665 - The Neighbour of the Beast

Stay with me on this !
I had a dream....
I lived on a terraced street in number 665.

My neighbour who lived in 666 was a very mysterious character; somewhat in the manner of 'Boo Radley' - he was seldom, if ever seen and the subject of much-maligned local gossip and sometimes described as the devil himself. What was obvious about the occupant of number 666 was his penchant for loud and anti-social music. Things only took a very slight turn for the better when "The Specials" turned up at number 666 in the dead of night for a'sing-song'.

For reasons unknown to myself the song of choice was "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore'......

J.M.

Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. From 1987 Jock based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Jock is a former Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and was the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band from 2004 until 2020. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an “Honorary Fellowship of the University of Winchester” for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for their Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for “Services to Youth” by Brass Bands England.