New home for Bon-Accord Silver Band
THE Bon-Accord Silver Band has celebrated the official opening of its new band hall. Held on Saturday May 16, the event took place in the company of past and present conductors, players, friends and family.
The band hall was opened by two very close friends of the band: professional conductor, Steve Malcolm, and a legend of the brass band world and past conductor, Richard Evans. More than 50 supporters, representing the vast majority of the band's 53 year history, came together for the special occasion, including the family of Stewart Watson, the band's founder.
The celebrations were led by Bon-Accord's chairman, David Cooper, who recognised the work of Stewart Watson in making the band such a strong organisation that has lasted over 50 years, explaining that the new band hall had added something extra to the heart and soul of the band. He praised the strong friendship and camaraderie that the band has created over the years and said the new rehearsal facility will provide a firm base for so much more in years to come. Guests Steve Malcolm and Richard Evans unveiled a plaque marking the event.
This is the first time in the history of the band that it has had its own rehearsal accommodation, previously rehearsing in what is now the Academy Shopping Centre and most recently at St Margaret's Church, Gallowgate. More than nine months were spent planning and refurbishing the new hall to turn it into one of the best rehearsal facilities in Aberdeen.
The celebratory weekend was topped off with gala concert at the Salvation Army Citadel in Aberdeen, on Sunday May 17, which showcased both the Bon-Accord Silver Band and Bon-Accord Silver ‘B' Band with a highly entertaining programme of music. Both bands performed a mass band finale of Hootenany which set many toes-tapping and gave past players in the audience a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Afterwards, Richard Evans posted on the band's Facebook page, stating: "Felt very honoured and proud to open your new bandroom along with Steve Malcolm and share the Sunday concert with you all. It was a long time ago when the great man himself, Stewart Watson, offered me the post of Musical Director of the National Youth Band of Scotland and I feel from that moment I had a connection with Bon-Accord which is still as strong today, please let it continue.
"This is not just a band, it is a loving family. In my opinion it is a pity not more bands in our movement don't operate like you. Have a successful future in your excellent new home."
The bands are due to be performing in the Northern Counties Brass Band Association (NCBBA) contest on Saturday, May 23, in the Loch Leven Campus in Kinross.
