Stewart Watson Memorial Concert - Part Four - Bon-Accord Silver Band

In February 1997, The Bon-Accord Silver Band celebrated the remarkable life of it’s founder, Stewart Watson MBE, with a Gala concert in the Music Hall. Hosted by the legendary Neil Meldrum, the concert featured the brass band’s of Aberdeen that played such a pivotal role in Stewart’s extraordinary musical career.

The fourth segment features the Bon-Accord Silver Band, under the direction of David Lever. Their Programme was:
(Excerpt from Concert Programme)

Bandology - E Osterling arr. F Wright
Every great entertainer has his signature tune, Stewart was no exception. For many years, ‘Bandology’ became just that, opening most of Bon-Accord Silver Band’s concerts.

In Perfect Peace – K Downie
The Bon-Accord Silver Band have chosen two pieces of music tonight that were not part of Stewart’s repertoire or history, but convey the band’s feelings for Stewart in their language of music. The first, ‘In Perfect Peace’, speaks for itself.

Dublin’s Fair City – Soloist Neil Watson – R Newsome
Stewart’s son, Neil Watson, has become the most successful Euphonium soloist in the North East of Scotland. As principal euphonium player in the Bon-Accord Silver Band, he has qualified for the Scottish Solo finals more times than anyone can remember and lifted numerous instrumentalist awards at band contests. Naturally you show off your best, which Stewart did on several occasions by featuring a euphonium solo. ‘Dublin’s fair city’ is just one of the many solos Neil has performed with the band.

Excerpt from ‘Ballet for Band’ – J Horovitz
1983 was one of the most successful in the Bon-Accord Silver Band’s history. For the first time they took runners-up prize in the Championship Section of the Scottish Championships and qualified for the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall, London. The finals test piece, ‘Ballet for Band’ was to become one of Stewart’s favourites. After the finals the piece was to have two further airings at the Forth Valley Championships, the first being in 1984 when the band achieved 4th place and Stewart’s son Neil, took home the best instrumentalist award.

In Memorium, from Royal Parks – G Lloyd
Used for the 1988 Scottish Championships, 2nd section (before the creation of a 1st section), the Bon-Accord Silver Band’s winning performance of ‘Royal Parks’ left many people speechless and moved. The middle movement, ‘In Memorium’ was dedicated to the bandsmen who were victims of the IRA Hyde Park bombing of 1982. The adjudicator, John Golland, wrote of the performance “Try magic or marvellous, both are true. Thank you for a wonderful performance.” After the results, John Golland told Stewart that he just wanted to stop writing, sit back and enjoy.

The Hustle – V McCoy arr. D Ashmore
Stewart’s use of this arrangement almost took over from ‘Chanson D’Amour’! The piece became a standing joke as a rain dance after several outdoor performances were halted due to rain storms. Stewart proved, in his last conducting job with the Bon-Accord Silver Band in May last year, that the ‘Hustle’ was still a crowd puller.

Deep Harmony – H Parker arr. D Wright
Every so often a performance sticks in your mind. One such Bon-Accord Silver Band performance was at a National Church Conference in a packed Elphinstone Hall, Aberdeen. One of the piece’s Stewart chose was this arrangement of ‘Deep Harmony’. The standard of performance left the band personnel stunned, never mind the audience.

We are the Reason – D Meece arr. D Lever
Arranged by the Bon-Accord Silver Band’s Musical Director, David Lever, the band would like to dedicate this performance to Stewart. The title and emotions of the music are a fitting finale from the members of the Bon-Accord Silver Band to their founder.