MUSICIANS of the newly-formed Brass Academy Dalmellington are making steady progress.

The group of learners enjoyed a successful public debut at Dalmellington Band’s Christmas Concert when they performed a hearty rendition of Jingle Bells — four times.

Archie Hutchison, band president, said: “A huge thanks to their conductor on the day, Karin McKenzie, and to all our volunteer tutors — Keep up the good work.”

Meanwhile, any young people keen to learn should get in touch — lessons are on a Sunday afternoon in the band hall.

They could emulate one of the younger members of the band who made her senior band concert debut at the Scottish Open Band Championships in Perth.

It was a special day for Olivia McCutcheon who helped the band finish second in a strong field of contenders, with the Whitburn Band winning the competition.

An added bonus for the band was that their performance was enough for them to soar up the global brass band rankings.

The senior band are now hard at work in preparation for another championship event which takes place on March 12, also in Perth.

Guest conductor Richard Evans has already spent a full weekend rehearsing with the seniors, who aim to go one better next month and take first place.

Soloists Paul Jamieson, Olivia McCutcheon, Rebecca Wilson and the band’s Youth Quartette travelled to Livingston last weekend to compete in the Scottish Solo and Quartette finals.

Rebecca came first in the Youth Section with Paul Jamieson coming third in the same grade.

And the musical talent that is Olivia McCutcheon received a silver award in the intermediate section.

Dalmellington also had further success in the youth ensemble section when the quartet finished first.

Ian Taylor would be delighted to welcome new or returning players to the junior band which now practices regularly on Sunday evenings