Apologies to model train enthusiasts everywhere, but this piece was written in a ‘fit of pique’. Every Saturday of the academic year I manage and rehearse a network of youth bands. On one annual Saturday of the year our rehearsal base is completely taken over by a large marauding bunch of model train enthusiasts – trade & vendor, exhibitioners, quirky enthusiasts and many fans of “Thomas”, “James”, “Percy” & the rest of Sodor’s finest…
Apologies to model train enthusiasts everywhere, but this piece was written in a ‘fit of pique’…Every Saturday of the academic year I manage and rehearse a network of youth bands. On one annual Saturday of the year our rehearsal base is completely taken over by a large marauding bunch of model train enthusiasts – trade & vendor, exhibitioners, quirky enthusiasts and many fans of “Thomas”, “James”, “Percy” & the rest of Sodor’s finest. The obsessive enthusiasm of the “toy train gang” is like a tidal wave – the bands are in its direct path. Needless to say this annual ‘band vs train’ event has become something of a pitched battle. After one recent altercation I was heard to have threatened “If I see or hear another “Thomas” I will stamp on him. Later that afternoon “Flat Thomas” was conceived. 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. 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.
