*
banner

Fernie moved by life affirming trip to Africa

Composer Alan Fernie has just returned from an amazing musical experience in Uganda as part of the Brass for Africa charity.

Alan Fernie
 

Well known Scottish musician Alan Fernie has hailed a 'life-affirming' project that uses music to help improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in Africa.

The respected conductor, adjudicator and educator spoke after returning from a two-month working visit with the charity Brass for Africa in the Ugandan capital Kampala, which saw him teach, conduct and oversee the existing music staff and running of a vitally important Saturday music school (above).

Focus in life

Alan, who is the visiting Principal of Brass Learning with Brass for Africa stated: "Working with the young people was life-affirming. They are tremendous at facing all sorts of difficulties in life. Most of them are street kids, homeless, but this project gives them a focus in life.

The skills the music teachers are learning stand them in good stead for whatever path they choose to go down.

One is studying law and another is pursuing accountancy, and that is thanks to the wonderful opportunities they have been given with this project."

Guide

During his time in Kampala, Alan also helped guide several students through their Associated Board grade exams and conducted M-Lisada Brass Band in a CD recording project which included his work and music by Jim Trott, executive director at Brass for Africa.

The trip comes as Alan revealed that a new deal with publishing company Obrasso offers him the opportunity to accept commissions from other organisations, and he now hopes to return to the city as Brass for Africa continues to develop.

Working with the young people was life-affirming. They are tremendous at facing all sorts of difficulties in life. Most of them are street kids, homeless, but this project gives them a focus in lifeAlan Fernie

Worked tirelessly

Jim Trott added: "During his time with us, Alan worked tirelessly to further the musical, personal and professional development of Brass for Africa's beneficiaries and staff.

He trained the bands and conductors, worked in the outreach programmes teaching extremely disadvantaged children and mentored our young teachers. He spent hours teaching one on one, composed several new pieces for the bands and solos for individual musicians and led the CD recording."

Legacy

Jim added: "All this and he introduced a huge amount of new repertoire, opening the eyes and minds of many to new music and techniques. He left an incredible legacy in a relatively short space of time."

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    


British Open

British Open countdown: 50 days to go

July 18 • There are now fewer than 140 premium tickets to be snapped up for the 171st British Open.


Williams

More milestones to achieve for Williams duo

July 18 • New musical avenues will be marked by yet more milestones for Glyn and Helen Williams.


Olav Skar

New Nordic President at coop

July 18 • Olav M Skar has reconnected with the cooperation band in his new role as Band President.


Tongan

Life changing opportunity for Tongan youth

July 18 • The first Tongan Youth Band course is looking for support to help give musical youngsters a life changing opportunity.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedford Town Band

July 18 • Bedford Town Band have vacancies for 1st trombone, 1st horn, EEb and BBb bass. We have several concerts and Wychavon contest in the Autumn. In the last few years the band won the Butlins 2nd section , been promoted to 1st section then 3rd at Wychavon


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd