Two of the brass bands movement’s most respected elder statesmen recently celebrated birthdays.

90 & 92

James Scott (above) enjoyed a surprise 90th birthday party held in his honour at Saddleworth Golf Club, although slightly under the pre-tense of a Kings of Brass reunion, whilst Dennis Masters enjoyed his 92nd birthday with family and friends earlier in the same week.

In musical careers that stretch back to the ‘golden age’ of the brass band movement, both men have given pleasure to countless audiences in leading various brass bands at all levels.

4BR believes it makes Dennis the oldest living National Championship title winning conductor in the world4BR

National titles

Both also led bands to National titles — James in the Championship Section with Brighouse & Rastrick in 1973, with Dennis directing Langley to Second Section glory in 1957, during a remarkable 40 year tenure as their Musical Director, which started in 1950.

4BR believes it makes Dennis the oldest living National Championship title winning conductor in the world.