Tom Martin, one of the great characters of Scottish banding passed away last Sunday (23rd) after a short illness.

Founder

For many years, Tom was a brass instructor for West Lothian Council, working in St. Kentigern’s Academy, Whitburn Academy and feeder schools throughout the county. He was the founder of the Fauldhouse Miners’ Brass Band, which he formed from the students he taught throughout West Lothian, leading the band to many successes until its demise in the mid-1990s.

Many of the students he taught or worked with are still involved in banding at all levels from Championship Section to youth level.

He was a man who made music fun, influenced countless players lives in so many ways and was a tireless worker, who was still leading a small class in Fauldhouse on a Wednesday night immediately prior to his deathCharlie Farren

Conductor

Tom was also an accomplished conductor and band trainer, working at various stages of his career with Shotts St. Patrick’s, West Calder, Whitburn and S.C.W.S. bands, the latter of which he also performed on 1st horn with during the 1960s, as well as remaining an avid supporter.

West Lothian Schools Band

Tom was also instrumental in the foundation of West Lothian Schools Brass Band in the early 1970s and helped develop, along with the late James McCafferty and a team of tutors, what is now one of the most successful youth bands in the UK. He also worked with the national youth brass bands of Scotland and Ireland.

Loved jazz

Tom loved jazz and was an accomplished alto sax and clarinet player, and he founded the STK Big Band with students and parents of St. Kentigern’s Academy.

Made music fun

He was a man who made music fun, influenced countless players lives in so many ways and was a tireless worker, who was still leading a small class in Fauldhouse on a Wednesday night immediately prior to his death.

Those who met him who play professionally, at the highest level in brass bands or for fun on any given night, will know we have lost a true gentleman, friend and teacher, and our thoughts are with his wife, Leena, and family at this sad time.

Charlie Farren