The hugely respected cornet player and conductor Tom Paulin has donated a substantial amount of his personal music collection to the Dalmellington Band.

Tom began his music career with the band before taking his talents to become principal cornet with many leading English bands such as CWS Manchester, GUS, Grimethorpe Colliery and Hammonds.

During his career he worked under many of the movement's leading figures — from Alex Mortimer and Bryden Thomson to Howard Snell and Elgar Howarth, performing across the world at leading concert venues from the Royal Albert Hall to Sydney Opera House.

Home and abroad

With academic qualifications from Trinity College of Music, London College of Music and the University of Melbourne, Tom worked with many leading orchestras as well as gaining a well-respected reputation as a conductor at all levels.

He enjoyed early success with the baton with the likes of Houghton Main Colliery before making his name in Australia.

There he led Kew Band, Boroondara Brass, Darebin City and Hawthorn City to Victorian State Championships titles, and the latter to the Australian National title in 2004. He also led South Brisbane Federal to the Queensland State Championship in 2018.

Honoured

Speaking about the generous donation, Dalmellington Band Manager, Karin Lowrie said: "We have been honoured that Tom has continued to follow the band over the years, popping into the band hall on occasions.

We are privileged that he has chosen to donate a lifetime of his personal music collection to us back home, where it all began."

We could not be more grateful and it will certainly go to good use for years to come in both Dalmellington Band and Dalmellington Brass AcademyDalmellington Band

Good use

They added: "Everyone is delighted at this gesture. He has been a huge supporter of the band and our players for many years, and this gift is another generous act from a Dalmellington Band legend.

We could not be more grateful and it will certainly go to good use for years to come in both Dalmellington Band and Dalmellington Brass Academy."