*
banner

Bon Accord to honour inspirational founder

The Bon Accord Band will unveil a plaque to honour their founder conductor Stewart Watson MBE in Aberdeen.

Bon Accord
  Stewart founded the band in 1962

Bon-Accord Band is to honour its founder Stewart Watson MBE with a specially commissioned commemorative plaque.

His huge contribution made to the organisation will be marked with an unveiling in the David Welch Winter Gardens in Aberdeen by the Lord Provost. It will take place during the first of three Christmas concerts there on Saturday 15th December as part of the city's seasonal celebrations.

Create



Stewart formed Bon-Accord Band in 1962 when he worked for Aberdeen Music Services as a brass instructor. He wanted to create a band where young brass players could continue to play after they left school.

Now over 60 years old, Bon-Accord also has established a B band. To this day both bands promote the ethos of its founder, in offering an inclusive environment where players can enjoy their music making together.

The commemorative plaque was funded by donations from friends as well as former and current players in the band.

We are proud to be able to have the plaque in a place where the band has played many times and entertained the Aberdeen publicBon Accord Band

Proud

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are proud to be able to have the plaque in a place where the band has played many times and entertained the Aberdeen public.

Stewart loved showing off his band and the Christmas concerts in the David Welch Winter Gardens were events he greatly enjoyed, therefore making this a fitting time and place to unveil the memorial plaque."

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    


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Linz

rooms4groups has European Championship deals ready to go

December 11 • The hotel specialists have plenty of great deals for people heading to Linz for the European Championships next year.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd