Inside the house, family and friends gather for eating, drinking, singing and dancing to 'put a brave face on the situation'. It is of course this very same custom that once gave birth the idea for the novel "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. J. M.
Amongst the many age-old customs based on Romanian folklore is the following.... On St Andrew's Day (November 30th) some Romanians smear their doors and windows with garlic juice and place garlic bulbs around their house in strategic positions. This measure is taken to ward-off the "STRIGOI" - a mythical zombie-like creature who might just come calling, bringing anything but good fortune....
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.
