in their first ensemble. The Intermediate Band will make its performing debut at the Spring Concert, under the baton of Corrie Gibb, a music student at Napier University.
Lex McDowell Biography
Lex McDowell , a Chartered Teacher of Music at Linlithgow Academy, has been bandmaster of the Reed Band since the Autumn of 2008.
Born in Greenrigg, Harthill to Northern Irish parents steeped in the Folk tradition, his early years were spent at family ceilidhs, playing mostly on the penny whistle. His first formal venture into learning an instrument was through a community band where he learned to play flute.
After the Spring Concert, thoughts will turn to the summer season of marching engagements. A major fundraising drive is underway so that all our new players can be equipped with the band’s trademark red tunics. A complete Reed Band uniform costs in the region of £700 and kitting out the emerging musicians will be no small task. A fundraising Race Night is planned for Saturday May 5th and local organisations have been contacted for sponsorship. Any offers of financial assistance would always be very welcome.
The Reed Band’s busiest month is June and we are already committed to performing at four gala days, two Deacons’ Nights, the Bo’ness Fair and, of course, the Riding of the Marches. It is not inconceivable that there might be a band of more than fifty players on show for Linlithgow’s historic day of celebration - the largest turn-out in our fifty-six year history.
The Reed Band is a community band first and foremost and we take great pride in being Linlithgow’s Burgh Band. You can show your appreciation by coming along to Linlithgow Academy Theatre on Sunday 25th March. Tickets are priced at just £5 (with Primary School children admitted free) and are available in advance from Linlithgow Bookshop or at the door on the night. We hope to see you there.
Jonathan Molloy President Royal Burgh of Linlithgow Reed Band
Lex studied at the RSAMD, where he won several performing prizes. He played for Her Majesty the Queen at an official banquet in Glasgow and has performed widely as a soloist and freelance orchestral player for over 25 years. His pupils have appeared in finals of the BBC Young Musician of the Year, the Shell / LSO Performing Prize, and have featured as soloists with some of Scotland’s top orchestras.
Lex has worked with the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland, conducted the West Lothian Schools’ Wind Ensemble, and has started, conducted and arranged music for numerous other young bands. He arranged his first piece (from memory) at the age of 15.
Conducting the Reed Band is both demanding and fulfilling says Lex. “I get a real kick out of conducting a band where a 12 year old player can sit and play beside an 80 year old founder member. It really is an enjoyable playing environment for all ages. With only one rehearsal a week and no competitions, the emphasis is on the enjoyment of playing. On the march, the band looks and sounds fantastic. In concerts, our music can include film music by John Williams, hits by Michael Jackson, Lady Ga Ga and Michael Buble – as well as the very best Wind Ensemble repertoire.”
“With our thriving development sections, directed by Theresa McSherry and Corrie Gibb, membership is exceeding 100 players. It is a very exciting time to be at Linlithgow Reed Band. The band takes great pride in serving its community in Linlithgow and in a wider sense, West Lothian. “
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