Bon-Accord Silver Band

Band Profile

1959 saw the birth of Brass Bands in Aberdeen Schools.
In the spring of 1961 Stewart Watson, a local brass teacher was challenged to establish a band to encourage the school leavers to continue playing. 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.
Nearly 60 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 15 times including three 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 (1988-1992-1997), at the National Corporate Games (1996), at the Tall Ship Races in both Aberdeen (1997) and Dublin Ireland (1998) and at the European Brass Band Championships in Linz, Austria (2010).
Indeed by 1980 the band was so large a "B" band was formed.
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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Bon-Accord Silver Band