Awards Dinner 2025

18 October 2025 - A number of players in the Dundee Instrumental Band, the city’s last remaining traditional brass band, were celebrated last night at a black-tie awards ceremony in the Apex City Quay Hotel.

 

The awards dinner was the culmination of a busy year of playing for the band, which is based out of Lochee and can trace its roots back to the 1880s. The ceremony saw four musicians take home trophies for their contribution to the ensemble, and five members received long-service awards from the Scottish Brass Band Association. On hand to award the medals for longevity was Jim Wishart, President of the Northern Counties Brass Band Association.

 

The band’s conductor Bob McDonald was also thanked formally for leading the group for the past 10 years.

 

The Dundee Instrumental Band, formerly known as St Margaret’s, received official charity status in April 2000, but has been playing in and around the Dundee area in one form or another since 1883.

 

The band presents numerous free concerts throughout the city, including its annual Brass on the Grass concerts at Magdalen Green, Baxter Park and the Barnhill Rock Garden. The group also has strong ties to HMS Unicorn, where it provides the musical accompaniment to the annual on-board Remembrance Services.

 

Last year, the 37-strong group also played a musical role in supporting the Mills Observatory, giving its first ever concert on the roof of the building as part of the campaign to save the iconic Dundee landmark from closure. And in August, the band was chosen to open Arbroath’s new A Place for Everyone path at Brothock Bridge.

 

The four players to receive trophies for their contribution to the band were:

 

• Joanna Campbell (horn): Most Improved Player, as selected by conductor Bob McDonald 

• Loz McConnachie (horn, cornet and percussion): Player’s Player of the Year, acknowledging musicianship, versatility and team spirit

• Alwyn Bolton (repiano cornet): Bandsperson of the Year, for overall positive contribution to the band

• Craig Glenday (percussion/drums): Bell-End of the Year, celebrating the more lighthearted side of band membership.

 

Longevity medals were issued to:

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• Aileen Don (baritone - 43 years) *absent

• Joanna Campbell (horn - 49 years)

• Martin Jones (cornet - 56 years)

• Peter Philbin (B-flat bass - 56 years) and

• Kevin McGhee (E-flat bass - 59 years).

 

The pinnacle of the evening was a celebration of the band’s longest serving member, Angus Lowden, MBE, who was issued a Lifetime Achievement award and Honorary Membership. Angus (85) has been playing with Dundee Instrumental from the age of 11, and continues to rehearse weekly at the Lochee band room. Formerly the principal cornet player, Angus graciously stepped back from the lead position in order to encourage younger players to take the helm.

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The band’s Vice President Craig Glenday, who acted as Master of Ceremonies, said:

 

“It’s important to celebrate musicianship and community spirit. This incredible band is one of Dundee’s best-kept secrets, so we wanted to make a noise about our hard-working, passionate musicians and shout about the role the band plays in the social life of Dundee.”

 

Lainy McLean, the band’s long-serving Secretary, added:

 

“Our free concerts bring music into the community and provide a soundtrack to various civic events throughout the year. But for once, we wanted to host an event where we didn’t have to play! A well-earned night off to give us a chance to enjoy a meal together and recognise and award key individuals who’ve made a positive impact with the band.”

 

The Dundee Instrumental Band’s next engagement will be playing at the HMS Unicorn Remembrance Service on Sunday 9 November, ahead of appearances at the V&A, the Dundee Christmas Lights Switch-On and various carol concerts.

 

The band is always on the lookout for new players, so for more information on how to join the band - or to book the band - contact us using the form opposite.

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