Kirkintilloch Rebuilds
The Kirkintilloch Band has completed a period of significant rebuilding with the appointment of BBC Symphony Orchestra co-principal trumpet player Hedley Benson as new musical director and the return of David Prentice as principal cornet. These latest developments mark the end of the recovery phase following the crisis point of 2018 when the band faced possible closure. There followed much hard work by so many to ensure that the band has survived the last few years and the many challenges presented. The band is grateful everyone who has contributed during this difficult period and now looks forward to 2023 with confidence and a defined plan to ultimately return to the forefront of Scottish banding.
David Prentice’s return marks a significant moment for the band. He was the band’s principal cornet throughout the majority of its 15-year tenure at the British Open giving many wonderful performances over that period. In addition to an enviable career in brass bands he has also had a very busy freelance trumpet career playing in all positions with BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. David, currently a full-time brass instructor with East Dunbartonshire Council, commented: “I’m excited to be returning to the band and look forward to working with the cornet section with a view to repeating the successes we had in my previous tenure as principal cornet.”
Allan Wardrope added: “It’s a real coup to get Dave back to the band and we look forward to benefitting from his superb playing and the experience he passes on to the rest of the team.” David’s return makes it a real family affair in the band as he joins wife Jane and son Ruaridh in the cornet section. Ruaridh is a real star for the future following in his dad’s footsteps progressing to the front row at Kirky in double quick time to match his achievements with NYBBS last year. David’s return allows Les Wood to step back to the bumper-up seat which he occupied for so long before leading the band for the last few years.
Hedley Benson’s appointment as MD marks a new era for the band. The band has studied the success of various bands who have followed the model of a single conductor in overall charge of the band’s musical development and has been searching for the right candidate for this role. Allan Wardrope explained: “We are delighted to have Hedley take on this role with the band. Throughout our discussions we were so impressed with his drive and enthusiasm which, together with his undoubted musicianship, marks the beginning of an exciting new period for the band both on the contest and the concert stage.”
In 2008 Hedley was appointed co-principal trumpet with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He is a busy freelancer, most recently playing guest principal with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Fairey Band. He is a keen chamber musician, soloist and advocate of brass bands. When not involved in music Hedley can be found standing in the middle of a river fly fishing, running or trying to keep up with his two young children! Commenting on his appointment Hedley stated, “I'm delighted to renew my association with The Kirkintilloch Band. After playing principal cornet with the band many years ago it's great to join this thriving, energetic outfit at the helm as MD.”
The band has arranged a busy 2023 with a full diary of concerts and contests and is currently working towards the Scottish Championships in March before heading to Blackpool for the Spring Festival.
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