*
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    


Foden's Band

Report & Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray claim the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require an Eb bass player. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall in Rugby, the band has a growing schedule of concerts and contests as well as social events.


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 14 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd