Generous music collection donation to Dalmellington by cornet legend

Cornet legend Tom Paulin has donated boxes of his personal music collection to Dalmellington Band.

Tom, a cornetist of outstanding ability who began his music career with Dalmellington, moved down to England where he was appointed principal cornet with many leading bands including CWS Manchester, GUS, Grimethorpe Colliery and Hammonds / Yorkshire Building Society.

Throughout that period he worked alongside conductors such as Alex Mortimer, Elgar Howarth, Howard Snell, Bryden Thomson and Gerard Schwarz.

During his career, Tom has toured many countries as a soloist including France, Germany, Australia, Italy, USA and Canada. He performed as a soloist at the Royal Albert Hall, The Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall.

A graduate of various colleges of music including Trinity College of Music, London College of Music and the University of Melbourne, Tom worked with many leading orchestras, particularly in the contemporary field.

In addition to being one of the finest cornetists of our time, he has also conducted Granite City Brass and was the musical director of the several bands in Australia, including Kew Band in Victoria, one of the country’s top outfits.

“We have been honoured that Tom has continued to follow the band over the years, popping into the band hall on occasions, and we are privileged that he has chosen to donate a lifetime of his personal music collection to us back home, where it all began,” commented band manager Karin Lowrie.

“Everyone at Dalmellington is delighted at this amazing gesture from Tom. He has been a huge supporter of the band and our players for many years and this gift is another generous act from a Dalmellington Band legend.

“We could not be more grateful and it will certainly go to good use for years to come in both Dalmellington Band and Dalmellington Brass Academy.”