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Our Story

After being successfully established in 1992 the band went from strength to strength, eventually progressing to attending summer courses.

 

With two of these courses at Earnhill House in Moray under their belt, the idea for MCB’s first-ever European concert tour reared its head. Plans were quickly put into action and in 1995 MCB left Elgin for their first trip on a P&O ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge with the destination of Paris and the promise of 3 concerts to new audiences in
their minds.


It was at this point that Friends of Moray Concert Brass was formed with the remit of fundraising for tours and to help with promoting and running concerts.


Following this very successful tour MCB has continued to tour various venues throughout Europe with the following tours; Germany 1997, France, Germany and Italy 1999, Germany 2001, Austria 2003, Italy 2005, Italy 2008, Austria 2010 and Germany 2012, Belgium 2014 and The Netherlands 2017.

 

MCB has also worked with various conductors during their history. Conductors to date have included Andrew Barker, Eric Kidd, Nigel Boddice MBE and Alan Fernie. These events have usually taken place over a weekend and culminate in concert performances where the band perform new programmes learned over the course of 3 days.

 

In 1999 MCB became Scottish Youth Champions at the Scottish Youth Brass band Championships in Dalkeith. An impressive feat as this was their first time entering the contest. This led to them participating in the 2000 European Youth Brass Band Championships where they placed a creditable 6th beating bands from both England and
Wales.


The year 2000 also saw MCB perform in the City halls in Glasgow as part of the “Times Educational Supplement” Music Showcase. Following this, the band was invited to perform in the National Association of British Youth Orchestra’s “Festival of British Youth Orchestras” at the Edinburgh Festival. These performances continued for about 6 years until the demise of the Association due to a lack of sponsorship.

 

To help fundraise for these various events MCB have produced numerous recordings, On the Ball, One Voice,
Adventures with Brass, Spirit of Brass and Pipin’ Hot Brass. Plans are at the early stage for a new recording to be
made in 2014. This CD will be based on the various kid’s concerts that the band have performed over the last 4 years
and will hopefully be released by Easter 2015. Glenn has always tried to bring world-class soloists to Moray to work
with MCB and to date the band have had the pleasure of accompanying the following international artists:

  • Rick Taylor working with the band

  • Simone Rebello (UK), International Percussion soloist 

  • Mark O’Keeffe, Principal trumpet BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra 

  • Les Neish (UK), International Tuba soloist 

  • Scottish Chamber Orchestra Brass Quintet 

  • Georgina Jackson (UK), Top UK Jazz trumpet player 

  • Pete Long(UK), Leader Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club Big Band 

  • Rex Richardson (USA), Yamaha International trumpet artist 

  • Mike Lovatt (UK), Lead trumpet John Wilson Orchestra and BBC Big Band 

  • Rick Taylor (UK) Internationally renowned trombonist 

  • Aeris Brass (UK) 

  • Dopey Monkey (UK)

June 2014 saw the band perform the World Premiere of Rick Taylor’s suite for Jazz trombone and brass band, written specifically for MCB the piece gave the band a chance to enjoy the experience of improvisation and also to enjoy a whole new aspect of music. Supporting charities both local and national is also an important part of MCB and since it was formed the band has raised money for groups close to its heart. These include: 

  • Breast Cancer 

  • Chest, Heart, and Stroke Scotland 

  • Riding for the Disabled 

  • MS 

  • Aila Coull Foundation 

  • Sarcoma UK 

  • Dr. Grays (Ward 5) 

  • CLAN 

  • Ward C2 Basingstoke Hospital 

  • Friends of Anchor 

  • MND Scotland 

  • Ladybird Development Group 

These are just a few; there are many more that we have supported through concerts and our former “Carols at the Cathedral” and more recently “Carols in Cooper Park” 

 

The band has also been privileged to be invited to perform throughout the local area for various dignitaries. Performances at the Portsoy Boat Festival have seen the band play for Princess Anne and the Earl of Wessex. Princess Anne was also the special guest when the band played for the switching on of the renovated fountain in Elgin High Street. 2012 saw the band play for the Rotary Club’s Northern conference in the AECC. Events like these have helped build the great reputation that Moray Concert Brass holds both here and abroad. 

Plans for the band in 2019/2020 include a concert with Aeris Brass and Danielle Price followed by a morning of workshops with the ensemble.

 

The band is looking forward to an exciting year and hopes that they will make many new friends through their many performances throughout Scotland. 

 

For up-to-date news on the band, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter

About Us: History
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