Photos of D&M Lothian:

D&M Lothian is the training band of the Dalkeith and Monktonhall Brass Band. Under the name of ‘Dalkeith and Monktonhall Youth Brass Band’ the band was set up in 2000 after the ‘senior’ band received funding from the National Lottery. The money raised went towards purchasing the band new instruments.
Instead of throwing out or selling the old instruments, some members of the band decided that it was about time that the training band which folded over 20 years ago was ‘brought back to life’.

With the band going from strength to strength it seemed only natural to give the training band its very own name. This is why the name was changed to ‘D&M Lothian’. It gave the band a sense of belonging and allows it to work separately from the ‘senior’ band.

In 2002, the band managed to secure a yearly sponsorship from Ryden Lettings, a large chartered accountant and surveyor firm located in Edinburgh. This has meant that the tutors have been able to buy some new instruments for the band as well as many training books and essential materials. The sponsorship has also helped pay for entry into contests.

Members of the training band have competed in many competitions over the years including the ‘Brass in the Park’ youth section competition. Many of our learners also enter into solo and ensemble competitions with many of the members having picked up prizes in the past.

Since the band started in 2000, it has seen its older members make the transition from learners to the seniors and hold places firmly within its ranks. We have ex-training band members sitting in our cornet and tenor horn ranks who have all contributed immensely to the band’s success over the past few years.
 
Past members of our junior band have held positions in NYBBS (National Youth Brass Band of Scotland) and some have gone on to be accepted into Universities all over the UK.

As our members grew up, the band found it more and more difficult to find youngsters in the local area that were keen to come along to the band. To this end, the band decided to try out a new venture and in January 2011, the band opened up a new junior band in the Jack Kane Centre in the Niddrie/Craigmillar area.

At present we have 8 brass players and 4 percussionists all keen to improve their playing and all are very enthusiastic.

The band is always looking for new players to come along and we are happy to discuss tuition on a one-to-one basis.

For more information on our junior band, please e-mail the band.