*
banner

Interview with John McDonnell MP

4BR Editor Iwan Fox finds out why the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer has taken up trombone playing — as well as his opinions on the importance of music teaching and services in schools.

John
  The Labour MP is now a keen learner of the trombone.

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

It's the Weekend interview on 4BR and we are joined by John McDonnell — Labour MP for Hayes & Harlington and the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Deputy Leader of Greater London Council, Trade Unionist — and aspiring trombone player.

When John has been interviewed on leading political programmes, he has appeared not in front of a bookcase filled with weighty political biographies, but with a trombone, music stand and a 'Tune a Day' book neatly placed in the corner of his room.

We find out more about his new found love and desire to learn the instrument as well as wider opinions about the importance of music provision and teaching in schools.

He also talks about why he thinks the European Championships will offer a boost to banding's profile, and his promise to play the trombone to help march Labour into Parliament if they win the next election playing the 'Red Flag!'

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    


Brass in Concert

New adjudication system being considered for Brass in Concert

May 17 • Adjudication rankings of equal value to be considered in potential revamp of judging at the Brass in Concert Championships later this year.


winter and Storheim

Norwegian brass band talent spotlighted for Maestro direction

May 17 • Eline Storheim and Samuel Winter have been chosen to be part of a two year conducting course.


wobplay

New releases set for Wobplay

May 17 • New CD releases from Black Dyke Band, Birmingham Citadel and Bone-afide alongside the Elgar International Festival will soon be able to be enjoyed on the digital platform.


Lostock

Tynan departs at Lostock Hall

May 17 • The brief but successful musical partnership between Lostock Hall Band and conductor Tommy Tynan has come to an end.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd