Arbroath Instrumental Band will bid to be the best of British later this year after a remarkable reversal of fortune.
Just a few months’ ago, the 129-year-old band faced the unthinkable prospect of having to fold.
A lack of musicians and pandemic disruption forced one of the oldest musical organisations in Angus to the brink of collapse.
But a bugle call for new talent paid off.
And the band is now Cheltenham-bound in September after a runner-up spot in the weekend’s Scottish Championship qualified the talented players for the British finals.
Rare achievement in band’s history
It’s a feat Arbroath has managed only a handful of times in the last half century.
Band president Ann Ness admitted the Perth success was an unexpected – and emotional – achievement.
“We put in an entry for the Scottish but we didn’t even think we would have a band to compete,” she said.
“But we got new players in after an appeal when we thought the band might have to fold.
“And we were all set to play as a band for the first time in a couple of years at a Carnoustie concert before it was cancelled due to coronavirus.
“So we decided we would still go to the Scottish. We had a look at the test piece and thought it was within our capabilities if we got enough players.”
‘We just didn’t want to finish last’
Ann added: “There were nine bands in our section.
“With everything that’s gone on, we were happy to just be there and play our best – and hopefully not come last.
“After we played I thought it had gone okay. But you never really know how you’ve done until the results are announced.
“The adjudicators said there were two bands which really stood out from everyone else.
“When we were announced in second place it was so emotional – to be honest I just started greetin’.
“It was so good for our musical director Audrey Bird in what was her first senior brass band competition.
“Knowing the position we had been in it was such a proud moment to go up for the trophy.”
The success catapults Arbroath up a division in the national sections.
And it gives the players a big fundraising challenge to line up against the finest players in the country at Cheltenham.
Fundraising challenge
“We reckon it will cost around £10,000 to make the trip,” said Ann.
“It’s a lot of money, but the band are all up for it.
“A lot of brass bands never get the chance to compete at the British Championships.
“Arbroath were there in 2017 and 2012, but prior to that it was the 1970s so it is a real honour to make it through.
“We’re hoping this might even encourage more players into the band and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in joining.”
The band meets on Monday evenings in Panbride Church Hall, Carnoustie and can be reached through its Facebook page, or by contacting Ann on 07903 682397.
