Dundee's Premier Brass Band
Bringing music to Dundee and beyond since 1883!
Our Story
The Dundee Instrumental Band is a charity and community ensemble. Its current structure was established in the 1960s but its roots can be traced back to bands in the late 19th century. Active in the local community, the band regularly plays across Dundee and farther afield, offering free summer concerts in the city and performing at annual Remembrance and Christmas services.
The band is particularly proud to have forged links with HMS Unicorn, the world's third-oldest battleship still afloat. There was a Silver Band on the Unicorn from the late 1800s, and when it disbanded, many of its members were absorbed into what is now known as the Dundee Instrumental Band.
Today, the Dundee Instrumental Band stands as Dundee’s premier brass band, renowned for its rich musicality, dynamic performances and charitable efforts. Its enduring legacy and continued excellence hold a special place in the cultural fabric of Dundee, showcasing the vibrant local talent and the city’s ongoing appreciation for brass music.
The Dundee Instrumental Band traces its origins to 1893 and the founding of St Margaret's (Old) Silver Band (pictured), which later merged with the Dundee Trades Band.
The Band has also connections to the Dundee Naval Band, founded in the late 19th century on HMS Unicorn. The Band continues to enjoy a strong connection with the Unicorn - pictured here is the 2024 "When the Brazen Bands Shall Play" concert at The Discovery Centre in Dundee, commissioned by The Unicorn Preservation Society with assistance from the Imperial War Museums' 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund.
Previous concerts
Band social life
Remembering Angus McKay
Members of Dundee Instrumental Band are mourning the passing of one of the band’s greatest stalwarts. Angus McKay, who had been associated with the band for almost 80 years, died on 14 August 2024 at the age of 90.
Trombone player Angus (front, right in photo above) served Dundee Instrumental as secretary for nearly 60 years, helping the band through many mergers with other city bands to become the organisation it is today.
He started playing with the 18th Company Boys Brigade Band in 1948 before joining St Margaret’s Band in 1949 on tenor horn. He subsequently moved to baritone and then euphonium. On demob from his 1955-57 National Service with the Royal Engineers, he joined Dundee Trades Band on trombone before transferring once again to St Margaret’s in 1962. The two bands amalgamated to become Dundee Instrumental in 1981.
“Angus was a true gentleman who helped many people through music and beyond,” said current band secretary Lainy McLean. “He came along to hear us playing in the local Baxter Park having just celebrated his 90th birthday (pictured below). He will be sadly missed.”
Dundee Instrumental was honoured to play at Angus's funeral service on Tuesday 17 September 2024.
