*
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    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd