Ailsa Russell

Ailsa started playing the tenor horn at the age of 9 in her local primary school under the direction of Michael Robertson. At the age of 10 Ailsa joined Arbroath Instrumental Band on second horn and progressed through the section to become Solo Horn when she was 15.

Ailsa joined the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland at the age of 12 and won the solo contest there in 2007 and 2009 and is now principal horn of the band.

She joined us in 2009 upon entering the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to study Tenor Horn Performance under Owen Farr. Ailsa has seamlessly stepped up to Solo Horn whenever required, including occasions such as our 2013 tour to Australia and the 2014 National Finals (when we nearly won!). She has performed with distinction on every occasion.

Ailsa is a professional musician and is currently studying at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.