Our story
A band built on belief.
From determined beginnings in 2009 to the welcoming and ambitious community band of today, Deveron River Brass has always been about opportunity, encouragement and making music together.
Where it began
A long-held dream becomes a band.
Deveron River Brass was founded in 2009 by Tam Horne, a dedicated brass teacher and conductor who had long dreamed of establishing his own band.
Tam brought together a group of young musicians he had taught, supported by several loyal and experienced adult players. A rehearsal hall was secured within a week, and Tam and his family personally funded the first instruments and music.
From those determined beginnings, Deveron River Brass grew around a shared belief in encouragement, opportunity and the enjoyment of making music together.
Those values still shape the band today.
Why Deveron River Brass?
From the beginning, the band was intended to serve a community wider than any one town, so a town-based name didn’t feel right. The River Deveron flows through Banff and Macduff and connects communities across the surrounding area. The name Deveron River Brass reflects our shared local roots and the wider community at the heart of the band.
The band today
Ambitious, inclusive and proudly local.
Deveron River Brass is a welcoming and inclusive community band based in Banff, Aberdeenshire.
The band is built around the traditional British brass-band line-up, with cornets, flugelhorn, tenor horns, baritones, euphoniums, trombones, basses and percussion. This gives us our distinctive sound and musical identity. We welcome players from different musical backgrounds and, where practical, work with individuals to help them find their place within the band.
We aim to be musically ambitious while remaining a place where players of different ages, backgrounds and experience can develop together. Our programmes combine the traditions of brass band music with film scores, contemporary favourites, imaginative concert themes and music chosen to entertain and connect with our audiences.
We are proud to support our local community through concerts, fundraising performances and appearances at events across the area. Whether we are performing a major themed concert or playing outdoors at a local gala, we want our audiences to feel part of the occasion.
For us, progress matters—but so do friendship, opportunity and the enjoyment of making music together.
Our Musical Director
Jill Murray
Following the passing of her father, Tam Horne, in April 2023, Jill Murray took over as Musical Director of Deveron River Brass the following month.
Jill has brought her own musical ideas and direction to the band, with a particular passion for repertoire and concert programming. She enjoys finding new music and creating programmes that balance contrasting styles, musical challenges and audience appeal.
Her approach combines developing the band's musical abilities with making the most of its individual players. She also writes and arranges music specifically for the band, tailoring pieces to its strengths and instrumentation.
“Music should take you somewhere. It should draw you in, hold your attention and leave an impression long after the last note.”
Be part of the next chapter
Come and make music with us.
Whether you would like to hear us perform, book the band for an event or discover playing for yourself, we would love to welcome you into the Deveron River Brass story.
We rehearse every Tuesday from 7.30–9.30pm at Banff Castle. This is our temporary rehearsal venue while Banff Parish Church is closed. New players are very welcome, and free lessons are available for beginners or anyone who would like a refresher.