Eight Random Facts About Our Band Master

Eight random facts about our band master John Tonner.

1. Two favourite meals - both steak pie;

2. Dundee's Eddie Calvert;

3. In love with his MG Midget;

4. Electrical artisan (sparky);

5. Plays the drums like animal of the Muppets;

6. Happiest when sitting in the sun with a beer at his caravan in France;

7. Gets 2/10 for organisational skills and 10/10 for getting others to organise things for him;

8. Dances a mean Tom Jones style.

Next week sees our assistant conductor Jimmy Tonner, yes they are related, going in the hot seat.

Dobbies Quartet!

Saturday and Sunday saw a few of the band members out at Dobbies Garden Centre where a small group fromed a quartet whilst the remaining few packed bags. A great BIG thanks to all those who turned up to help raise money for ALL the band. Harrowgate is drawing nearer and it would now be great if everyone could give all their support to raising funds to cover the travel and accomodation. (Sharon)

Tune In tonight

Those that manage to find this site should turn on the Radio 2 tonight at 9.30pm to hear the first movement of our test piece being played by Brighouse and Rastrick Band. If you are really keen get your instruments out and play along! (Sharon)

Who Are We?

Dundee Instrumental Band is one of Scotland's oldest brass bands, having been around for over 110 years. We meet to rehearse every Thursday evening at our Lochee Park Bandroom. As a community band, membership is open to everyone - all we ask for is a desire to play a brass instrument and the will to practise! Our current members cover a wide range of backgrounds and ages - the youngest is twelve, while the oldest over seventy (maybe more!).

In 2001 we were second in the Scottish Brass Band Championships resulting in moving from the fourth section to the third (a bit like football leagues where we were your pub team!!). This did not last long and we were demoted to the fourth section once again. However, not a band to be happy playing the pub teams and going for a drink we got our act together, under our conductor John Tonner, and came second in this year's Championships.

The band are now determined to stay in the third section by aiming for the second. This fighting spirit is holding strong as our conductor guides us through our new test piece for The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at Harrowgate in September.

Before we compete we have to raise funds which is a never ending job in Brass Bands. Tomorrow and Sunday will see members of the band at Dobbies Garden Centre in Dundee packing bags and providing light entertainment throughout the day.