History of the YWO

Jim Fraser
Jim Fraser

The YMCA Glasgow Wind Orchestra was founded in February 1982 when Jim Fraser, a local businessman and keen amateur musician, approached YMCA Glasgow to inquire about renting hall accommodation in order to start a Wind Band. Ken Mathers, General Secretary of YMCA Glasgow (also with a personal musical background) saw this as an opportunity to re-establish music-making within the YMCA and the two men worked together on the project.

From small beginnings with a handful of players, the band quickly grew until the orthodox line-up of a ‘military’ or concert band was established. Rehearsals were initially in the YMCA’s Saltmarket Neighbourhood Centre in Steel Street. After a few months, the first Musical Director was appointed. Major H.C.R. ‘Ben’ Bently held the post for 18 months or so and did invaluable groundwork by building repertoire and conducting performances. This included the first Tour, which was to The Hague at Easter 1983.

Jim Fraser
George Kerr

Michael Philip, an early member of the clarinet section, served as Musical Director from 1984-87 and was in turn succeeded by George Kerr. George was a founder-member of the band and brought to bear his considerable experience as an ex-military bandsman and clarinet teacher during his seven years in post.

When George stepped down in 1994 Michael Philip, who had spent some years pursuing other interests, re-applied for the post and was appointed Musical Director for the second time. He remains in post to the present day.

The YMCA Glasgow Wind Orchestra is proud to have celebrated its 27th Anniversary and is in good heart. The number of members and the standard of playing are both at an all-time high. We give concerts throughout the greater Glasgow area and the tour programme continues to flourish. A quarterly newsletter is available and it is an indication of the band’s success both musically and socially that so many former members keep in touch.

Special acknowledgement must be made of the invaluable support, both administrative and financial, which continues to be given by YMCA Glasgow. The success of the Orchestra as an institution is largely due to this long-term and vital commitment.