Annual Awards Presented at Joint Concert
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Granite City Brass and the Community Band returned to St. James's Church in Stonehaven last Sunday, 10th May, for their annual Joint Concert. The afternoon featured a broad programme of music alongside the presentation of the bands' annual awards and a major national recognition.
The concert opened under the direction of Alan Haggart, with the band performing Goff Richards’ arrangement of Let's Face the Music and Dance. This was followed by Langford's Intermezzo, featuring Principal Cornet Allan Wilson as soloist. The first half of the programme also included Sandy Smith's arrangement of The Dance of the Pirates from Spartacus, Christopher Mowatt's All I Ask Of You featuring Solo Trombone Julie Smith, Nilsen's Vitae Lux, and Hugh Nash's Demelza featuring Solo Horn Lillie McCluskie.
A particular highlight was Stephen Roberts' arrangement of Carrickfergus, which featured Solo Baritone Eilidh James. The performance followed Eilidh’s recent success at the Scottish Brass Band Championships in March, where she was awarded the title of Best Baritone. The senior band's selection concluded with the quick march The Waltonian, Alan Fernie's arrangement of My Way (performed in memory of Tom Paton) and I. Barlow's arrangement of Where is my Husband.
The Community Band, conducted by Ben Williams, took to the stage for the next portion of the afternoon, delivering a popular selection of well-known pieces including 500 Miles, ABBA Gold, What Makes You Beautiful, Mary Poppins, and Baggy Trousers. Both ensembles then combined under the baton of Alan Haggart to perform M. Stannard's arrangement of Time Warp.
The Final section of the programme saw the senior band return to the stage to play Sandy Smith’s Valero, Peter Graham's arrangement of Procession to the Cathedral, and Richard Philips' arrangement of In Christ Alone, which featured Principal Euphonium Lewis Catto.
The presentation of the annual memorial awards was made by the bands' Chairperson, Paul James, to members of both ensembles for their outstanding contributions over the past year:
Colin Reid Memorial (Community Band Musician of the Year): Adam Pushkin (Trombone)
Stuart Watson Memorial (Community Band Bandsperson of the Year): Simon Bains (Cornet)
Stewart Gilmour Memorial (GCB Musician of the Year): Julie Smith (Trombone)
Neil Ferguson Memorial (GCB Bandsperson of the Year): Charlotte Ferguson (Euphonium)
The final presentation of the day was a special presentation to Cathy Smith, who received the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) Life Membership Award in recognition of her long-standing service and dedication to the brass band community.
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