Kirkintilloch Brass Band Pt.1 ~ Setting up and warming up

Hello folks,

 

This series is something a little different from me but hopefully interesting to some if not all of you.

 

I have recently been thinking about why I take photographs and, given my propensity to think not in minutes but decades, where I will take this hobby of mine in the future.

 

These thoughts coalesced in my head while I was putting up the ‘Oatlands’ set. What to me was a mishmash of shots that became a series was too others a fairly moving and enjoyable set of pictures to view. The feedback from some of my kind contacts (not just on these images, but definitely more so on this occasion) was encouraging with regards to the shots, and with regards to what I could do with both them and whatever talent I may have.

 

So, I have decided to take a more pro-active approach to my camera. Not just shooting what comes around but seeking out stories and moments that are happening across this fine city that are maybe not being recorded in our media. The long-term view is a book, an exhibition or maybe just a quiet feeling of pride that at least I tried.

 

This fairly large series of shots was the first of the concerted efforts to do this (I have more lined up in the near future) and features the Kirkintilloch Brass Band rehearsing for the Scottish National Brass Band Championship. These images were taken on the Friday evening before the Sunday competition and the location was the Henry Wood Hall, a tailor made musical venue that was fitted out for use by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. I was joined on the night by the eminent and quite alright KJ Newvibes (a stream worth perusing).

 

The KBD (as they will now be known) were, I think I am right in saying, National champions 2 years ago and a close second place last year. They are therefore one of the finest musical entities we have stoating about our small country and it was a genuine pleasure and, once I heard the music, privilege to take shots of them practicing.

 

All thanks to all of this to the generous Mr Les Wood (or as he is know on here Marlesghillie, please take a look at his fine stream) and Marie his ever generous wife and damn good friend of mine. Les, if I get anything wrong info wise or you want to chip in with more details on what you guys do, feel free.

 

I will change the words under these images every 5 or 6 shots, but for now I hope you enjoy. There is a lot to come so I expect nobody to view or comment on all the images but if any stand out, now more than ever I need your advice and/or encouragement.

 

Thanks for viewing and reading all the way to here!

 

P.S plenty more self-portraits and the usual nonsense to come after this.

 

Done