*
banner

Besson sign up inspirational euph talent

Scott Kerr and Chris Shanks are the latest high profile signings to the Besson stable of performance artists.

Kerr
  Chris Shanks and Scott Kerr are leading players and educators

Besson has welcomed two new high profile euphonium signings to its international stable of artist performers.

Scott Kerr and Chris Shanks are regarded as two of Scotland's leading performers as well as being inspirational educators determined to nurture future generations of brass players.

Delighted

Buffet Crampon UK & Ireland Sales Manager Euan Meikle told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome Chris and Scott to the Besson family.

We believe they will be inspirational ambassadors in both the brass band and education communities, especially in connecting to the next generation of performers.

Scott and Chris share the Besson ethos, have a wonderful working dynamic and are driven to support others on their musical journey. We are really looking forward to a strong relationship and exciting ventures in the future with them and especially with the new innovative projects that they will creating."

We believe they will be inspirational ambassadors in both the brass band and education communities, especially in connecting to the next generation of performersBesson

Graduates

Scott Kerr is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with passion for education and music. He is a principal teacher in Clydebank High School and is the solo euphonium of Whitburn Band.

He has also performed as solo euphonium with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, European Youth Brass Band as well as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Flanders Symphony Orchestra.

Chris Shanks studied at the Royal Academy of Music & Drama and is currently Faculty Head of Music and Drama at John Paul Academy in Glasgow.

He has been solo euphonium with Bellshill Salvation Army Band and has featured as guest soloist in the UK, Europe and USA. He is also the conductor of the West Scotland Divisional Youth Band and Household Troops Band. Chris is due to attend the renowned Star Lake Music School as a conductor/tutor in the USA in 2021.

He is also a respected adjudicator for the Scottish Concert Band Festival as well as having played with many of the top concert bands in the UK.

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

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd