*
banner

4BR Friday Interview with Brian Rankine

4BR catches up with the great Scottish cornet and trumpet player to look back in time over a remarkable 60 year musical career — and one that was marked at its start by a wonderful presentation.

  How times flies...

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Brian Rankine — one of Scotland's finest cornet and trumpet players.

He looks back on his career which this weekend sees the 60th anniversary of him being presented with a gold watch by Kirkcaldy Town Council in recognition of the successes he had already achieved as a 14 year old (above).

And what a career it has been — from being both a Junior and Senior Champion Soloist of Great Britain, Scottish Champion and Terris Medal winner to enjoying a fantastic professional career playing with and under some of the finest musicians in the world — including a certain Gilbert Vinter.

He talks modestly about his achievements — and his one regret of not being able to tell Gilbert Vinter just how close his band Kinneil Colliery came to winning the 1965 National Championship of Great Britain title on his test-piece 'Triumphant Rhapsody'.


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    


Cory

Cory return to contest action after memorable tour

November 10 • The National champion is getting ready for a slightly shorter trip this weekend to Brass in Concert after recently returning form a memorable tour to the Canada and the USA.


Remembrance Day

Marsden image marks Remembrance Day

November 10 • Images taken of Marsden Sliver Band's bass and marching drums by photographer Lorne Campbell were seen by newspaper readers across the country on the weekend.


Maurice Andre

Huge field of contenders for Maurice Andre International Trumpet Competition

November 10 • 100 candidates from 27 countries will test themselves in competition to try and claim the prestigious trumpet title.


Concert

Orbital masterclasses offer prelude to Scottish premiere

November 10 • The final commissioning premiere of Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' will take place in Scotland later this month — aided by a masterclass given Martyn Brabbins.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd