From the 1st December 2022 the Arbroath Instrumental Band has changed it’s name to Arbroath and Carnoustie Band. This was to better reflect both the membership of the band and the community we serve.
Our practices take place in the Newton of Panbride Church Hall in Carnoustie (8 Arbroath Rd, Carnoustie DD7 6BL) on Mondays from 7.30 to 9.30.
The band’s Musical Director is Neill Mcdonald.
From an early age, Neill was fascinated with music, encouraged by his musical parents. Having learned to play a variety of instruments through childhood, Neill finally settled on learning the baritone and played for the Marr College Schools Band and the Irvine and Dreghorn Youth Band. Through moving school, Neill moved onto euphonium before being presented the opportunity to play tuba. Neill progressed to the senior band of Irvine and Dreghorn band at the age of 13 playing B♭ Bass and played for the East Ayrshire Schools band under the direction of Andrew Keachie MBE, most notably in a tour of Norway in 2003. In 2006, he was approached by Kilmarnock Concert Brass where he played percussion for a few years before settling back into B♭ Bass. In 2012, Neill returned to Irvine and Dreghorn Band for a year before moving to Johnstone Band to accept the Principal B♭ seat. Neill progressed onto the Kirkintilloch band in 2015, most notably playing in the British open that same year, before finally settling into the UNISON Kinneil Band in 2017 where he has been the Principal Bass since 2019.
Neill also plays in other ensembles, both as a freelance tuba player but also as an Army Reservist in the Lowland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Most notably, Neill has played in the procession of the Coronation of King Charles III in London, several times at The Edinburgh Tattoo, at Balmoral for the Royal Family as well as many other public events across the UK. His Army career has taken him overseas to Gibraltar, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to undertake musical duties. Through the Army, Neill has picked up musical performance qualification through the Royal Corps of Army Music. He also arranges for Brass Bands and regularly provides tuba tuition and low-end masterclasses.
Neill first took up the baton with Dumfries Town Band in 2013 for a year before working freelance for bands up and down the country focusing more on playing. Over the years Neill has taken rehearsals on a one-off basis for many brass and concert bands and regularly features a band at the annual Whit Friday Contest. Neill feels now is the time to re-establish working with a band regularly and is delighted to take up the baton with Arbroath and Carnoustie Band.
Outwith music, Neill enjoys spending time with his partner Mel, his stepdaughter Ivy (8) and his daughter Orlagh (1). He works for Sustrans as a Cycling Trainer, freelance as a Cycle Mechanic and Mountain Bike Tutor, and enjoys taking part in difficult cycling challenges such as long Sportive and endurance races.
We have a a junior band which rehearses 6.30pm on a Monday
We are currently looking for players across all sections of the band.
For any contact with the band please contact Shirley Bennett (Secretary) 07863 165539, Ann Ness (President) 07903 682397 or contact us via email.
