*
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    


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Brass at Beamish March & Hymn Tune contest

June 23 • All beaming smiles for Bathgate as they retain their grip on the popular march and hymn tune title.


Milnrow

Report & Result: 2026 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune

June 23 • Milnrow adds to British Open contesting funds with double top victory in Darwen.


Flowers band celebrating their historic European triumph

World Rankings: June 2026

June 22 • Flowers bloom as Gloucester band reach No. 1 in the world after historic European triumph.


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd