About Us

Campbeltown Brass was formed in 1983 from brass players in the Campbeltown Grammar School Concert Wind Band, which itself had been formed just 5 years earlier after the appointment of Gordon Evans as the first full-time brass and woodwind instructor in the local schools.

Gordon was the musical director of the band since its formation and in 1993, was awarded the MBE for his services to music in Campbeltown and in 1997, the Mortimer Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his work in training young brass musicians. Gordon left Campbeltown in April 2003, to move to Cumbria. 25 years after teaching his first pupil in Campbeltown, the current 50 members and countless others over the years, all owe their gratitude to Gordon with what he has taught them.

Ex-Wingates flugel player, Rob Farmer came to Campbeltown, to take over Gordon's job and joined the band as musical director. He led the band for 6 months before moving on to Inverness, to continue with his teaching. The band has been without a resident conductor since April 2004, but has still been playing away, with local concerts and contests to keep everybody busy.

Kingdom Brass conductor, Craig Anderson has been helping out with contests and training since 2004, and his efforts have seen the band grow stronger, adding more contest wins in 2004. In spring 2005, Campbeltown Brass were pleased secure Craig's services on a more permanent basis as Musical Director, he'll now be down once a month for practices and lessons, and will conduct us at our future contests.

Unfortunately the need to leave Campbeltown to employment or further education, means that the majority of the players leave town after finishing school and the band still relies almost entirely on youngsters from the Grammar School for its membership. Fortunately, many keep up their brass banding when they leave and many bands throughout the United Kingdom and beyond can boast a "Campbeltonian" in their band room. Previous players have went on to play for Kirkintilloch, Kirkintilloch Kelvin, Newmilns & Galston, Barrhead Burgh, Broxburn Public, Clackmannan & District, City of Discovery, Scottish Co-op, Hepworth, Fodens, Sellers, Brighouse & Rastrick, and the current bumper-up of Black Dyke is Campbeltown trained!!

Campbeltown Brass has had many contest successes at both senior and junior level. Qualifying for the national finals on two occasions, they currently compete in the third section, but were in the second section in the late 80's/early 90's and in the late 90's. Every 'normal' contest requires the usual 300 mile round trip, with an overnight stay!!

The band has travelled far and wide, all over Britain, as a concert and contest band and is regularly asked to perform at local concerts and other events.

The current membership stands at 65, with the average age of just 16 and youngest group of newcomers being only 8!  The interest of Kintyre's local youngsters being in the band is at its highest, as Campbeltown Brass continues to go from strength to strength.