scottish Brass Band Association.

We found that just “popping up” isn’t as straightforward as it sounds these days and lots of time and effort went in even before we opened our cases: making contacts, getting permissions to play and to collect, gaining access, finalising the schedule times and preparing the music.

We were mid-way through our search for a new conductor, but with support from our local and wider community, and buy-in from band members, we were pleased to take our short concert programme out and about. We had “Singin’ in the rain” on the stand, but the weather just about held when we needed it to and feedback from our listeners made it all worthwhile.

Pop-up once - Johnstone Bandstand

The historic bandstand in Houston Square is just a short walk from the band hall. Access arrangements were recently transferred from the community council to the local authority, so a whole new set of contacts were made. After a lengthy negotiation, which included several departments and brought in assistance from two local councillors, permission was granted to play. On Saturday 26th August 1pm, we kicked off our series of concerts with some big band favourites and entertained passers-by, pub regulars at the “Nip Inn” and everyone using the busy Houston Square bus stop.

Pop-up twice - Ranfurly Care Home, Johnstone.

An outbreak of sunshine at 2pm, meant that we were able to present our second concert from the grounds of a local care home. This meant that elderly and disabled residents right around the home were able to listen in, rather than only those able to find their way to the lounge.

With the help of nursing and care staff, windows and doors were thrown open and residents were singing and clapping along to well known favourites and traditional Scottish tunes. The acoustics were great and the band really enjoyed the appreciative audience on the closing spot to day 1 of our pop-up series.

Penultimate pop-up – IKEA, Braehead

We wanted to extend our programme to a wider audience, and our friends in the IKEA community team were kind enough to allow us to play and also set out collection buckets for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland). At noon sharp on Sunday 27th April, we began day two, and our third concert.  As with all the concerts, we had display information about EFOB and leaflets available to take away.  A member of the IKEA team took our photo at the end of the set.

Pop-up Finale – Sainsbury’s, Braehead

For our final concert, Sainsbury’s at Braehead opened their doors to our EFOB pop-up concert with short notice, when other locations didn’t work out.

We’ve played at the store before with Christmas Carols, and shoppers were delighted when they realised that it was live brass band music which could be heard right through the store.

Round-up

Throughout the weekend, we aimed to be accessible to as wide an audience as possible, playing well known music and with an informal look in our Johnstone Band “hoodies” and jeans. We had great feedback from all locations after our events. Generous contributions to our collection bucket meant that we were able to donate £68 to CHAS. Not a huge amount in fundraising terms, but all completely unprompted and all from Sunday performances.

We plan to return to Ranfurly Care Home for a similar event before the end of summer and with a small group around Christmas time.  Both IKEA and Sainsbury’s were supportive and keen for us to return and it’s important to the band to use the magnificent Houston Square bandstand again in the future, which we are more likely to be able to do so with our fresh contacts.

All in all, a successful series of pop-up concerts for Johnstone Band and a positive contribution to the European Festival of Brass Community Programme.

June Deans

Upcoming Events:

Sunday 16th September - National Brass Band Championships, Cheltenham

Sunday 11th November - Armistice Day, Johnstone/Elderslie

Sunday 11th November - "Lest We Forget", an evening of music, song and poetry to mark the centnary of the arminstice of the Great War, Paisley Abbey 6:45pm

Thursday 15th November - Levern Valley Community Brass Annual Concert, Carlibar Primary School, Barrhead, 7:30pm

Saturday 17th November - Scottish Challenge Shield, Perth Concert Hall

Johnstone Band had a very enjoyable weekend at Wychavon Festival of Brass. The band were the first Scottish band to attend the entertainment contest in its 26 year history.

The band came fourth out of eleven in the first section, adjudicated by Duncan Beckley, and won the prize for the most entertaining band.

The band also took part in the championship section, adjudicated by Dave Lea, and came eighth out of sixteen.

The band would like to thank guest players: Dom McKeown, David Kay, Gillian Kay, Harvey McGregor and Lindsay McGregor. Thanks also to Alastair McGhee and Douglas Young who came out of brass band retirement to help the band out.

Storyteller – Brass Workshops and Concert – 4th and 11th February 2017

Be inspired – Play music that fires your imagination.

Hosted by Johnstone Band and supported by Renfrewshire Council Schools Music Service, the workshops were on two consecutive Saturdays in February, culminating in a concert from 5pm on Saturday 11th February 2017. The event featured a programme of music inspired by stories and the written word. The concert featured Johnstone Band and the workshop participants in group items.

Renowned brass band conductor and arranger Leigh Baker lead the event. This workshop was a supported rehearsal format and included group work, invention and a massed band item. Support came from instrumental practitioners and specialists.

Rat Pack to Brit Pack Concert – 16th June 2017

A Story of 20th Century Music: in Brass!

With cabaret seating and a bar, Johnstone Band presented an excellent concert of popular 20th century music, on Friday 16th June 2017, at 7.30pm in Johnstone Town Hall.

This was an exciting and unusual concert for the band for a few reasons.  Firstly, the first half was played in black tie concert dress, and the second half in a gig t-shirt and jeans!  Secondly, there was a massive contrast between the numbers that were performed; for example, between Sing, Sing, Sing, which has become a jazz standard, and Lionel Richie's All Night Long.

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The concert was well received and the soloists did a fantastic job of what was some really tricky playing!

Well done everyone, and thank you also to our guests!

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