GALASHIELS Town Band is hosting a weekend of Brass events in Galashiels next weekend.

GALASHIELS Town Band is hosting a weekend of Brass events in Galashiels next weekend.

Centred around their Spring Concert, the event on Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, features two world class brass musicians.

Les Neish, tuba player, is returning to Gala after a visit two years ago. Les is one of the leading tuba players of his generation. His endeavours as a tuba player have gained him recognition as a soloist, chamber musician and educator throughout the world. With a real passion for musical education Les has held workshops to youngsters throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Australia as well as Galashiels! Paying his first visit is Russell Gray. Russell Gray is a conductor and cornet player with over twenty five years’ experience in the business. Amongst other international appointments, Russell is currently Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. Russell learned to play the cornet in his early years and by the time he was twelve years old he had won the junior solo Championships of both Scotland and Great Britain. Having started his conducting career in Norway, he now works all over the world as a conductor, tutor and soloist.

Galashiels Town Band Musical Director, Stuart Black, is excited about the participation of Les and Russell. “Everything we are doing in Galashiels is about inspiring young players and building a future band for the town. Les and Russell will not only show us all what brass players can do, they are both great supporters of youth development.” The weekend also features two workshops. On Saturday morning, there will be an opportunity for anyone to come along and make an instrument from hose, funnels and even the kitchen sink and then to play in the concert! On the Sunday, the Band is extending an invitation to all youngsters playing brass in the Borders to come along and take part in a workshop with Les and Russell.

Tickets for the concert, which is at 7.30pm in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels, on May 2, cost £7 and £5 for concessions (free for 12 and under) and will be on sale at the door or can be purchased in advance from band members or from A&A Doyle, 10 Bank Street, Galashiels.