*
banner

Interview with John McDonnell MP

4BR Editor Iwan Fox finds out why the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer has taken up trombone playing — as well as his opinions on the importance of music teaching and services in schools.

John
  The Labour MP is now a keen learner of the trombone.

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

It's the Weekend interview on 4BR and we are joined by John McDonnell — Labour MP for Hayes & Harlington and the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Deputy Leader of Greater London Council, Trade Unionist — and aspiring trombone player.

When John has been interviewed on leading political programmes, he has appeared not in front of a bookcase filled with weighty political biographies, but with a trombone, music stand and a 'Tune a Day' book neatly placed in the corner of his room.

We find out more about his new found love and desire to learn the instrument as well as wider opinions about the importance of music provision and teaching in schools.

He also talks about why he thinks the European Championships will offer a boost to banding's profile, and his promise to play the trombone to help march Labour into Parliament if they win the next election playing the 'Red Flag!'

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    


Peter Fraser MBE

Death of Peter Fraser MBE

November 7 • The death has been announced of one of Scottish banding's most significant administrators and banding personalities.


Andrew Duncan

Duncan tenure ends at Dalmellington

November 7 • The two year musical partnership between Andrew Duncan and Dalmellington Band has come to an end.


Andrew White

White takes reins at Boarshurst Silver

November 7 • The experienced Andrew White has become the new MD at Boarshurst Silver Band


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 18

November 7 • More from the podcast with a North Wales banding accent — this time with an interview with conductor and cornet star Russell Gray.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 9 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Delph Band - Remembrance Sunday Concert

Sunday 9 November • Delph Band Club. Lawton Square, . Delph, . Oldham OL3 5DT


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Petworth Town Band

November 6 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS and TUBA. We are a very active band with a very inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We rehearse once a week and would welcome all new players to the band


Wotton-under-Edge Silver Band

November 4 • We are a busy and very friendly 2nd section band with 5 current vacancies - FRONT ROW CORNET – BACK ROW CORNET- EUPHONIUM - Bb BASS - PERCUSSION. We rehearse on Tuesdays & Thursdays near our lovely home town, just a short drive from M5, J14.


Harlow Brass Band

November 4 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd