At a time where commitment to brass banding contends with competing pressures like never before, 40 years individual service to the one band is certainly worth celebrating.

And when every one of those years has been spent in a principal chair and the band is one of the most high profile in the world, then the achievement deserves special recognition.

1976

And so it is with Derick Kane (pictured right with other euphonium legend Trevor Groom), principal euphonium of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army since 1976, who will return to his home town of Hamilton in Scotland later this month to be the special guest at a concert in his honour.

"I'm thrilled that this celebration concert has been arranged," he said. "It's especially exciting that this unique occasion can be shared with friends, family and colleagues in Hamilton."

Citadel Brass

The concert will be presented by Citadel Brass, a group created especially for the occasion and consisting of players who all have a connection with the Salvation Army in Scotland.

Such is the event's appeal that players are travelling from throughout the UK, continental Europe, Asia and the USA just to be a part of it.

High esteem

Event organiser Ron Wotherspoon told 4BR: "The commitment of the players invited to form the band is incredible and is a clear reflection of the high esteem in which Derick is held."

The guest soloists will include not only Derick, but his son Stephen (Cory Band), Alex Ramsay (Co-operative Funeralcare), Jamie Hood (USA Western Territory Staff Band) and Richard Martin (Royal Northern Sinfonia). The compere is Peter Graham.

Conducting will be Allan Ramsay, whose friendship with Derick dates back to the start of this incredible journey.

Exceptional

He told 4BR: "In our late teens Derick and I travelled to the SA's National School of Music and it was then he confided in me that he was also auditioning for the principal euphonium seat in the ISB. To have given this service with such a consistently high standard of performance is quite exceptional.

I'm really looking forward to working with this band on some wonderful music which I'm sure will be a fitting tribute and an occasion not to be missed."

The commitment of the players invited to form the band is incredible and is a clear reflection of the high esteem in which Derick is heldEvent organiser, Ron Wotherspoon

Wider context

Although the euphonium star is the main focus, the celebration will also recognise the wide heritage that Salvation Army banding in Scotland has produced.

Proceeds will be donated to both the Vision of Hope project in Ukraine and the Bexleyheath community church building fund.

'A Brass Celebration' takes place at Hamilton Townhouse on Sunday 19th June, 4.00pm and tickets are available from the Box Office, online or by telephone at 01698 452299