SBBA life memberships for the Co’s cornet playing duo
Two outstanding musicians, cornetists Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday of the cooperation band, have been presented with their life memberships of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) in recognition of their lengthy service to brass banding.
The presentations took place during a special event on Sunday at Gorgie Salvation Army, Edinburgh, in which band supported the Salvation Army’s Big Collection, raising funds to support the organisation’s vital social and community work across the UK.
Both recipients have dedicated five decades to the brass band movement, contributing their exceptional musicianship, leadership and passion to generations of bands and players.
Keith Johnstone’s brass band journey began in 1968 when, at just eight years old, he started learning to play the cornet with the Falkirk Salvation Army Junior Youth Band. He progressed quickly, joining the senior band by the age of 15.
After marrying his wife Beverly, Keith transferred his church membership to Edinburgh Gorgie, where he became a playing member of the Gorgie Band in September 1981.
Just three years later, in November 1984, he was appointed bandmaster, a position he continues to hold nearly four decades later, leading with unwavering dedication and skill.
Keith’s contesting career began with the Broxburn & Livingston Band, before joining Kinneil in 2003 as principal cornet, a role he held until 2012 when he became a member of the cooperation band.
Throughout his life, Keith has embodied the values of brass banding — commitment, camaraderie and service. His leadership and loyalty have left a lasting legacy within both the Salvation Army and the wider Scottish brass band community.
Presenting the medal, representatives from the SBBA commended Keith for his exceptional contribution to music and his “incredible leadership and devotion over half a century of service.”
Ray Munday and Keith Johnstone
Ray Munday also marked 50 years of musical excellence with a career that has spanned both the brass band and orchestral worlds.
Ray began his brass journey in 1972 with the Clacton-on-Sea Band, taking up the cornet even though he originally wanted to play drums.
His first solo contest that same year was unforgettable. While performing The Lost Chord, the bell of his old cornet fell off mid-performance! Undeterred, Ray held it in place and finished the piece in a moment that perfectly captured his determination and passion for music.
He advanced rapidly, achieving Grade 8 within three years and later performing with Cranleigh Youth Band and Colchester Silver Band, where his conductor encouraged him to take up the trumpet.
Ray went on to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Rod Franks and Crispian Steele-Perkins, building a professional career that included performances with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, London Brass, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC and Scottish Opera.
Ray first joined the cooperation band during its celebrated 1990s era under Howard Snell, rejoining again in 2022. His favourite test pieces Sand and Stars and Connotations reflect his appreciation for both the challenge and beauty of brass music.
His favourite venue, fittingly, remains the Royal Albert Hall, where he has performed countless times with orchestras and bands alike.
The ceremony at Gorgie Salvation Army was filled with warmth, laughter and admiration as friends, family and fellow musicians gathered to celebrate both men’s extraordinary milestones.
Their dedication from their first notes as young cornet players to their leadership and artistry today reflects the very best of Scottish banding.
As both men received their medals, applause filled the hall — a fitting tribute to two individuals whose lives have been defined by their music, service, and love for the brass band community.
