*
banner

Co-op appoint Ramsay

Scottish Champions Co-operative Funeralcare appoint Allan Ramsay as their new Associate Musical Director.

Allan Ramsay
 

The Co-operative Funeralcare Band has announced the appointment of one of Scotland’s most experienced conductors, Allan Ramsay, as their new Associate Musical Director.

Combining

A former principal cornet of the band, Allan commented to 4BR: "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being back at Co-op in a playing capacity since the beginning of the year. I’m now looking forward to combining my playing with conducting responsibilities and working in conjunction with the band’s professional conductors."

I’m now looking forward to combining my playing with conducting responsibilities and working in conjunction with the band’s professional conductorsAllan Ramsay

Signings

The Scottish Champion has also secured the signings of three quality players to bolster the ranks ahead of their British Open challenge in Birmingham in a few weeks time.

The talented Andrea Casey will take over on flugel Horn chair following her guest appearance with the band at the West Lothian Festival, whilst Daniel Fairley joins the percussion section.

Daniel has also recently played Co-op and is the currently the principal percussionist of the National Youth Band of Scotland.

Finally, the vastly experienced Keith Johnston, the former principal cornet of Unison Kinneil joins the cornet team.

Musical excellence

Band Chairman Paul Kiernan told 4BR: “These appointments headed by Allan are excellent news for the band. We are delighted that Andrea, Daniel and Keith have accepted our invitation to join us. The talent and experience they will bring will go a long way to assist us on our drive for musical excellence."

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

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd