Under the spotlight: St David's
THE 2015 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge on November 28 is set to feature a terrific array of bands including St David's Brass, from Midlothian.
Formed in 1981, the band has grown into a flourishing organisation catering for everyone from experienced musicians to those in the early stages of playing.
Here is some more information on St David's Brass and its founding conductor, John Dickson...
Soprano cornet: Tony Laidlaw
Solo cornet: Stuart Dickson
Flugelhorn: Jenna Pinkney
Solo horn: David Moir
Solo baritone: Emily Brown
Solo trombone: Helen Higginson
Solo euphonium: Paul McGrath
Solo Eb bass: Stuart McNiven
Solo Bb bass: Clare Deans
Principal percussionist: Fiona Dickson
St David's Brass Band was originally founded as a youth band by brass teacher, John A Dickson, in 1981 and began entering senior contests in 1991, where it was delighted not to come last. 1998 was a pivotal year when St David's became Scottish fourth section champions. The band has won other contests over the years, working its way up to the first section in 2014. Next year sees the band down in the second section but, with a little patience, 'We'll be back.'
The band began in Dalkeith, but moved site three times, as buildings closed under our feet. Our current rehearsal hall in Gorebridge has provided a secure base for the band. St David's Brass is the senior band, with between two and three youth bands at any one time. Throughout, John Dickson has been the conductor and mentor.
The senior band has a mixed membership of adults, some of whom are former pupils, together with several of our youth players who play in the senior band too.
John Dickson started playing trombone with Kirkintilloch Silver Band's learners' class at the age of seven but soon changed to cornet. He was promoted to the senior band at the age of 11 and played with the band for the next 18 years from 3rd cornet to principal cornet. He was principal trumpet with the National Wind Band of Scotland.
John studied at the RSAMD under David James for four years, winning the trumpet prize (1976). He gained DRSAM and Teaching Diploma from Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow, followed by a postgraduate year at the RCM under Bob Walton. He played as a freelance trumpet player with BBCSO, SNO, Scottish Ensemble and Scottish Opera.
On returning to Scotland as brass teacher at St David's High School in Dalkeith, he was appointed conductor of Dalkeith Burgh Band, winning the 4th Section championship in 1984. A few years later, John formed the St David's High School Band to allow his pupils to experience banding and ensemble playing. The band went on to be the Scottish youth champions and also won various accolades and awards at solo and quartet competitions. Other conducting appointments included Cowdenbeath, Tullis Russell and Penicuik Silver.
Meanwhile, John continued his playing career with Whitburn, Scottish Brewers and Kinneil Colliery Bands. Now he tutors at Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College, whilst still teaching in Midlothian High Schools.
