*
banner

4BR Monday Bank Holiday Interview with James Fountain

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to the player who follows in the footsteps of Willie Lang, Howard Snell, Maurice Murphy and Philip Cobb as the principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Fountain
  James Fountain follows in a remarkable line of principal trumpet players hailing from the banding movement

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

It's a special 4BR Bank Holiday interview today with James Fountain — the newly appointed principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra.

James is well known in the banding world with a background that includes being principal cornet with the GUS, Grimethorpe Colliery and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and he moves to the LSO after enjoying 18 months at the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Lineage

He now follows in the footsteps of a remarkable lineage of brass band players to hold what is arguably one of the most prestigious trumpet roles in the orchestra world — one which over the years has been graced by the likes of Willie Lang, Howard Snell, Maurice Murphy, Rod Franks and latterly, by Philip Cobb.

He talks to Iwan Fox about the appointment process, the respect brass banding has in the orchestral world and what the future holds — plus a few tips to those who want to follow in his footsteps.

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    


That's Not Banding

Podcast: That's Not Banding: Norway Special — Episode 17

March 18 • Find out how the dynamic duo enjoyed themselves at this year's Norwegian National Championships.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

March 18 • More music to enjoy over the airwaves from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge with a broadcast from the West of England Area Championships.


EBBC

European judges announced

March 18 • EBBA has announced the panel of judges that will make the decisions at the European Championships in Linz.


Civic Hall

Report & Result: 2026 Midlands Regional Championships Second Section

March 15 • Harborough Band claims the last Midlands title on offer for this year as they are joined in York by Leicestershire Co-op.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player 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.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and 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.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd