*
banner

Death of Sandy Blair

The death has been reported of the respected tuba player and conductor.

Cross
  The death has been reported of Sandy Blair

4BR has been informed of the death of former Besses o' th 'Barn, Yorkshire Imperial, Brighouse & Rastrick, Black Dyke and Foden's tuba player Sandy Blair.

He passed away on New Year's Day.

The Scotsman from the Fife and Kirkaldy area made his name with a succession of leading bands during the late 1970s and 1980s, especially as a soloist.

Multi-talented

A multi -talented musician he was also a highly respected conductor, leading Lancashire Constabulary Band to the Second Section North West Regional title in 1989 as well as taking Besses o' th' Barn at the British Open and Brass in Concert Championships during his tenure as Musical Director.

Before that he also enjoyed playing spells at Carlton Main, Hammonds Sauce and was appointed assistant Musical Director at Leyland Band under Richard Evans.

Strong supporter

He was also a strong supporter of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain where he was a tutor for many years, a dedicated brass teacher with Lancashire Music Services and a talented composer and arranger.

Sandy Blair also enjoyed spells with a number of bands including Banks Brewery who he directed at the 1993 Royal Albert Hall National Final, Jayess 87, Blackpool Brass, Ellesmere Port and Kellingley Colliery amongst others.

Interest

For a period of time he suffered with ill health that stopped his playing. He received a kidney transplant in 2013, although he continued his great interest in banding from his home in Middlewich where he lived with his wife Beryl.

Jimmy Charles who knew him from his time with Foden's Band, stated on their Facebook page that Sandy Blair would be "missed by the many bands and bandsmen who knew him."

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    


Alison Balsom OBE

Mail headline highlights depressing attitudes towards female performers

August 30 • The decision of multiple award winning trumpet player Alison Balsom to retire from the concert stage has been met with an awful objectifying Daily Mail headline.


mORTIMER tROPHY

Mortimer Maestro Trophy ready for a new home

August 30 • For the 35th time this year a Mortimer Maestro Trophy will be presented to the conductor of the British Open Champion.


Mental Health

Crofton to continue support for mental health awareness with new project

August 30 • Yorkshire band takes a proactive approach to mental health wellbeing series of initiatives around their music making.


Brett Baker

Final touches in place for Baker heroics

August 30 • Brett Baker's latest solo CD release will be available at the Royal Albert Hall.


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Petworth Town Band

August 30 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We would welcome new players to join our band


Enderby Band

August 30 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire, Championship section) seek: . 2nd EUPHONIUM, Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). . We are an ambitious, friendly band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


Stretford Band

August 30 • Our community based Stretford Band (Manchester) needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic bass, trombone and percussion players or any player who fancies a relaxed blow without the pressure of competition. No auditions. Good fun guaranteed. . .


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd