*
banner

How to play the C saw...

Strata Brass tuba player Charles Hindmarsh lets rip a version of 'On Ilkla Moor baht' at' on the famous Yorkshire moor...

Saw
  All the notes are sharp...

Strata Brass tuba player and violinist Charles Hindmarsh plays an unique rendition of 'On Ilkla Moor baht' at' on the famous hillside near Ilkley in West Yorkshire.

Charles uses a violin bow on the and saw to create a musical sound was first used in Victorian music hall acts and which provided entertainment around the world in communities as far afield as Alaska and New Zealand.

Unique sound

The IT manager from Horsforth, West Yorkshire, plays violin in local amateur orchestras as well as with Strata Brass and told photographer Lorne Campbell: "It's an interesting and unique sound, and I've been invited to many bizarre engagements to play the instrument."

Charles has played the saw since he was 10, added: "It's a concert pitch C saw, although oddly all the notes are sharp…

You really have to watch your fingers."

Picture: Lorne Campbell/Guzelian

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    


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Brass at Beamish March & Hymn Tune contest

June 23 • All beaming smiles for Bathgate as they retain their grip on the popular march and hymn tune title.


Milnrow

Report & Result: 2026 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune

June 23 • Milnrow adds to British Open contesting funds with double top victory in Darwen.


Flowers band celebrating their historic European triumph

World Rankings: June 2026

June 22 • Flowers bloom as Gloucester band reach No. 1 in the world after historic European triumph.


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd