The Scottish brass banding community has been saddened to hear of the death of Archie Hutchison. One of its most popular and respected figures, he passed away peacefully at home aged 86 on Sunday 20th September.

A former player, conductor and Honorary President of Dalmellington Band, his musicianship inspired countless players and colleagues, whilst his impish sense of humour delighted all who met him in equal measure through his life.

His smile also hid a steely personal reserve — one that also gained deep admiration from friends and colleagues over the years.

Finest

From learning to play the cornet at the age of 10, he became one of Scotland's finest exponents of the instrument and much in demand as a player both sides of the border, with many leading bands wishing to acquire his talent.

However, he remained loyally linked to the Dalmellington Band — leading them to success as a conductor in winning the Carnegie Contest in 1980 through to the Scottish First Section title in 2006, and to final bow with the band in 2015.

Over the years he enjoyed being a cornet tutor at the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and served as resident conductor of Whitburn Band under Major Peter Parkes during the 1990s — also leading them at the British Open and to victories at the Forth Valley and Carnegie Contests.

Success

In addition, he led Unison Kinneil to the Scottish First Section title in 1999 as well as enjoying success with Kirkintilloch and Kingdom Brass. He also conducted CWS (Glasgow) at the Brass in Concert Championship as well as the likes of Irvine Silver, Lochgelly, Newmilns & Galston, Broxburn and even RAF St Athan in Wales.

As resident conductor of the then CWS (Glasgow) Band, he led the band on a memorable tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1993, and played cornet with them on their 1996 National Championship of Great Britain victory and second place finish at the 1997 European Championship.

Outstanding

In marking his loss, the Scottish Brass Band Association stated: "Archie lived and breathed Dalmellington Band, leading the players with a gentle, dry humour and with a sharp twinkle in his eye, where he will be remembered as an outstanding player and conductor."

Condolences to his family have come from across the banding world — from friends and old rivals alike.

To say that Archie was a gentleman hardly does the man justice. He was warm, generous, approachable and always willing to share his knowledge and experienceKingdom Brass

Respected

Dalmellington flugel player Lindsay Roxburgh Orr stated: "Archie oozed class and finesse, as well as precision and passion. He had a way of being the conductor but also a father figure within the band — always respected, but always fun and approachable if you needed him. Archie was always youthful."

One of his former bands at Kingdom Brass added: "To say that Archie was a gentleman hardly does the man justice. He was warm, generous, approachable and always willing to share his knowledge and experience.

He possessed a wonderfully sharp wit and a fantastic sense of humour, and there are undoubtedly countless stories and memories of Archie that will bring a smile to the faces of those fortunate enough to have known him."

Memorial service

A memorial service will be held at 2.30pm on Friday 9th October in Dalmellington Community Centre.