Alan Fernie compositions reflect optimism of getting back to banding

As Scotland moves to Level 2 of its COVID-19 protection programme on Monday (17 May) there are high hopes that non-professional musicians from that date can return to playing together again, albeit outside.

According to Scottish Government official guidance, up to “8 people from 8 households can meet up outdoors”.

With this in mind – and with support from Creative Scotland’s Targeted Fund – SBBA has been working with composer Alan Fernie to create ensemble music for the various sections of brass bands so that musicians can play together within the Coronavirus guidelines.

All the pieces are brand new compositions reflecting the optimism of SBBA’s campaign for getting back to banding, even though it will be in small groups for the time being.

The five different pieces, supplied in PDF format, are a 5-part entitled Soft and Strong, Safe and Warm for the cornet section; Lizzie’s Variations, a quartet for flugel and horns; Five Little Pieces for euphoniums and baritones; What’s Said in the Bass Section… for the basses; and Tromtastic Rag, a trio for the trombone section. Percussion will also feature in each of the ensemble’s pieces as an optional extra.

SBBA is gifting this music to all member bands free of charge and so far 14 bands have taken up the offer. Please contact SBBA education officer John Boax ([email protected]) if you would like to receive the arrangements.

SBBA president Carrie Boax is delighted that the latest relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions is a small step towards returning to some form of normality. “We have always been driven by making sure the health and safety of everyone comes first and foremost,” she said, “but hope is now on the horizon – and it’s the first time since the start of the pandemic I have been able to say that with any degree of optimism.”