150 years of musical history could be wiped out after it was revealed that the band are unable to compete in various contests across the year due to a significant drop in player numbers.
This has been a concern for a number of years due to young musicians leaving for uni and the coronavirus pandemic.
And now they have made an urgent plea to get more people picking up instruments and joining them.
A band spokesman said: “We are now desperately in need of new players to stabilise and keep it viable for the future.
“This is an urgent appeal to anyone who has previously played or any ex-players of the band who would like to pick up an instrument again.
“We rehearse on a Monday and Wednesday from 7.30 pm to 9 pm and have high quality instruments available.
“Our training band rehearses on a Monday and Friday from 6 pm to 7 pm and provides tuition for complete beginners. We rehearse at Noblehill Community Centre.
“If this plea for help doesn’t help the band bring in new players then decisions will have to be made on the future of Dumfries Town Band.
“Don’t let 150 years of Dumfries Town Band disappear.”
The spokesman stated that brass bands across the country are facing the same problems of attracting players and are struggling to keep going. This could be down to lack of interest in something perceived as ‘uncool’ and also the reduction in funding at education level to motivate interest and opportunity.
They have shared their plea online and already have a potential four or five new beginners.
The spokesman added: “Hopefully we can now find a few more players that can come join the band.
“Even if you’re a uni student who’s only here for a year or someone that hasn’t played in years and wants to return to playing, we welcome all brass players.”
