The Hamiltons celebrate some big wins in Scotland

There were scenes of great celebration at the weekend for the members of the Hamilton Flute Band and their supporters.
The members of Hamilton Flute Band outside the Championships at Troon, and in celebratory mood.The members of Hamilton Flute Band outside the Championships at Troon, and in celebratory mood.
The members of Hamilton Flute Band outside the Championships at Troon, and in celebratory mood.

The Flute Band travelled to Scotland, where they competed in the Scottish Amateur Flute Association Spring Contest, which took place at Troon; They were under the direction of Ben McGonigle, who is the band’s musical director.

To everyone’s delight, the members returned home triumphant, with three cups and a share in another top title.

According to band member and band secretary, Robert McGonigle, the Hamiltons played “tremendously well” and won the Open March section, playing the march ‘Jaurez’.

The adjudicator for the section, Mr Laurie Johnston, in an overview of the competitors in the Open March event, said the Hamilton Flute Band “blew him away”.

Not to be outdone, the band members followed up the Open March win with a second place in the main grade which Mr Johnston said he had great difficulty in separating the first two bands, eventually awarding it to Carluke Orchestral Flutes, Glasgow. In the Main Grade programme the Hamilton’s played the well known classic, Autumn Leaves, followed by Benjamin Britten’s Soirées Musicales.

Also in the trophy haul was the Entertainment prize and joint 1st with Carluke in the highest aggregate points score for the day. The band also had the highest individual score for the day of 96, awarded for the Open March. Overall a very successful weekend and another musical success story for the city.

The next event for the Band will be the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The band was established in the Waterside in 1856, and was called ‘The Primrose Flute’ before changing to ‘Queen Victoria Glute Band and finally ‘Hamilton Flute Band’.

It is considered one of the top flute bands in Northern Ireland for marching, concerts, competitions and ensembles.

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