Bon-Accord stalwart recognised by SBBA

Ann Murray, SBBA vice president; award recipient Eric Kidd; Dr David Cooper, president of Bon-Accord Silver Band.

A DRIVING force behind the brass music scene in the north east of Scotland has been recognised by the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), which has awarded honorary membership of the association to Eric Kidd.

Eric's exceptional service to the brass band movement was highlighted at a recent concert of Bon-Accord Silver Band, where he plays regularly, and follows a lifetime immersed in the brass band movement.

Eric started playing Eb bass at school, taught by Stewart Watson, the founder of Bon-Accord Silver Band. He played in school groups then in BSB before leaving Aberdeen to join the Gordon Highlanders.

After his army service, Eric returned to Aberdeen and began work as a peripatetic brass instructor. Since then, he has taught many pupils, who have gained a love of music, including his son Richard and daughter-in-law Paula. Eric's distinguished career saw him promoted to head of brass instrumental teaching before becoming head of instrumental music services for Aberdeen City Council.

Eric conducted many youth groups and brass groups in the city taking them to local and national competitions and festivals. The Aberdeen City Music Centre Senior Brass Band, The Aberdeen University Concert Band, Bon-Accord B Band and Bon-Accord Silver Band are amongst the groups he has been involved with and he has worked as low brass instructor for the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland.

He was one of the organisers of The Evening Express Carol Concert in Aberdeen for many years and has helped as an organiser of The Wind Band Festivals. Eric still plays in both Bon-Accord bands amongst other groups and is a worthy recipient of the honorary membership

Ann Murray, vice president of SBBA, commented: "Eric's lifelong passion is music and his hard work has ensured many more young people have been able to reap the benefits of playing a brass instrument.

"His contribution to music making in the north east of Scotland is immense and it's only fitting that he should be recognised with the award of honorary membership of SBBA."