*
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    


John Wallace

Festival tribute to Wallace

August 5 • The musical legacy of John Wallace CBE will be marked by the cooperation band and a host of leading Scottish ensembles as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.


Will Norman

Tredegar welcomes Norman return

August 5 • Will Norman returns to the flugel horn seat at Tredegar Band.


Cerys

New flugel adds to Cory summer signings

August 5 • Cerys Nicholson completes a hat-trick of signings at Welsh champion.


Ellie Watson

Social media boost for York Nationals

August 5 • Ellie Watson will be on hand in York to help boost the social media profile of the competing bands and the event as a whole.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd