*
banner

Johnstone make new friends across the world

The Johnstone Band has joined the trend for self-isolated performances — resulting in friendly responses from across the globe.

Friends
  The band has recorded a version of the theme tune to the popular American sit-com series

The COVID-19 pandemic may have brought live performances to a temporary halt for members of Johnstone Band but that hasn't stopped the Scottish band from striking a chord with audiences.

They have followed the 'virtual performance' trend during the lockdown measures with their rendition of the theme tune from iconic TV series, 'Friends'.

Fun project

Commenting on the initiative, Band chairperson June Deans told 4BR: "It's been a fun project, and we've had some lovely feedback. It's great to have something positive to work on and it also helps to keep us playing until we can get back together."

Band members recorded their part individually before MD, Mark Good brought the clips together to create the overall performance, which was then shared via social media.

At a time when we all need our friends more than ever, this upbeat music felt like the perfect choice to remind our loved ones we are all there for each otherMD, Mark Good

Momentum

As well as helping the Renfrewshire band keep in touch with its local fans it has also built on the momentum created after their podium finish at the Scottish Championships earlier in the year, something Mark was keen to point out.

"We had a positive start to the year so it was unfortunate, but completely understandable, when proceedings were brought to a halt when the lockdown came into force.

The virtual performances have provided a great way of making music and keeping practising so the band can hit the ground running when the time is right.

At a time when we all need our friends more than ever, this upbeat music felt like the perfect choice to remind our loved ones we are all there for each other."

Enjoy

You can enjoy the performance at: https://www.facebook.com/102721346447475/videos/332199571097788/

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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd