*
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    


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Spring Festival

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Flowers

Media boost for Flowers after Linz triumph

April 29 • The Flowers Band are in media demand after being crowned European Champion — with a television spotlight tonight.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd