The Boar’s Head carol is a fifteenth century carol. It describes the ancient tradition of sacrificing a boar and displaying its head on a platter at a seasonal feast.
The Boar’s Head carol is a fifteenth century carol. It describes the ancient tradition of sacrificing a boar and displaying its head on a platter at a seasonal feast. This tradition goes back at least to Anglo-Saxon times. The head, complete with apple in its mouth was carried to the banquet table on a silver or gold platter to the sounds of trumpets and singing minstrels. My arrangement of this carol seeks to bring something to the party in the style of the acclaimed folk band “Bellowhead”.
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.
