Joint concert with the
YMCA Glasgow Wind Orchestra:
The band played a wide range of pieces in a Joint concert with the YMCA Glasgow Wind Orchestra on Friday 27th of February, 2015 at Renfield St. Stephens Parish Church.
The concert was well received and all who attended were treated to a great night of music from both the wind band and ourselves.
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
BRASS bands across the country are preparing to gather in the east coast for a prestigious event at the 2015 Edinburgh International Festival (EIF).
Fanfare is a free community event that will tap into one of the most enduring symbols of Scotland, the beloved brass band. The festival has called on the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) to harness the enormous forces of Scotland's brass bands by presenting a day of free outdoor performances along the city's idyllic Water of Leith Walkway on Sunday, August 23.
Bringing the fanfare of EIF out to the people of the city, this is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy brass bands at their best, playing favourites from Mahler, Elgar and Burns as well as some more unusual brassy renditions of popular music by Kraftwerk, Joy Division and Disney's Frozen movie song Let It Go.
(From Scottish Brass Band Association Website: http://www.sbba.org.uk/index.php?section=2&id=1189
We will perform three different repertoires at 12 noon, 3pm and 5pm, at Water of Leith Visitor Centre.
Here is a video of the band playing Toccata in D Minor!
Following our participation in the Edinburgh International Festival Fanfare Event on 23rd August, Johnstone Band had another exciting event. The band had booked the new Johnstone Town Hall for a proms themed concert. Being Friday 11th September, it was "The Night before the Last Night of the Proms". The concert also featured special guest singer, Bobby Irvine.
The band is working hard to promote brass music locally, linking in with local businesses and fundraising to be able to offer free entry at this fantastic new venue. Recent fundraisers include a successful Quiz Night on Friday 21st August, with MD Martyn Ramsay as Quizmaster. Thanks to all those who came along to take part in the quiz and support the band, the night in Elderslie Golf Club raised over £300.
Band Supplies Scottish Challenge
In what was a highly enjoyable 70th birthday celebration homage to Edward Gregson, Johnstone Silver eventually came out on top in First Place with a very confident rendition of 'Dances & Arias' under the baton of Martyn Ramsay. Principal cornet Lesley Dardis claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize for her excellent personal contribution.
From the 4barsrest website: http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=21250#.Vp5nOyqLSM-
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.
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!
Press Release 28th August 2017
Brass Showcase 2017 – Sunday 27th August 2017 – Johnstone Town Hall
The innovative format saw four bands each present a
30-minute concert programme. Coalburn Silver,
Dunaskin Doon, Newmilns and Galston, and Johnstone Bands put on varying and entertaining programmes, which were well received by an enthusiastic audience.
The bands featured soloists and made good use of the Johnstone Town Hall multi-media facilities, enhancing each of the programmes with visuals. Compere, John Hamilton had a busy day with some narration as well as introductions, and did an excellent job.
Judges were part of the audience, and were asked to score after each performance a mark out of ten in their category.
Charles Keenan awarded a top score of 9 points to Newmilns and Galston for Quality of performance earning a Prize Certificate and a voucher donated by Band Supplies; Graeme Law’s top scoring band for Entertainment/Presentation was Dunaskin Doon securing a Prize Certificate and voucher donated by Band Supplies; and Scott Kerr awarded the top scoring band for Contribution of Individuals and Soloists to Newmilns and Galston.
Scores were combined to give an overall score out of 30, but there was no overall top scoring band, with Dunaskin Doon, and Newmilns and Galston Bands both achieving 25 points. Scott also judged the solo awards, including the Best Junior Contribution for an under-16 player which went to Arran McMillan in the Johnstone Band percussion section. A one year subscription donated by Brass Band World magazine was the prize for the Best Soloist and awarded to Newmilns and Galston Solo Cornet, Dougie Cameron.
The audience Best Band of the Day award, with a one year subscription donated by Brass Band World magazine, was decided by an audience vote. The result was a 43-43 draw between Coalburn and Johnstone with 117 votes counted.
Brass Showcase 2017 received a great reaction on the day, and the bands are keen to hear more audience and
participant feedback to help plan future events. You can do this through any of the band contacts or online at www.coalburnsilverband.co.uk/brassshowcasefeedback
List of Award winners:
Overall Top Scoring Band – Shared: Dunaskin Doon, Newmilns and Galston
Top Scoring Band – Quality of Performance – Newmilns and Galston
Top Scoring Band – Entertainment / Presentation – Dunaskin Doon
Top Scoring Band – Contribution of Individuals and Soloist – Newmilns and Galston
Best Cornet – Coalburn Silver – Solo Cornet – Calum Blair
Best Flugel/Horn – Dunaskin Doon – Solo Horn – Emma McTaggart
Best Baritone/Euphonium – Johnstone – Solo Euphonium – Wesley Stuart
Best Trombone – Dunaskin Doon – Bass Trombone – Blane McKnight
Best Bass – Newmilns and Galston – Bb – Davie Murray and Davie Trusdale
Best Percussion – Coalburn – Playing and singing
Best Junior Contribution – Johnstone (Percussion) – Arran McMillan
Best Section – Johnstone (Horn Section)
Best Soloist – Newmilns and Galston – Solo Cornet – Dougie Cameron
The Audience's Best Band of the Day – Shared: Coalburn Silver, Johnstone
Brass Showcase 2017 is a collaboration between Johnstone Band, Coalburn Silver Band, Dunaskin Doon Band, and Newmilns and Galston Band.
YMCA Glasgow Wind Band Joint Concert
European Festival of Brass 2014 - Pop-up Concerts
Edinburgh International Festival
Night before the Last Night of the Proms
Band Supplies Scottish Challenge
Upcoming Events
Wychavon
Brass Workshop
Rat Pack to Brit Pack Concert
Brass Showcase
Brass Day 2017 Review
Past Events