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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."

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