Gregor Stewart appointed principal trombone at Scottish CO-OP
On 19th November, 2008, the Scottish Co-op Band announced that Gregor Stewart was taking over the position of principal trombone with immediate effect thereby filling the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Paul Kiernan from that position.
Commenting on Gregor's appointment, the Co-op band manager, Iain Howie, said " I am absolutely delighted that Gregor has agreed to take on the responsibility of principal trombone with the Scottish Co-op Band in succession to Paul Kiernan. I am also confident that with the deserved reputation he has achieved as a player of the highest quality over the last few years, he will be a worthy successor to Paul".
Gregor began learning to play the trombone at an early age under the guidance of his father Douglas who introduced him to his home town band, Bo'ness and Carriden. Over the years he won many prizes and also became Scottish Solo Champion during his period with the band. In addition, he won the George Gilmour medal for best trombone at the Scottish Solo Championships 8 times in a row between1999 and 2007.
Gregor went on to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and in 1999 won the coveted Governor's recital prize.
Gregor, who is 28 years old, has only ever been signed with two bands. He played second trombone with Bo'ness and Carriden for a number of years before having a shorter spell as second trombone with the Co-op. He then took a few years out from banding before going back to Bo'ness and Carriden as principal trombone.
Speaking about his appointment, Gregor said "I understand the enormity of the task facing me in replacing a trombone legend like Paul Kiernan and I wish him well in his conducting career but I am excited about the challenge ahead and will be doing my best to help the band get back to winning ways in the future. Finally, I would like to thank Bo'ness and Carriden Band and would wish them all the best after their recent promotion to the Championship section".
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