*
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    


Ambassadors

NYBBGB Ambassadors inspiring future generations on outreach tour

July 7 • Over 4,000 primary school pupils will enjoy performances form the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Ambassador Ensemble over the next few days.


Herbert

Discount rate on The Brass Band Story

July 7 • Yale University Press Publishing is offering a special discount on Prof Trevor Herbert's new book about the banding movement.


Broderick

New top man at Hammonds

July 7 • Luke Broderick will take the principal cornet seat at the leading Yorkshire band.


Jedforest

Royal connection for Jedforest

July 7 • It seems the performance of Jedforest Instrumental Band brought back brass playing memories for King Charles III.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

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


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd