*
banner

Scots snobs stamp on brass

It seems that ‘snobbish’ attitudes towards brass players isn’t just confined to those in the orchestral world of London.

RAH
 

At a recent concert given by the world famous tenor Andrea Bocelli in Glasgow, the local Herald newspaper’s music critic Marianne Gunn heaped praised on the tenor for not missing a note when a butterfly flew into his face.

Humanitarian act

By all accounts this amazing piece of humanitarian action brought swoons of unprecedented admiration from members of the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union who were accompanying Andrea on the night.

Darker tone

However, those opinions soon turned a darker tone when it was revealed that one choir member made the revelation that the poor creature had eventually come to rest next to a member of the horn section of the British Philharmonic Orchestra, who promptly, '...stood on it' – much to the distress of the hardy singers its appears.

The report on the concert then indicated that this action said a lot about the type of people who play in the brass sections of orchestras4BR

Types

The report on the concert then indicated that this action said a lot about the type of people who play in the brass sections of orchestras.

Ouch!

Trumpet reply

However, the following day the paper received a reply from the great trumpet player John Wallace stating that; "…horns are not strictly brass instruments and should be classified as woodwind because of their many embarrassing behavioural traits of which the above is just a symptom."

Double ouch!

For more
For more about the story, go to:
http://www.heraldscotland.com/

Thanks to Angus Cochrane

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Tredegar Hall

Tredegar reconnect with Dance partner

October 17 • Dr Matthew Hall has returned to his role as Composer in Residence with Tredegar Band


Brass Monkeys

Death of Steve Edwards

October 17 • The death has been announced of the popular player and podcaster Steve Edwards.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd