*
banner

Cattanach joins tuba artiste team at Mercer & Barker

The respected BBb tuba player Andy Cattanach will endorse the new MB5 model for the tuba player looking for the all round package.

cATTANACH
  The respected tuba player will lend his name to the new MB5 model

Tuba mouthpiece manufacturers Mercer & Barker continue to make a significant mark with leading performers in the banding world with the announcement that the highly respected Foden's player Andy Cattanach has become a M&B Artiste.

He will now give his endorsement of the new MB5 'Cattanach' model which is currently in the final stages of production and will hopefully be launched at the National Finals in Cheltenham later this month.

New Model

Speaking about the development Andy said: "I've known Carl Mercer and George Barker (company founders) for some time and being local to them they asked me to critique their emerging range.

I certainly wasn't actively seeking a mouthpiece change, but with their responses to my findings on their mouthpieces for other players, it was a the next step to take. I'm now delighted with the feel and sound of the new MB5 'Cattanach' model."

This is a mouthpiece ideally suited to players who are used to a larger model, but still need it to provide the nimbleness and accuracy required with control through different registers, volumes and stylesAndy Cattanach

Ideally suited

He added: "This is a mouthpiece ideally suited to players who are used to a larger model, but still need it to provide the nimbleness and accuracy required with control through different registers, volumes and styles.

I think this is a great all-round mouthpiece. It performs so well at low dynamics with a full sound, and at the most robust dynamics.

All that and it is British designed and made by a local company run by two great players who understand the needs and requirements of tuba players at all levels."

Find out more

To find out more about Mercer & Barker mouthpieces go to: https://mercerandbarker.com/about-us/

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd