Band is on form at bash

150th birthday

West Calder Brass Band held a special 150th anniversary bash.

Hundreds of music fans packed into West Calder High School for a concert to celebrate the band’s anniversary milestone. And they were not left disappointed as the brass ensemble’s 27 players hit the high notes. The band’s vice president Douglas Cooper was thrilled with how the event went.

He said: “The audience was in the region of 260 people in West Calder High School. MSP Angela Constance and Councillor David Dodds were both in attendance and delighted at the standard of play.”

The band, formed in 1866, has struggled on various occasions throughout its history. It had been a competing band until the 1980s when a decision was made to stop competing as there was only six band members. But those fortunes have been turned around by its new musical director John Cunningham and it is regarded as one of the best in Scotland.

Douglas added: “Throughout the history of the band it competed and won a whole host of championships. If we were a competing band there would be a minimum of three to four nights worth of practice required. All the players say they love the atmosphere and the fact that we only practice once a week. We’ve got a great youth section now as well and we encourage school pupils who pick up instruments in primary five to join.” Anyone interested in joining the band can call Victoria Robb on 0782 499 5159.