Dundee Instrumental members celebrate long service and musicianship at awards dinner
Congratulations to five members of the Dundee Instrumental Band on receiving their life membership medals from the Scottish Brass Band Association for achieving a combined total of over 260 years service to brass banding.
The coveted accolades were handed over by Jim Wishart, president of the Northern Counties Brass Band Association, during the band’s inaugural presentation awards dinner at the Apex City Quay Hotel.
The black-tie event also saw a number of players presented with special recognition certificates and trophies by the band.
The awards ceremony was the culmination of a busy year of playing for the band which traces its roots back to the 1880s.
Dundee Instrumental, formerly known as St Margaret’s, received official charity status in April 2000, but has been playing in and around the Dundee area in one form or another since 1883.
The band presents numerous free concerts throughout the city, including its annual Brass on the Grass concerts at Magdalen Green, Baxter Park and the Barnhill Rock Garden. Dundee Instrumental also has strong ties to HMS Unicorn, where it provides the musical accompaniment to the annual on-board Remembrance Services.
During the awards evening, conductor Bob McDonald (below) was also thanked formally for leading the band for the past 10 years.
The four players to receive trophies (clockwise from top left, below) for their contribution to the band were:
- Joanna Campbell (horn) – Most Improved Player, as selected by Bob McDonald
- Loz McConnachie (horn, cornet and percussion) – Player’s Player of the Year, acknowledging musicianship, versatility and team spirit
- Alwyn Bolton (repiano cornet) – Bandsperson of the Year, for overall positive contribution to the band
- Craig Glenday (percussion/drums) – Bell-End of the Year, celebrating the more lighthearted side of band membership.
SBBA life memberships were presented to baritone player Aileen Don (43 years), horn player Joanna Campbell (49 years), cornet player Martin Jones (56 years), Bb bass player Peter Philbin (56 years) and Eb bass player Kevin McGhee (59 years).
The pinnacle of the evening was a celebration of the band’s longest serving member, Angus Lowden MBE (cover photo), who was issued a lifetime achievement award and honorary membership. Angus (85) has been playing with Dundee Instrumental from the age of 11 and continues to rehearse weekly with the band. Formerly the principal cornet player, he graciously stepped back from the lead position in order to encourage younger players to take the helm.
“It’s important to celebrate musicianship and community spirit,” said the band vice president Craig Glenday, who acted as master of ceremonies. “This incredible band is one of Dundee’s best-kept secrets, so we wanted to make a noise about our hard-working, passionate musicians and shout about the role the band plays in the social life of the city."
Jim Wishart presented SBBA life memberships to (clockwise from top left) Kevin McGhee, Martin Jones, Peter Philbin and Joanna Campbell. Aileen Don was not present.
Lainy McLean, the band’s long-serving secretary, added: “Our free concerts bring music into the community and provide a soundtrack to various civic events throughout the year. But for once, we wanted to host an event where we didn’t have to play!
“A well-earned night off to give us a chance to enjoy a meal together and recognise and award key individuals who’ve made a positive impact, musically and socially.”
Dundee Instrumental Band will be playing at the HMS Unicorn Remembrance Service on Sunday 9 November.
