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1959 saw the birth of Brass Bands in Aberdeen Schools. John Dalby, the superintendent of Schools Music was approached by the late Stewart Watson MBE, then a school brass instructor, as to the fate of the young brass players when they left school.
Out with the Salvation Army only two brass bands existed, both with a full complement of players. After some thought John Dalby challenged Stewart Watson to establish another band. Towards the spring of '61 parents were invited to attend a meeting at Christ's college. Despite the attendance of only seven parents, a committee was formed.
In June 1962 Stewart conducted the first rehearsal of what was to become known as "The Bon Accord Silver Band", the foundations of which had been laid in the preceding few months. Fund raising events had produced modest funds. Additional support came from the granting of weekly accommodation, at no cost, in Aberdeen's Music Centre. School instruments were also made available.
More than 40 years on the Bon Accord Silver Band is one of Scotland's' most successful
Brass Bands. We have achieved qualification to the National Brass Band Championships
of Great Britain some 14 times including two performances in London's famous Royal
Albert Hall. We were winners of the 1985 and 1998 Scottish Quartet Championships.
We have performed at the 1991 Edinburgh International Festival, at multiple music
festivals in Regensburg, Germany (1988-
Indeed by 1980 the band was so large a "B" band was formed. This provides a training band for players before they move up to the main band and also provides cover if required.
The band's career can also be followed in broadcasting, helping to raise funds on BBC's Children in Need and ITV's Telethon, performances on ITV's Highway and Lets Rejoice, not to mention numerous local and national radio broadcasts. For the band serving the community is time best spent, playing in local parks, Galas and Fetes, Old Folks homes, Boys Brigade Services, Church Services from Inverness to Perth, not forgetting a wedding or two.
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