Gordon Melrose (lead)

Gordon started playing tenor horn at the age of 12 at Galashiels Academy and progressed to trombone one year later. Played with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland from 1973-75. He played in various brass bands, and was Scottish Junior Solo Champion in 1973. Joined BBB in1978, and was later the Musical Director for two years. He was a member of the Tweed Valley Jazz Band for several years and is now also playing with Edinburgh based jazz band - The Dave Keir Hot 5.

Ted Wheadon

Ted Wheadon Started playing tuba and trombone in a Salvation Army band from an early age up to 21 when National Service and rebellion replaced brass banding. Took up trombone again many years later to alleviate boredom whilst working in the Middle East and his first "official" function was to play for the Jeddah Operatic Society performing Die Fledermaus in the open air in the British Embassy grounds to the accompaniment of nearby mating feral cats!!!! First introduced to Big Bands whilst working in the north of Scotland when he finally learned to read bass clef properly. Joined the Borders Big Band after moving down for work in 1984. Ted also plays in Berwick based band 'Night Rhythms'. Ted is currently BBB Secretary.

Neil Short (Bass trombone)

Neil Short Neil began his playing career as a pupil of Jim Main (a member of our trumpet section) at Galashiels Academy. He moved on to student life in Edinburgh and managed to “bluff his way” into the University Orchestra.
Over the years he has kept up his orchestral connections with stints in the Scottish Sinfonia, the Meadows Chamber Orchestra and a number of other groups. He began his apprenticeship in big bands during the nineteen eighties in the Falkirk based Vern Roper Band.
He currently plays trombone with the Edinburgh Light Orchestra and tenor sackbut with the Edinburgh Renaissance Band and after playing as a dep. on a number of occasions is now a fully “paid up” member of the BBB.

John Hind

John Hind Joined the Borders Big Band in 2004.
He started learning the Tenor Horn with Galashiels Town Band in 1949 playing for the main band shortly after. In 1954 he moved to Walkerburn playing for Peebles Silver Band where he moved onto Trombone - soon to be promoted to Solo Trombone !.
After spending some time in London he took the solo trombone seat in the Innerleithen band during the 1960's.
John has played in almost all the Border Brass Bands at some time either as a signed player or as a guest. He also played for the Newmains Band on 2nd Trombone in the 1970's when working in motherwell and spent holidays playing for bands in the North West of England. He currently plays 1st Baritone for Jedforest Instrumental Band which he joined in 1997.