Forth Bridges Accordion Band!

FALKIRK'S ONLY ENTRY FOR THIS YEARS EPIC AWARDS!!!

Growing up in Northern Ireland, playing the accordion had always been a big part of Alan Potters’ life. But when he moved to Scotland, he discovered there was no outlet for his musical passion. In a move that typifies all that’s great about the voluntary arts, Alan set about solving the problem by forming his own band. That was in 2008, and the Forth Bridges Accordion Band has since grown from strength to strength.

“The accordion was an instrument that was dying out in Scotland and was starting to be seen by the younger generation as ‘an old man’s instrument’,” says Alan. “I had been part of marching accordion bands all my life in Northern Ireland, but had no opportunity to take this up when I moved to Scotland. There were plenty of brass and pipe bands in many towns and villages, and lots of demand for marching bands in the local area, so I decided to set up my own group.”

The band provides a space for members of the local community to learn to play the drums and accordions, and all members are provided with free tuition, instrument and uniform.  Younger members learn how to keep time to music using cymbals and triangles, and have the opportunity to learn the skills of being a drum major.

Forth Bridges Accordion Band currently has members ranging in age from 4 – 70, including three generations from the same family! The band regularly provides musical entertainment in their local area and beyond, taking part in around 40 engagements each year, including Gala Day Processions, concerts, Christmas Light Events and performances in care homes.

You can read more about the band on their website www.forthbridgesaccordionband.co.uk and watch them performing at www.youtube.com/watch?v=zslVAHpzzPo.

Text courtesy of edpic awards and original poster...

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