*
banner

4BR Tuesday Interview with James Gourlay

We catch up with the Scottish tuba virtuoso and MD of River City Brass to find more about musical and sporting life in Pennsylvania, and what the future holds — including for his beloved Scotland football team...

James Gourlay
  Jams Gourlay is enjoying life in Pittsburgh...

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

We've made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Pittsburgh where we are joined by tuba virtuoso and Director of Music of River City Brass Band, James Gourlay.

It follows the news that he is settling ever deeper roots in Pennsylvania with his promotion to the role of Director of Bands and Conductor in Residence at Duquesne University.

Long way

He's certainly come a long way from Methil in Fife and the Tullis Russell Band, but as he says, he thoroughly enjoying life in a city with a reputation for being such a vibrant centre for the arts and sports.

He also talks about his role with River City Brass and how he feels its so important to market brass bands well to attract a new post Covid-19 audience.

All that and he still has time to dance his support for the Scottish football team Euro 2020 efforts too...

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    


Kerkrade

World Cup draws made...

November 26 • The global battles for WMC titles in Kerkrade have been made.


That

Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 12

November 26 • The Brighouse brace are back with their viewpoints and opinions of the latest going-ons in the banding world — the coop to coffins and more.


Fodens

Foden's welcome percussion addition

November 26 • Ollie Jackson joins the percussion ranks at Foden's Band


Granite City

Granite enjoy 175th anniversary celebrations

November 26 • Music, history and well deserved awards were on offer at Granite City's recent 175th anniversary concert.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Dobcross Silver Band

November 25 • Due to family commitments we have a rare vacancy for an Eb BASS PLAYER. . As current NW Area 3rd Section Champions and 2025 National Champions we start our journey in the 2nd Section in 2026! Are you the missing piece to our otherwise full band?


Fulham Brass Band

November 25 • Fulham Brass Band are seeking an inspirational and talented Musical Director to take the band forward and guide our return to the L&SC Championship Section. . . We rehearse on Monday evenings 7.15-9.45 at St Etheldreda's Church, Fulham Palace Road, London.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd