News

EoSBBA News Feed

  • Resident conductor vacancy at Penicuik Silver

    Penicuik Silver Band is on the look-out for a resident conductor to lead the band in twice-weekly rehearsals and at concerts, public events and contests.

    The band has a long history as part of the community in the town of Penicuik, Midlothian, and welcomes players of all ages and abilities. In the last five years, the band has twice gained promotion to the Third Section and in 2023 represented Scotland at the National Finals.

    Penicuik Silver’s immediate aim is to return to and remain in the Third Section and to continue its annual programme of concerts, contests, gala days and performances at community events.

    The band is seeking an enthusiastic conductor with experience in brass bands and who can prepare enjoyable and entertaining programmes of music for local audiences and rehearse the band to contest standard.

    Penicuik Silver has recently welcomed a number of players from its youth band who will need encouragement to develop within the main band of dedicated members of all ages and genders.

    Rehearsals are held on Monday and Thursdays between 7.15pm and 9pm in the community wing of the town’s Mauricewood Primary School.

    Interested candidates should send their application to band president Tom Easton at penicuiksilverband@gmail.com

    Applications will be reviewed at the end of May, based on merit and without discrimination.

  • Bathgate Steelyard Challenge: Pre-Registration Now Open

    Preparations for the highly anticipated Bathgate Steelyard Challenge are in full swing, and we’re thrilled to announce that pre-registration is now officially open! Secure your spot by visiting our dedicated event website at www.eosbba.org.uk/bsc. This hub not only allows you to sign up but also provides comprehensive details for participating bands.

    Stay in the loop as we curate an enriching experience for all involved. The event website is your go-to source for the latest updates, with continuous data updates ensuring you’re well-informed. Keep a keen eye on www.eosbba.org.uk/bsc for an evolving wealth of information. Let the excitement build as we journey towards this musical extravaganza!

  • EoSBBA and Bathgate Together: Crafting a Unique Outdoor Brass Band Contest

    The East of Scotland Brass Band Association (EoSBBA) is actively engaged with Bathgate Together (a collective of Bathgate Community groups) to bring a distinctive outdoor brass band contest to the East of Scotland region. Bathgate’s George Street will hopefully soon resonate with the sounds of brass music, building on the concepts of “Brass in the Park” and “Whit Marches.”

    This inaugural event is set to be a highlight, featuring each band marching down George Street, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Then, settle in as they take the stage in Bathgate Steelyard for an 8-minute own-choice programme, showcasing their musical prowess.

    Stay tuned for more updates as we work behind the scenes to create an extraordinary and unforgettable musical experience for everyone.

  • East of Scotland Solo & Ensemble Winners

    We are delighted to share the joyous success of the East of Scotland Solo and Ensemble Contest, an event that showcased extraordinary musical talents. Please find below our outstanding winners, who truly excelled in their performances:

    • Junior Solo’s
      • Mila Dickson, St David’s Brass (Gold Award)
      • Bailey Dickson, St David’s Brass (Silver Award)
      • Beth Drury, Kinneil Youth Band (Gold Award) WINNER
      • Erin Drury, Kinneil Youth Band (Silver Award)
    • Intermediate Solo’s
      • Roxy Clark, Whitburn Youth Band (Silver Award)
      • William Tawn, Kinneil Youth Band (Silver Award)
      • Amber Gourlay, Whitburn Heartlands Band (Silver Award)
      • Tyler Clark, Whitburn Youth Band (Gold Award) WINNER
    • Junior Ensembles
      • Kinneil Youth Junior Ensemble (Silver Award) WINNER
    • Intermediate Ensembles
      • Kinneil Youth Intermediate Ensemble (Silver Award) WINNER
    • Adult Open Solo’s
      • Phil Terras, St David’s Brass
      • Jackie Brown, Bathgate Band
      • Bradley Doran, Dalkeith & Monktonhall Brass Band (WINNER)

    A special thank you to our adjudicator, Keith Johnson, whose expertise and discerning judgement added a layer of excellence to the event. His dedication to the musical arts played a crucial role in the success of our participants.

    We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Salvation Army Hall in Gorgie for providing a fantastic venue. Their hospitality and support created an ideal setting for our musicians to shine.

    Furthermore, our heartfelt gratitude goes to our sponsors – The Clarus Network Group, Band Supplies, Harper Hall Instrument Repairs, and Polkemmet Embroidery. Your generosity made this event possible, nurturing the musical spirit of our community.

    Thank you all for contributing to this memorable celebration of music, and we look forward to more successful collaborations in the future.

  • Captivating Tunes Await at the EoSBBA Solo and Ensemble Contest

    Date: Saturday, 20th January 2024

    Location: Salvation Army Hall, Gorgie Road, Edinburgh

    Get ready for a musical spectacle this Saturday at the East of Scotland Brass Band Association Solo and Ensemble Contest, hosted at the Salvation Army Hall on Gorgie Road in Edinburgh.

    Event Details:

    • Date: Saturday, 20th January 2024
    • Location: Salvation Army Hall, Gorgie Road, Edinburgh
    • Parking: Ample parking available to the rear and side of the building
    • Entry: Free for all music enthusiasts!
    • Contest Start: 10:00 AM

    Competitor Registration Process:

    • Competitors should register their name, band, and musical piece at the designated times, leaving copies of their piano (where applicable) and adjudicator’s score.
    • Juniors: 09:30 AM
    • Intermediate: 10:00 AM
    • Adults: 12:00 PM

    Refreshments:

    • Teas and coffees will be available in the hall’s café.
    • At lunchtime, enjoy a delightful offering of soup and a roll, with all funds raised going to support the Salvation Army.

    Don’t miss this chance to experience outstanding musical performances, all while enjoying free entry. It’s a day filled with captivating tunes and an opportunity to support a good cause simultaneously.

  • East of Scotland Solo & Ensemble Contest

    The EoSBBA are proud to announce the return of the annual solo and ensembles contest on Saturday 20th January 2024 at Gorgie Salvation Army Hall, Edinburgh

    Entry forms are available at the following links, and will close at 10pm on Friday  29th December.

    Soloists:  https://forms.office.com/e/wbecpntz5L    @ £8 each
    Ensembles: https://forms.office.com/e/BcSGH6808h     @ £12 each

    Sections
    Junior – for players who are 12 years and under on 1st August 2023
    Intermediate – for players who are 16 years and under on 1st August 2023
    Youth – for players who are 21 years and under on 1st August 2023
    Adult – for anyone wishing to enter the adult contest

    This event will be pre-drawn.

    East of Scotland Solo & Ensembles Contest – East of Scotland (eosbba.org.uk)