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Take 5: Early season must see events

4BR picks out five must see events in January and February to consider putting in your weekend diaries...

Lime
  Five early season must see events to book into your weekend away diary

If you want to enjoy five very different musical experiences in the first two months of 2017 then why not put these in your diary and book yourself an away day trip.

1. Butlins Mineworkers Championship


Skegness
Friday 13th January — Sunday 15th January

A contest weekend to blow away any lingering festive cobwebs of lethargy that may still be in your banding system — and not just because a cold wind is sure to chill your maracas as you make your way to the various resort venues to listen to the entertainment.

Once inside there is plenty to keep you warm — from the contests with their big prize jackpots to the late night revelry that will put a smile on your face. Still pack your thermal undies though…

More information:


https://www.butlins.com/splash-pages/brass-band.aspx


2. RNCM Brass Band Festival


Friday 27th January — Sunday 29th January
RNCM, Manchester

The most important brass band showcase in Europe. Under the superb curatorship of Artistic Director Paul Hindmarsh, the RNCM Festival in Manchester continues to be the driving force behind pushing brass banding into the mainstream musical consciousness.

This year six top class bands will provide three days of music making that will see repertoire that numerous world premieres, superb featured soloists, timely retrospectives and a triple celebration of three outstanding composers for the medium.

More information:


Tickets: http://www.rncm.ac.uk
By Phone: 0161 907 5555


3. Norwegian National Championships


Friday 3rd February & Saturday 4th February
Greighallen
Bergen

Everyone should take the opportunity to experience how the Norwegians celebrate, as well as showcase their National brass banding identity — at least once in their lifetime.

This is brass band contesting for the 21st century; vibrant, transparent and communal. It is also brilliantly organised. Forget the price of a pint of beer and fly in to Bergen to enjoy a National Championship like no other: The playing at all levels is a wonderful mix of the brilliant and at times the absolutely bonkers.

More information:


http://musikkorps.no/snart-klart-for-nm-brass/


4. Action Medical Research Entertainment Championship


Winter Gardens
Blackpool
Sunday 12th February

If you are looking for a guaranteed brass band boost in the arm in 2017 then make sure you head to the famous Winter Gardens in Blackpool for this fantastic event.

The brilliant youth bands, who have been working their socks off all over the festive period, provide the type of entertainment that deserves to top the bill at this old mecca of fun and games — with an amazing mix of outstanding playing and eye-popping choreography.

More information:


https://www.action.org.uk/youth-brass-band
For tickets, ring: 01253 625252


5. UniBrass Championships


Harrogate International Conference Centre
Saturday 18th February

Another huge dollop of brass band fun and feverish activity — and that's just on the contest stage. The best and the brightest give up their studies on everything from nuclear physics to media studies for a weekend to maintain their love for brass banding amid an atmosphere of keen, but friendly rivalry. The bar takings will be astronomical.

Superbly organised, and all topped off with a chance to work and hear the all conquering Cory Band in action (thankfully, they won't be competing).

More information:


http://www.unibrass.co.uk/

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Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

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