Mike’s life membership honour celebrates his five-decade brass involvement

Granite City Brass is proud to see cornetist Mike Chapman honoured with a Scottish Brass Band Association life membership in honour of his long service to brass banding, presented to him at the band’s Christmas Concert on Sunday 7 December.

The award, handed over by SBBA vice president Ann Murray, celebrates a musical journey that spans more than five decades.

Mike’s connection with banding began in 1968 when, aged just 11, he took part in his first solo contest. The following year he made his full contest debut with Stoneywood Band, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to the movement.

He went on to enjoy many years with Granite City Brass before stepping back in 2010. Even then, his support for brass banding continued as he helped Turriff Silver Band, before returning to Granite City Brass in 2015, where he remains a familiar and reliable presence.

Although Mike was unable to attend the band’s 175th anniversary concert in November when several other life membership presentations were made, it was important to the band that his contribution was recognised in the same spirit. The Christmas Concert provided the ideal moment to celebrate his long service.

Band secretary Lewis Catto said: “Mike represents so much of what keeps brass banding strong, dedication, loyalty and decades of involvement that make a real difference. We’re delighted to see his commitment recognised with his SBBA life membership.”

Granite City Brass and SBBA congratulate Mike on this well deserved honour and extend their sincere thanks for his decades of commitment to banding.