In early 1994, the band secured the services of a new conductor; John J Bryce ARCM and with his appointment entered a new stage of development.
A programme for the replacement of ageing instruments and the purchase of additional equipment to give the band a better range and sound quality was developed and set in motion. A new rank comprising two GG Bass flutes was quickly introduced to further enhance the band's tone. These instruments were specifically commissioned for the band and were the first of their kind in use within the UK flute band circles.
Each year the band enters two major competitions: - The Scottish Amateur Flute Band Association "Scottish Championship" and "Annual Spring Contest" and very occasionally we enter The North of Ireland Bands Association "World Championship for Senior Flute Bands".
These contests are held over the winter months commencing in October and ending in May the following Year. Since the 1994/95 season Carluke Primrose have only been out of the top three places on one occasion in any of these competitions.
The season of 1997/98, however, brought particular success when, in October 1997 the band won the coveted "World Championship" for the first time in their history. In November of the same year and with less than half the normal twelve weeks rehearsal time the band went on to win the Scottish Amateur Flute Band Association "Scottish Championship".
The competition season was completed in May of 1998 when the band lifted first prize at the Scottish Amateur Flute Band Association "Annual Spring Contest" and became the first band ever to win all three contests in the same season.
The "Test Pieces" set for these events are all classical items and in recent times have included, "Suite for Jazz Orchestra No2" by Shostakovich; "In Natures Realm" by Dvorak; "Donna Diana" by Reznicek and "La Belle Helena" by Offenbach.
The year 2004 also became a historic year for the band when they smashed the Scottish Championship record set by Motherwell Old Comrades which was seven titles in a row. This meant that Primrose had now won this contest eight times in a row.
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Above: A normal rehearsal at Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes.
At the band's AGM in November 2005, it was agreed that the orchestra's name would be 'Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes' where it should remain for a while. The new name was created to reflect upon the changes in our music and activities and "to move into the 21st century".
Even after a change of name, the flutes continued to reap success at the SAFBA Scottish Championship Contest by continuing to win the Contest year after year - now a whopping 12 consectutive times after the 2008 contest.
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