Latest News
British Open trophy set for Forest Heritage display
August 16
The iconic British Open trophy will be on display in the Forest of Dean this Sunday — so why not go along and find out more about great brass banding heritage.
Superb tuba on hand at Band Supplies
August 17 • There is a superb fully refurbished 922 round stamp Boosey & Hawkes BBb tuba ready for a new home at Band Supplies Leeds.
Ager to take helm at City of Norwich
August 17 • The experienced Mark Ager will take over the conducting lead of City of Norwich Band with Cheltenham on the horizon.
Judges announced for Brass Showcase event
August 17 • Four entertaining Scottish bands will have their efforts scrutinised by some fearless judges — and an audience — at Johnstone Town Hall later this month.
Geneva set for showroom opening
August 17 • The final touches are being out in place for the opening of the brand new Geneva Group showroom in Stockton on Tees on the weekend.
Welsh youth gain fab feedback
August 17 • It appears that both players and audiences alike enjoyed the recent National Youth Band of Wales course and concerts...
Mead to lead workshop day
August 17 • Besson euph star Steven Mead will lead a special workshop event before taking to the stage with a former pupil for a concert with Brackley & District Band.
Foden's tune up on return with Ford
August 17 • Foden's returned from their summer break by linking up with Big Band singer Matt Ford
Higginbottom is latest Life Story on BrassPass.tv
August 17 • The life story of the legendary Gordon Higginbottom is now featured on BrassPass.tv
Vision
The Brass Show: Bolsover International Brass Band Summer School
August 6 • The Brass Show headed to the beautiful Hardwick House to meet up with Steven Mead and the delegates and tutors on the 2018 Bolsover Summer School
A contest draw with a difference...
August 3 • Prof Nicholas Childs and four star tutors on the recent IBBSS course make the draw for the 2018 Brass Showcase event in Johnstone
Legends of Brass: Lyndon Baglin
July 17 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox meets the legendary euphonium player Lyndon Baglin
God Bless the NHS
July 12 • Tredegar Band continues to help celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS with a special concert in Pontypridd on the weekend
Editor's Picks
O Happy Band!: Why mixing brass bands and political satire may never be a success
August 16 • A prime time television series about aviation expansion, big business interests, venal politicians, bureaucracy and a brass band. A recipe for a biting modern day political satire or a terrible 1980s sit-com...?
4BR Time Team: American Presidents and Japanese crepe paper
August 9 • Two concert snapshots from over a century ago shed an intriguing light on musical tastes and future destinies...
Britten and Brass: King Arthur - Scenes from a radio drama
August 8 • Music by one of the 20th century's greatest composers, Benjamin Britten, will be performed as a test-piece for the first time at the First Section National Finals in Cheltenham in September.
The last page: Is the end of the contest day programme nigh?
July 31 • With three major British contests looming on the horizon, Tim Mutum wonders if the days of the treasured contest programme are numbered.
Reviews
CD review: Storytelling
August 15 • Cory Band. Conductor: Philip Harper. Soloists: Tom Hutchinson, Helen Williams, Glyn Williams, Steve Kane. Doyen Recordings: DOY CD371
CD review: Patrons' Choice X
August 14 • Foden's Band. Conductor: Michael Fowles. Doyen Recordings: DOY CD370
CD review: Debut 2
August 12 • Joseph Cook. Manger Musikklag. Conductor: Allan Withington. Doyen Recordings: DOY CD374
Rankings
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory | 1,741.22 |
| 2 | Valaisia Brass Band | 1,119.89 |
| 3 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 894.71 |
| 4 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 809.33 |
| 5 | Black Dyke | 462.23 |
| 6 | Tredegar | 447.60 |
| 7 | Whitburn | 442.63 |
| 8 | Brass Band Willebroek | 416.71 |
| 9 | Foden's | 396.99 |
| 10 | Stavanger | 366.04 |
Renowned instrument repairers McQueens help restore all sorts of things to past glories — from the Premiership Trophy to a 103 year old euphonium.
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What's on
St Michael's Brass Band - We are playing in Middleton Town Centre.
Saturday 18 August • Middleton Gardens, Middleton. M244DF
Ibstock Brick Brass - Ibstock Country Fair
Sunday 19 August • Ibstock Showground. Pretoria Road. Ibstock. Leicestershire LE676LN
Black Dyke Band - St Wilfrid's Church, Harrogate
Saturday 1 September • Duchy Rd, Harrogate HG1 2EY
Contest: 166th British Open
Saturday 8 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA
Black Dyke Band - Brass on Sunday Gala Concert, Birmingham
Sunday 9 September • Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA
Vacancies
Crewe Brass
August 17 • Crewe Brass seek Eb and Bb bass, Euphonium and Baritone players. We are a friendly 1st Section Band and perform at a variety of events (including contests) under the baton of our MD Matt Pithers. Rehearsals are every Friday at 7.45pm in Shavington, Crewe.
Burnham and Highbridge Brass Band
August 16 • The Burnham and Highbridge Band has the following vacancies: Principal and 2nd Trombone, 2nd Euphonium and, Back Row Cornets.
The Corsham Band
August 16 • Due to work commitments, a vacancy has arisen for a Tenor Trombone player. First or Second position available. We are a newly promoted Second Section band with a new MD and a friendly and enthusiastic team.
Professional Cards
Paul Andrews
Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff