*
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    


bbw

The latest issue of Brass Band World Magazine is now out

July 28 • The July/August edition of the leading banding magazine is now out and is packed with news, views, reviews and articles.


mEGAN

Cory sign Newbery

July 28 • Cornet player Megan Newbery has joined the Welsh champion.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies head to Elgar Summer School

July 28 • Band Supplies will bring a packed trade stand to the Elgar International Brass Band Summer School.


Bandamonium

Bandamonium on demand after global reach

July 28 • You can sit back and enjoy the great entertainment on show from the recent Bandamonium event held in Devon on the weekend.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to complete our horn section. 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.


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the 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.


Chinnor Silver

July 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (3rd) at 11am in our bandroom.. If your band is taking a summer break and you fancy keeping your lip in with a friendly,relaxed rehearsal come and join us.All abilities welcome and its all free with tea & cake.


Ian Holmes

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd