Ouro

In Portuguese ‘Ouro’ translates as ‘Gold’. This piece was written at the time when the country of Brazil was making-preparations for hosting the 2014 football world cup and subsequently the 2016 Olympic Games. In the pursuit for ‘Gold’, this piece seeks to blend elements of Brazilian samba alongside other everyday rhythms of Latin-American music, in particular Salsa.

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. In 2020 Jock was awarded an "Honary 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 the Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for "Services to Youth" by Brass Bands England.

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