Top Honors for IDB Stalwart!

Irvine & Dreghorn Brass are incredibly proud (and delighted) to share with our community that our very own John Boax has been awarded the Worshipful Company of Musicians Mortimer Medal.

This award is bestowed annually on an individual deemed to have made an outstanding lifetime contribution to the UK brass banding movement and education.

John has been active as a brass musician for over 40 years now. His brass roots stem back to Kilmarnock Concert Brass. Playing cornet & flugel horn, John has since made significant contributions to countless bands across Scotland as a player, teacher, musical director and inspiration.

In 1985, John started work in support of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland where he has served since as a player, tutor, administrator and exemplary leader helping to drive and maintain brass music education across Scotland.

John also works as a peripatetic Brass Music Instructor across North Ayrshire which has further allowed him to spread his passion for the performing arts to children and young people.

In addition to all of that, John is a long standing and very highly regarded member of the Irvine & Dreghorn Brass Family. John is always on hand to support the band when required, whether that be playing, teaching, conducting or just giving his unwavering support and guidance. John currently runs (and has for some considerable time) our IDB Youth Pathway programme with great success as our recent youth concerts and performances will attest!

The Mortimer medal is one of the most prestigious awards available in the performing arts community and it is not granted lightly. We can't think of anyone more deserving of this award as a result of their continuing efforts and passion for the cause!

Congratulations John - unquestionably deserved!