History

Dalkeith Burgh Band

The original band was named the "Westfield Brass Band". It's not known when the band was founded, but it was in existence in 1892 when it led a procession to welcome a visit from William Gladstone.

In 1904 the band changed its name to "Dalkeith & Westfield Trades Band" in order to gain a wider support. That same year the band led a parade in honour of Winston Churchill.

In 1905 the band received a grant from the town council after a vote. There's no trace of when the then band went out of being, but it must have been before 1911 as it didn't take part in various reported occasions.

The band was revived as the "Dalkeith Burgh Band" sometime before 1929 (an exact date is unknown) as it led the Gala Day procession in that year.

In the 1980's the band amalgamated with the Monktonhall band to become the respected band it is today.

Monktonhall Band

The band was formed in 1918. It was then registered as a competing band in 1921 as "Prestonlinks Colliery Silver Band".

Early bandmasters/conductors incluse John Hay, a well-known name in the music 'industry' locally, whose son Ian (who was taught in the band) went on to become a professional musician and Head Teacher of Music at Preston Lodge High School.

The Prestonlinks Pit closed in the early 1960's. The band then became known as "Prestonpans & District Miners Band" until in 1964 sponsorship from the Monktonhall Colliery came along.

During this transition persiod, the bandmaster was Jim Fleming who worked tirelessly both for the band and the satellite learners class.

Notable conductors at contests in the 1970's & 1980's were Archie Smith and Joe Hempstead. The demise of the pits in the 1980's saw the band seeking amalgamation with the Dalkeith Burgh Band