The band was formed
in 1987 with an emphasis on concerts as the name suggests. “Newland” was taken from the venue where the first
rehearsal took place ie. The Old Academy
in Bathgate whose benefactor was John Newland.
The blue uniform of
Newland is well recognised in West Lothian as a result of playing at gala days, concerts, musicals, church functions and of
course the Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival. Other notable engagements
in the band’s history include a performance on the TV programme Challenge Anneka, an appearance
on the BBC Children in Need, a performance in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen in Linlithgow and a joint concert with
the Lowland Band of the Scottish Division.
In 1988 the band made its first trip abroad; a concert tour of Hochsaurland
in Germany. This visit developed links with both the area and a German band, Neheim-Husten
Fanfarenkorps. The following year a partnership was
agreed and since then both bands have taken part in several exchange visits. Newland last visited Neheim
in July 2004.
In June 2002, the band
welcomed the Lemvig Amatorokester from Denmark and organised various trips and concerts for them. They held a joint concert in the Regal Theatre in Bathgate.
Newland have contested
in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sections and have qualified for the British Championships on three
occasions.
Newland Concert Brass
also have a Junior Band (see Junior Band)
We welcome players of all ages and levels of ability.
