As the founder of the Forth Bridges Accordion Band it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our band website We pride ourselves in being a family-oriented band where everyone is friendly and respectful towards each other.
Formed in July 2008 with18 members, the band’s aim is to “provide our local community with the performance and teaching of music”. Our first full year (2009) was a very exciting one with the band taking part in 37 engagements ranging from fundraisers to gala day parades – the highlight being participation in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival parade. The initial success of the band continued into 2010 with membership numbers increasing to more than 50 and the band taking part in over 40 parades and concerts and recording its first CD entitled ‘New Beginnings’.
During 2011 the band, whilst continuing its high number of engagements, recorded a further 2 CDs entitled ‘Going Strong’ and ‘Christmas with the Forth Bridges Accordion Band’ respectively. The band also appeared on an edition of STV’s magazine programme ‘The Hour’ during which comedian Bruce Devlin was shown attending band practice and playing alongside the band when it took part in the Linlithgow Marches parade. Indications are that the future is looking equally bright with an increasing number of gala day committees and concert organisers wanting to book the band’s services – to the point where the level of requests for the band’s services exceeds its ability to meet them.
On joining the band, new members of the accordion section are given an instrument and a selection of music sheets from the band’s playlist and, based on their previous experience, are allocated to one of the four training groups which the band operates. . New members of the drumming section are given drum sticks and a drummer’s training pad (where appropriate). To enable members to practice outwith the band practice sessions, they can take their instruments home each week. When members meet the eligibility criteria for taking part in concerts and parades they are provided with a band uniform. Instruments, uniforms and tuition at band practice sessions are provided free-of-charge. This is funded in part by government grants and in part from band funds.
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