Perthshire Brass were recently granted a Civic Reception during which the band was presented with the prestigious D.K.Thomson award.

Exceptional service

The award is presented annually by Perth & Kinross Council in recognition of exceptional service to the City and County of Perth, with the recipient being chosen by a board of Trustees and the family of the late Provost David K Thomson.

Promoting music

Speaking during the ceremony, Provost John Hulbert spoke of the band’s efforts in promoting music throughout the county and further afield, with particular mention made of the strong links with Perth’s twin city of Aschaffenburg in Bavaria.

The band has visited Germany on six occasions, with two visits in recent years co-inciding with official visits by the Provost and other local dignitaries.

Total playing strength now numbers well over 60 players, and a recent 'taster' session held earlier this month attracted another 15 aspiring young players4BR

Special mention

Special mention was also made of the founding conductor, George Annan senior, who established the band in 1978 as a means for teenagers to continue to make music after leaving school.

From such low-key beginnings, the organisaton has grown, with the Senior Band supported by a dynamic Youth section who have enjoyed notable competition results over the past few years under the direction of George Annan junior.

Total playing strength now numbers well over 60 players, and a recent 'taster' session held earlier this month attracted another 15 aspiring young players for newly-appointed conductor Jason Blyth to work with.

Honoured

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Perthshire Brass is honoured to receive the Award, and look forward to going from strength to strength, starting with the Senior Band’s participation in the forthcoming Scottish Championships."