*
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    


NYBBGB

Ticket sales boost for National Youth Bands

July 5 • Tickets for the end of course performances of both the National Children's Band and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are bring snapped up quickly.


Tim Mutum

Mutum book gains plaudits to boost sales

July 5 • 'The Brass Band Hall of Fame' is proving to be a popular read — with plaudits helping add further information and insight to Tim Mutum's book.


the cooperation band

World Cup preview for the cooperation band

July 4 • Scotland is still in the draw for the brass band version of the World Cup — and you can hear how they are putting the final preparations in place ahead of Kerkrade.


Tredegar Carys

Essence of Tredegar enjoyed by young euph player

July 4 • 19 year old Carys Rycroft recently enjoyed her prize of a solo spotlight at a rehearsal with Tredegar Band.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd