LOCHABER COMMUNITY WIND BAND was founded in 1996 at the initiative of John G. Whyte, who has been the Band’s conductor and prime motivator ever since.

Our objective is to provide an outlet for the musical talents of amateur players throughout Lochaber, and to contribute to the cultural diversity of the area by performing at a large variety of community venues - indoors and outdoors, large and small.

In recognition of the Band’s contribution to the local community, the Scottish Arts Council awarded us a generous Lottery Grant - all of which has gone towards the purchase of new high-quality wind instruments and specialised percussion instruments. 

 

 

 

"We play for all sizes of audience
- whatever the weather"

 Our members come from all over Lochaber and represent a wide variety of age groups, musical backgrounds, preferences and levels of experience.  What we all have in common is the joy of playing a musical instrument, which we increase many times over by playing together.

So - if YOU play a wind or percussion instrument, or if you would like to play one, why not join us? We are happy to welcome novices as well as proficient players, and we operate an Equal Opportunities policy. All are welcome but currently we have vacancies in Tuba, Trumpet, Oboe and Tenor Saxophone. See the contact page for contact details.
Musical Director

We have been led from the outset by John Whyte from Glenfinnan. John is a Trombone player at heart but plays all the brass family of instruments. He is the Brass Instructor for Lochaber Schools based at Lochaber High School, coming to Lochaber to take up this role in 1974. Like many Brass instructors his background is a Military Band one, having played for 3 years with the Scots Guards, based in London. He also is MD to the Lochaber Schools Wind Band, and is used as instructor for the Highland Schools Wind Band and the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra. He plays regularly with the Rooty-ma-Toot Swing Band.