*
banner

Florida sunshine set for UK

The exciting talents of Brass Band of Central Florida will be bringing plenty of musical warmth to the UK this November.

Central Florida
 

Brass Band of Central Florida is putting the final touches to its preparations ahead of its second tour to the UK next month.

Jet set

The band is set to perform at the US Open Championships on November 5th, before jetting across the Atlantic to touch down in Britain for a string of concerts culminating with their appearance at the Brass in Concert Championships in Gateshead.

As a pioneering force, the band has been instrumental in flying the flag for the British style brass band in the Unites States, raising awareness of the genre as a result of its highly successful concert and contest appearances throughout the country.

Wowed

On their previous trip to the UK, they wowed audiences with their mix of high class playing and spectacular presentation skills.

This time should be no different, with expert arrangers such as Rick Mizell and Jim Derrick, both of whom hold key musical positions with Walt Disney World in Orlando, providing a steady stream of glittering arrangements that bring more than a touch of glitz and pizzazz to the band’s concerts.

My desire is to give audiences amazing performances of music and styles they might never expect to hear in the brass band worldChad Shoopman

Sell outs

Led by professional trumpet player Chad Shoopman the band recently provided a series of sell out concerts in Orlando.

Speaking of his first visit to the UK with the band, Chad Shoopman told 4BR: "The opportunity to perform in the birth place of brass banding is something I have wanted to do ever since I joined the band. What better way is there to make BBCF an infinitely better ensemble?"

Pizzazz

Chad also promised that Florida would bring with them plenty of their trademark showmanship and pizzazz.

"Our programme brings a uniquely American twist to the concert stage. My desire is to give audiences amazing performances of music and styles they might never expect to hear in the brass band world. I want British audiences to see and hear what we do best and I believe they will find the BBCF to be passionate, refreshing, unique, and a lot of fun!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd