*
banner

Tuba sight reading with a difference

If you have ever wondered what has happened to your missing sunglasses, then this is a cautionary tale of mishap...

Tuba
  The tuba finally revealed what had been causing its blockage...

There was a surprise find for members of City of Chester Band as they recently went about a spring clean of their instrument stock.

Purchased in 1996 with the aid of National Lottery funding, they have been well cared for, so it came as a shock when Band Manager Matthew McCleary and Treasurer Robert Fletcher took them to be overhauled.

Puzzled

Repairer Jon Roberts found that one instrument puzzled him — after he detected a blockage in an Eb tuba.

Using an endoscope camera Jon spotted something shiny where all should be clear — and found that a pair of sunglasses had travelled over 180Ëš along the tubing from the bell of the instrument.

Thankfully, he managed to extract the spectacles intact, much to the relief and embarrassment of their owner, Robert Fletcher, and to the great amusement of his band colleagues.

Thankfully, he managed to extract the spectacles intact, much to the relief and embarrassment of their owner, Robert Fletcher, and to the great amusement of his band colleagues4BR

No denying

Robert was given no opportunity to deny they were his either, as Matthew went to Rob's Facebook page and found a photo, taken a few years ago of him sporting the said sunglasses!

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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


Peter Moore

Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London

January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.


Philip Jones

Philip Jones celebration in London

January 12 • Leading student brass ensembles will celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic trumpet player Philip Jones.


Regional Championships

BBP Registry issues reminder

January 12 • Bands are being reminded that they need to have all their registration requirements in order ahead of the regional championships this year.


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


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd