*
banner

Besson sign up inspirational euph talent

Scott Kerr and Chris Shanks are the latest high profile signings to the Besson stable of performance artists.

Kerr
  Chris Shanks and Scott Kerr are leading players and educators

Besson has welcomed two new high profile euphonium signings to its international stable of artist performers.

Scott Kerr and Chris Shanks are regarded as two of Scotland's leading performers as well as being inspirational educators determined to nurture future generations of brass players.

Delighted

Buffet Crampon UK & Ireland Sales Manager Euan Meikle told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome Chris and Scott to the Besson family.

We believe they will be inspirational ambassadors in both the brass band and education communities, especially in connecting to the next generation of performers.

Scott and Chris share the Besson ethos, have a wonderful working dynamic and are driven to support others on their musical journey. We are really looking forward to a strong relationship and exciting ventures in the future with them and especially with the new innovative projects that they will creating."

We believe they will be inspirational ambassadors in both the brass band and education communities, especially in connecting to the next generation of performersBesson

Graduates

Scott Kerr is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with passion for education and music. He is a principal teacher in Clydebank High School and is the solo euphonium of Whitburn Band.

He has also performed as solo euphonium with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, European Youth Brass Band as well as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Flanders Symphony Orchestra.

Chris Shanks studied at the Royal Academy of Music & Drama and is currently Faculty Head of Music and Drama at John Paul Academy in Glasgow.

He has been solo euphonium with Bellshill Salvation Army Band and has featured as guest soloist in the UK, Europe and USA. He is also the conductor of the West Scotland Divisional Youth Band and Household Troops Band. Chris is due to attend the renowned Star Lake Music School as a conductor/tutor in the USA in 2021.

He is also a respected adjudicator for the Scottish Concert Band Festival as well as having played with many of the top concert bands in the UK.

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    


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd