*
banner

End of era at Scottish Academy

A new chapter begins at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama as a great Head of Brass takes a final bow.

rcs
 

From the 1st September the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama will be known as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, bringing to the end another chapter in the history of the highly regarded institution.

Concept

The concept of an aspiring training facility can be traced back to 1847 (Glasgow Athenaeum), having had its name changed to the RSAMD in 1968.

Nigel Boddice, who lectures on instrumental performance told 4BR: "The new era will see the institution embrace the future and forge ahead with confidence in many a subject material to include music, drama, film, dance, jazz and traditional Scottish music."

End of era

September 1st will equally be the end of an era in the world renowned brass department at the RSAMD too.

After 15 years as Head of Brass, Bryan Allen is leaving his post to enjoy the next chapter of his life and career.

Nigel added: "Bryan has done as much as anybody in Scotland to fuel a wonderful renaissance, now enjoyed by all Scottish brass outlets. There are many professional players around the world indebted to his guidance, all having enjoyed the extended family feeling cultivated for the students from within the RSAMD."

Bryan has done as much as anybody in Scotland to fuel a wonderful renaissance, now enjoyed by all Scottish brass outletsNigel Boddice

Respect

He added: "There is so much respect from his brass staff colleagues too for the support and opportunity facilitated and shared throughout his tenure. There has been equally more brass band activity [and concert band activity] gifted to the amateur music making world through Bryan’s enterprise, as such, more than anyone can mind in living memory."

Brass band return

Nigel concluded: "He therefore leaves with much for all music lovers to reflect upon, and to be grateful and appreciative. On the upside though, there will be more time now for Bryan to return to the brass band fold and use his vast experience as a conductor and adjudicator for the good of all — not to mention his expertise as a first class professional trumpeter."

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    


Whit Friday

Tameside ready for Whit Friday contest day

June 13 • Tameside is ready to welcome the bands and supporters at each of its 11 venues this year.


Whit Friday

Saddleworth Whit Friday Contests

June 13 • There is plenty of competitive music making to enjoy at the 11 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday venues this year.


Whit Friday

Whit Friday focus of celebrations and competitions

June 13 • It's the day when banding hits the streets in Tameside and Saddleworth.


NYBBGB

Quartet of youthful premieres to be showcased by NYBBGB

June 12 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will showcase four world premieres as part of its Sumer Course Concert in London.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


West Wycombe Brass Band

June 11 • We are looking for players. Flugel and Horns. Positions negotiable . Non contesting, easy going, friendly band. Sensible engagement list. Some instruments available. Playing or returning, come along and see for yourself.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd