Fife composer Bruce Fraser

Fife composer, conductor and educationalist Bruce Fraser has died suddenly at the age of 69.

Mr Fraser suffered a suspected heart attack.

He began conducting in the early 1980s with Buckhaven and Methil Band and worked with several other Scottish bands, including Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, the City of Discovery and Dysart Colliery bands.

In 2006 he led the City of Discovery Brass Band to the Scottish Championship title.

With wife Pat he set up Lomond Music in 1982 to publish music, in particular for school brass and wind bands, and many of its pieces are used in classrooms across the country.

He had a huge number of his own titles published worldwide and composed commissions for various groups, including From Tea Slopes to Tenements, a choral work for Glasgow Chamber Choir, From Sea to Sky for Kirkcaldy Old Kirk Trust and the Queen’s Wake for Cupar Choral Society.

His works also include Imperium, Alta Vista, the Seafarers and Verona Light.

He was known to many through his teaching career, as a former head of music at Buckhaven High School.

Mr Fraser was also a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and judged at the European Youth Championships, Scottish Championships and others.

Tributes have been paid by numerous bands he worked with over the years.

Buckhaven and Methil Miners’ Brass Band described him as a “true gentleman who will be sadly missed” and played his Ground Pavan at its rehearsal as a mark of respect.

Dysart Colliery Silver Band said that as its conductor and musical director, Mr Fraser served with “dignity and distinction”, leading it through a difficult time in its history.

Brass Central Strathearn described him as a “fantastic composer, educator and conductor”.

As well as Pat, Mr Fraser is survived by daughter Lynne.

Mr Fraser began conducting in the early 1980s.