*
banner

4BR Tuesday Interview with James Gourlay

We catch up with the Scottish tuba virtuoso and MD of River City Brass to find more about musical and sporting life in Pennsylvania, and what the future holds — including for his beloved Scotland football team...

James Gourlay
  Jams Gourlay is enjoying life in Pittsburgh...

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

We've made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Pittsburgh where we are joined by tuba virtuoso and Director of Music of River City Brass Band, James Gourlay.

It follows the news that he is settling ever deeper roots in Pennsylvania with his promotion to the role of Director of Bands and Conductor in Residence at Duquesne University.

Long way

He's certainly come a long way from Methil in Fife and the Tullis Russell Band, but as he says, he thoroughly enjoying life in a city with a reputation for being such a vibrant centre for the arts and sports.

He also talks about his role with River City Brass and how he feels its so important to market brass bands well to attract a new post Covid-19 audience.

All that and he still has time to dance his support for the Scottish football team Euro 2020 efforts too...

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    


Louis Kroni

Report & Results: 2025 Swiss National Solo & Quartet Championship

April 15 • Soprano player Louis Kroni is the new Swiss Solo Champion as 188 competitors take part in the 50th anniversary event in Bern.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band attraction close to sell out

April 15 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in concert this weekend you had better be quick.


Gregson

Dutch tribute to Gregson at National Championships

April 13 • The 2025 Dutch National Championships will feature five major compositions from the pen of Edward Gregson to honour his 80th birthday.


NYBBGB

National Youth principals lead the way to Tidworth

April 13 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is working hard towards its Easter Course Concert this coming weekend.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Alder Valley Brass

April 16 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section (L&SC, National finalists 2023) band with an ongoing blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10 on Mon and Thur in Farnham Surrey


Alder Valley Brass

April 15 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an. ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section (L&SC, National finalists. 2023) band with an ongoing blend of engagements, concerts and. contests. We rehearse 8-10 on Mon and Thur in. Farnham Surrey


Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band

April 14 • LGB Brass are recruiting for a new Musical Director to join our thriving and aspirational organisation and take us onto the next stage of our musical journey. We are a 2nd section contesting band with a varied calendar of concerts and events.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd