*
banner

Anniversary Hoot for Bon Accord 60th

The 60th anniversary of the Bon Accord Band was a real massed musical celebration.

bON aCCORD
  The band organisation was formed in 1962

Bon-Accord Silver Band recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special Gala Concert held at the Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen.

The event saw both the Bon-Accord Silver, under MD Steven Malcolm, and Bon-Accord B, conducted by Jennifer Cook, take to the stage.

In a grand finale, members were joined by former players for a joyful rendition of 'Hootenanny' to mark the contribution of founder Stewart Watson MBE who used to pick the piece to round off concert programmes.

Founded

Stewart founded the band in 1962 to provide an outlet for former school pupils to carry on their playing. It has gone from strength to strength ever since; having played in the Championship Section for several years and representing Scotland at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall and the European Championships.

The band has also toured Germany, the Scottish islands and Dublin, as well as performing in their home city of Aberdeen raising money for local charities.

In 1978 a B Band was formed under the inspirational Moira Ross with the aim of giving players invaluable experience as well as the opportunity to move up to the senior Silver Band.

The event saw both the Bon-Accord Silver, under MD Steven Malcolm, and Bon-Accord B, conducted by Jennifer Cook, take to the stage4BR

Old and new

The Gala Concert featured a programme of music old and new, with some pieces reflecting on memorable moments in the band's history.

Special presentations were made on behalf of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) to Karen Crozier and Ann Murray who received SBBA Life Membership Long Service awards. Band Chairperson and principal cornet Dr David Cooper was presented with honorary membership to SBBA for services to banding.

Wonderful

The band was delighted to be joined by Stewart Watson's children, all of whom played with the band over the years, with Band Secretary Ann Murray stating: "It was wonderful to be joined by many former players and friends who wished the band continued success and music making for the next 60 years and beyond."

After the concert a reception for invited guests was held at the Leonardo Hotel.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Regent Brass

Banding in the Bronco blood for Regent Brass

August 11 • Regent Brass will help raise funds for the DKNS Blood Cancer charity as they team up with London Broncos and an amazing little ambassador.


Edward Gregson

Gregson performances continue at presto rate

August 11 • The 80th anniversary celebrations of the music of Edward Gregson continues around the UK, Europe and the USA.


Pontypridd

Successful mark for Pontypridd Festival

August 11 • An increase in local town centre footfall and positive feedback has come from a report on the inaugural Pontypridd Brass Band Festival.


Will Everitt

National Youth Band to explore jazzy enclosures

August 8 • Will Everitt's explorations on a small jazz enclosure will bring a different feel to the music provided by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in London this weekend.


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 8 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham GL51 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 15 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL52 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Ilkeston Brass

August 9 • Ilkeston Brass need a new MD! We are a 4th section band based in SE Derbyshire with a strong community presence. We have empty seats in the cornet section but a core of committed players fighting to keep the band going.


Shirley Band

August 9 • The Shirley Band invite applications for the position of MUSICAL DIRECTOR. Due to relocation, we now seek a Musical Director to maintain a high standard of playing and to produce varied programmes for our sell-out concert series together with contests.


Mereside Brass

August 7 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd