Virtual Band Performance Replaces Cancelled Brass Course

Young Scottish musicians who were disappointed that their Easter residential brass course had to be cancelled because of the Coronavirus outbreak have managed to play together as a band after all.

Abandonment of the planned National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) Easter course at Strathallan School, Forgandenny, Perth, as a result of the current lockdown left the hopeful attendees feeling bewildered and at a loss.

“We were all gutted to hear the news that the NYBBS Easter course had to be cancelled due to the current circumstances,” said Carole Ednie, baritone player with Glasgow-based the cooperation band. So she decided to do something about it herself.

Working with solo horn player Amy Paterson, a member of Black Dyke Band, and friends from across the country and further afield, she set about organising a virtual NYBBS band so that they could continue making music together.

The result is an online performance of a piece of music called Freakin’ Awesome which can be seen on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/carole.edniie/videos/2972086196181620/

“I would like to thank euphonium virtuoso Scott Kerr for allowing us to use his arrangement of this music,” added Carole. “And thanks to everyone who took part in the video with a special mention to the NYBBS tutors and special guests who also took part.

“Finally, big thanks also go to Ryan Bradley for his wonderful talent in editing all the individual performances into a single fantastic finished product. We hope you enjoy listening and please feel free to like and share. Stay safe!”