Lifetime Achievement Award for trombonist Andrew

Congratulations to Annan Town Band’s Andrew Henderson on receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scottish Brass Band Association.

Trombonist Andrew was presented with the accolade at the band’s annual concert in Dumfries on Saturday evening in recognition of a brass banding career spanning seven decades. The SBBA award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Scottish brass bands over their lifetime.

Andrew began learning to play trombone at the age of 12 after being inspired by watching military bands performing in the local park. He is also a lifelong fan of jazz music and wanted to emulate the legendary jazz trombonist and band leader Chris Barber.

He soon joined the Wellesley Colliery Band and was part of its Second Section winning performance at the British Championships in London in 1966. Stints at Dumfries Town Band and Lochgelly Band followed. It is Lochgelly's performance of High Peak at the National Mineworkers Contest in 1976 that remains one of Andrew's banding highlights.

After a brief return to Dumfries, he joined Annan Town Band in 1993, serving as a valued player, occasional conductor, and also as band chairman for over three decades, only stepping down at this year's AGM.

Under his leadership as chairman the band has enjoyed unprecedented success, including eight visits to the British Championships, a visit to the European Championships in Switzerland, and a winning performance at the Scottish Championships in 2020, to name just a few.

Andrew's contribution to musical life in Dumfries and Galloway extends beyond brass bands, as he is also an active member of Riverside Jazz Band, the Solway Sinfonia orchestra, and numerous other jazz and big bands locally.

Annan secretary Samantha Bryden commented: “We are hugely grateful to Andrew for his many years of service and leadership as chairman and delighted that SBBA has recognised his outstanding contribution to Scottish brass banding.

“We hope he continues as a playing member of Annan Town Band for many years to come. Congratulations Andrew!”