In the spotlight: Alec Frank-Gemmill

Alec Frank-Gemmill, principal horn of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, is preparing to perform Mozart’s Horn Concert Number 4.

The 29-year-old, who lives in Edinburgh, offers some light-hearted musings ahead of concerts in Selkirk and Linlithgow on September 10 and 12.

Review: WSSO Trust Showcase Concert

West of Scotland Schools Concert Band & West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra

City Halls, Glasgow, August 24, 2015

Conductors: James Lowe and Nigel Boddice MBE

Gather two ensembles of the finest young musicians the west of Scotland has to offer. Add a talented tutorial and background team, season with artistic directors of global repute and the result is an evening to behold.

Review: Black Dyke Band’s 160th anniversary concert

A condensed version of this review first appeared in Brass Band World magazine in July 2015

A special anniversary requires a special party – and Black Dyke Band knows how to celebrate better than anyone else. Mark Good reports from a jam-packed Huddersfield Town Hall at the Queensbury band’s 160^th anniversary concert.

Young Voices: Matt Rowe

First published in Brass Band World magazine in July 2015

As a youngster, playing football was the dream for Matt Rowe. Then the 21-year-old euphonium player caught the music bug and is now donning the colours of the biggest names in the brass band world.

Young Voices: Ailsa Russell

First published in Brass Band World magazine in June 2015

Mark Good chats to tenor horn player, 23-year-old Ailsa Russell, who has established herself as one of the finest players of her generation and is poised to carve out a career in the military.

Young Voices: Jordan Robertson

First published in Brass Band World magazine in May 2015

Mark Good chats with the talented 16-year-old Scottish tenor trombone player, Jordan Robertson, who is already turning heads with her playing – and puts it all down to her upbringing in her local band!

Young Voices: Vincent Bearpark

First published in Brass Band World magazine in April 2015

Mark Good meets Swiss cornet player, Vincent Bearpark. The Yamaha Artist’s father played with one of the most famous names in banding and 21-year-old Vincent has also caught the brass playing bug.

The regions resonate!

First published in Brass Band World magazine in April 2015

The dust is settling on the seven UK Regional contests which have taken place since the last issue. With the help of Steve Jack, Tom Davoren and Jeremy Wise, Mark Good reflects on a hectic few weeks in the brass banding calendar.

Josiah Walters: On His Own Pilgrimage

Stirring his coffee in a bustling city centre café, the relief was palpable for Joe Walters.

A bass trombone student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), the 21-year-old from Carnoustie is also a talented composer.

His latest work – The Pilgrim – will provide the set test for bands competing in the Challenge Section at May’s European Brass Band Championships in Perth. His most substantial musical offering to date, the piece’s evolution often left its creator drained.

Photo by Alistair Merrill

Just the Two of Us

For some, it’s a teddy bear. Or a blanket. One of those battered, broken, faded yet utterly invaluable possessions which we cannot bear to part with.

Courtesy longzijun on Flickr