A-Wassailing

The English custom of ‘Wassailing’ is the seasonal act of singing carols door-to-door and wishing good health. The singers and dancers (often very poor) would do this in the hope of being offered a drink from the ‘wassail bowl’ – a warm broth of hot ale, fruit and spices; good sustenance for those who were cold and often homeless. It is thought that this carol (composer unknown) was composed c.1850

Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. 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.