Moray Concert Brass issues call for new members as it builds up instrument library
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A LOCAL brass band has sounded the clarion call for new recruits.
Moray Concert Brass has been able to play together via weekly Zoom sessions through lockdown. The band hopes to restart face-to-face meet-ups in autumn.
For many years the band was part of Moray Council’s music instruction service. Over that time, hundreds of young people benefited from the joy and discipline of playing in a band, performing in regular concerts around the region and boosting local charities.
Last year, band founder and musical director Glenn Munro took early retirement from his position as a musical instructor at the council following ongoing cancer treatment.
At that point Moray Concert Brass was developed as a local community band, gaining charitable status in March last year.
Mr Munro said: "We hope that we will be able to return to in-person rehearsals in the autumn, but until then we are meeting up online, with players able to play along to pieces and enjoy making music together, albeit remotely.
"Now we are a community band we would like anyone, of any age, who would like to join us to get in touch.
"Although we are predominately a youth band, we have members of all ages and everyone is welcome.
"If you used to play but no longer have an instrument, we may be able to lend you one. Even if you have not played for a while or are fairly new player there is a place for you in our band, so come and join us."
A grant of almost £7500 from the National Lottery Community Fund has allowed the band to start its own collection of instruments, which will enable people to join the band and borrow an instrument.
The fund's Scotland chairperson, Kate Still, said: "I would like to congratulate Moray Concert Brass on their award. It is an important project and will support people now and in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community."
The band has also bought percussion instruments – xylophone, glockenspiel, bass drum and cymbals – after being awarded £4100 from Berry Burn Windfarm Community Fund.
Mr Munro said: "We are extremely grateful for these very generous grants which have got us off to a great start in building a library of instruments for band members to use.
"We want to make sure that anyone, no matter what their financial situation, can join us. We believe in ability to play – not pay."
A tenor horn can cost between £500-£900 and a BBb bass tuba can cost around £4400. The band aims to build a full range of instruments and hopes to attract local sponsorship.
Mr Munro added: "After the last difficult 12 months, making and listening to live music is, we think, a great way to help everyone rediscover the pleasure of living and help people to reconnect with their local communities.
"We look forward to welcoming the people of Moray to our band and to our concerts in the not too distant future."
To get involved phone 07897 205300 or email mcbinfo21@gmail.com.
