The future of Bon-Accord Silver has received a massive boost following the first rehearsal of its newly formed youth band.

Outreach work

It follows two years of fantastic outreach work in their community in setting up the ensemble of budding new players. The formation also mirrors the way in which the Bon-Accord Silver Band was formed in 1962 by the late Stewart Watson MBE, a brass instructor with the City of Aberdeen. Membership grew to such an extent that a B Band was formed in 1978.

Grant help

Thanks to a grant award from the William Syson Foundation, the support of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire music departments and local brass and percussion tutors, the band recently welcomed pupils aged 10 to 15 from across the region for their inaugural rehearsal on Sunday 24 August.

The youth band's Vice-Chairperson, Gary Macdonald, told 4BR: "It's been a long journey getting to where we are today, securing funding and ensuring we comply with all the necessary safeguarding laws and regulations, but I'm delighted we are now finally able to get it across the line."

Debut appearance

The Musical Director is the inspirational figure of Jennifer Cook who was certainly impressed at the first rehearsal and is looking forward to challenging the pupils' musical capabilities.

The band's is now working towards its first public performance on Sunday 14th December, where they will join both the Bon-Accord Silver Band and B Band as art of their annual Christmas Concert.