To be the best you have to learn from the best.
That is a sentiment the young players of Carnoustie and District Youth Brass Band have been taking to heart this week as they prepare to attempt a remarkable treble victory in a national competition.
Their intensive rehearsals for the British Youth Brass Band Championships have been rounded off with a two-day workshop led by Dr Nick Childs, the conductor of the world-famous Black Dyke Band.
Dr Childs, who is a distinguished euphonium player, has led the Bradford band to a string of contest successes including several British championships and has produced numerous recordings with them.
He has been involved with the Carnoustie band for the past two years and his guidance has been invaluable as they seek to win the competition, to be held in Manchester this weekend, for an unprecedented third year in a row.
Success will mean the band can boast simultaneously holding the Scottish and British titles.
They will be up against six other young bands in the premier section of the championships and Dr Childs has been helping them to perfect the four pieces they will perform for the judges.
He has been impressed with the quality of the band and the effort that the young players have put in to their music.
Michael Robertson, the band’s musical director, said: “Once again, I am very pleased with how the band is sounding.
“We will be up against some very strong competition in Manchester but I am sure that we will more than hold our own.
“The band is full of excellent young musicians and their teamwork and commitment towards making it three wins in a row cannot be faulted.”
There will be an opportunity on Friday evening to hear the band playing their Manchester repertoire and other pieces before they head off to the competition.
The concert will take place in St Anne’s RC Church in Thomas Street, Carnoustie, at 7.30pm.
Entry is by donation and the band’s organising committee are hoping that as many people as possible will come along and give their support.