HISTORY

1972 to Present Day

The band was reformed in 1972 with 12 members after a music teacher from Perth Academy advertised for players. As the band's instruments had been presented to the local Education Department when the band was dissolved 14 years previously, a concerted fund raising effort was required to provide a new set of instruments.
The band continued to grow throughout the 1970's and was able to claim a membership of around 30 members in 1980.
A significant date in the band's calendar around this time was the production of a Christmas charity concert in conjunction with other artistes. 1978 saw the band join forces with Perth Amateur Operatic Society in Perth City Hall. In 1979, the venue was St. Ninians Cathedral Hall with the Cathedral Opera Group and 1980 saw a return to the City hall for the "Stars on Sunday" concert with a star studded cast including local luminary, Walter Carr.

Of late, the Band has suffered a drop in membership meaning that competing has not been a viable proposition. The band last participated in the fourth section of the Scottish Amateur Brass Band Association (S.A.B.B.A) Championships in 1995.
In 1996, the band received a welcome boost when a grant from the National Lottery was awarded. This allowed for the purchase of a set of uniforms and some new instruments.

It was the end of an era in January 2000 when the RSAS club in St. Leonards Bank, the long time home of the Band, closed. The Band then rehearsed in the Letham Bowling Club for a few months until the beginning of the bowling season forced another move to the Salvation Army Hall in King Edwards Street. The imminent demolition of this building resulted in a relocation in November 2000 to the St. Andrews Church in Atholl Street courtesy of the YMCA.
This search for a home was mirrored in 1947 when the band was seeking new premises after the then Exchange Bar was to be converted to a club by the British Legion. The situation was deemed to be so serious that disbandment was considered a distinct possibility unless a solution was found. A band spokesman, Mr. William McNab, looked to the Town Council for assistance and suggested one of the many condemned houses in the area as suitable for conversion to a permanent band hall. He went on to say, in a statement that could be considered just as true over fifty years later, that "Any Gentleman willing to help and take them out of this terrible hardship, will be doing a great service to the Bandsmen and to the citizens of Perth."

The band continues today with players drawn from both Perth and the surrounding regions and performs a varied calendar of engagements throughout Perth and its environs.

Comments, additions and amendments are welcome and can be submitted to

Written: October 2000
Revised: December 2002, October 2003