Festive carols in Elgin in support of Dr Gray's
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A POPULAR highlight of the festive season is to return when Moray Concert Brass performs Carols at Cooper Park.
The musical gathering takes place outside Elgin Library at 5.30pm on Saturday, December 21, with donations taken on the gate.
A number of family favourites will be performed and a carol sheet will be provided to enable those gathered to sing along. In addition, Cobbs cafe will also be staying open for the duration of the event.
This year all the money raised will be donated to Dr Gray's High Dependency Unit, a cause close to the heart of the band’s musical director and conductor Glenn Munro.
He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called pseudomyxoma three years ago and despite specialist treatment in Basingstoke and several rounds of chemotherapy the cancer returned.
He is now having immunotherapy in Aberdeen.
Mr Munro said: "I have spent a great deal of time in Dr Gray's, in the last few years and know the valuable work they do for so many people.
"Hopefully we can raise lots of money at the Carols to give a little bit back."
Mr Munro’s illness has meant he has had to retire as an instructor for Moray Council, but he is determined that the band will continue.
He said: "I set up Moray Concert Brass 27 years ago and, in that time, have seen hundreds of young people benefit from the joy and discipline that playing in a band develops.
"Learning a musical instrument and playing in a band have been shown to have huge educational benefits and while I am extremely proud that several former members have gone on to study music and become professional musicians it has been just as important for those who found lifelong friendships and felt part of a community group. They are like a large extended family."
Moray Concert Brass will continue as a local community band with the help of The Friends of Moray Concert Brass – a group of parents and members of the public.
“It is business as usual for the band, as far as I am concerned,"Mr Munro said.
The band is always looking for new members, so if any young brass or percussion players would like to attend a rehearsal they can get in touch via the facebook page, email mcbinfo21@gmail.com or telephone 07897 205300.
