The Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra was originally formed by Jimmy Blair, as part of his wider music school in the early 1970s. The original orchestra was also split into smaller orchestras which competed at Preparatory, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels at National competitions. During the 1970s, the orchestra came to be the dominant force on the competition scene, winning competitions in all orchestra sections as well as many of the band members winning group, duet and solo sections. The band also played concerts at home and abroad, notable foreign visits included trips to France, Belgium and Canada. With the untimely death of Jimmy Blair, the band was taken over by his wife Lola, who continued the bands success. Gary Blair, Jimmy Blairs son, took over the running of the band with the death of his mum, in the late 1980s. Gary maintained the high standard of the band. August 2009 saw Gary Blair bringing together a new set of talented accordionists to form a new orchestra under the prestigous Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra name. The new orchestra are fully aware of the original bands success and are looking forward to continuing the bands distinguished reputation. This began in February 2010 with the new orchestra coming first in all their sections at the West of Scotland Championships, with the intention of competing at the British Championships. At the British Championships the Advanced Orchestra secured first place in both sections whilst the Elementary Orchestra gained two thirds. Below are some videos from the original orchestra performances. Any original band members are more than welcome to contact the band with any photographs, videos or memories they may have of the original orchestra. Please enjoy the videos below of the original band in concert. Below is a short compilation video of photographs. These photos are from both the original Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra and members of the Jimmy Blair School of Music. The sheer amount of trophies dotted throughout the pictures just goes to show the level of teaching that Jimmy was delivering, producing top British players consistently aswell as producing some arguably world class players. |
|
|
History of the Band |