Latest News
European Countdown: 9 days to go
April 18
And where was it played again? Whatever happened to the European test pieces?
Mead prepares for Australian judging
April 18 • Steven Mead is in Australia where he will enjoy a short tour as well as being the chief adjudicator at the Australian National Championships.
Fanfare heralds new look for Hammonds
April 18 • The Grand Shield champion will be sporting a new look this year thanks to Fanfare North
England expects...
April 18 • A trio of talented youngsters will line-up with their European counterparts to represent England as part of the European Youth Brass Band in Montreux...
Death of Lydbrook stalwart
April 18 • The death has been reported of the respected Lydbrook player Yvonne Hamblin
Statue erected in honour of the great 'March King' of Antipodean banding
April 18 • A bronze statue has been erected in Invercargill in honour of Alexander Lithgow — the great 'March King' of New Zealand and Australian banding.
Butlins announces test-pieces and BBE discount link
April 17 • The test-pieces that will be performed at the 2020 Butlins Mineworkers Festival have been announced — as well as a 20% entry fee discount link for Brass Band England member bands
European Countdown: 10 days to go
April 17 • From Chop Sauce prizes to one of the world's most sought after orchestral conductors — the European Championship has had it all...
Norwegian champions ready for Montreux challenge
April 17 • Eikanger Bjorsvik will prepare for their Montreux challenge by showcasing their preparations with friends before they go at Bergen's Grieghallen.
Vision
Interview with Youth Brass 2000
March 30 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to conductor Chris Jeans of the 2019 National Youth Champions of Great Britain, Youth Brass 2000.
Interview with Darren Henley OBE
March 30 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Darren Henley OBE, CEO of Arts Council England who was a welcome visitor to the 2019 National Youth Championships on the weekend
Interview with Wardle Academy School Band
March 30 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to two of the players from Wardle Academy School Band after they won the Intermediate Section of the 2019 National Youth Championships.
Interview with MK Youth Brass
March 30 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks conductor Phil Devine and members of MK Youth Brass at the 2019 National Youth Brass Band Championships
Editor's Picks
In a heartbeat: When beating time is all that matters...
April 18 • When conductor Ian Holmes collapsed with a cardiac arrest during a rehearsal, three players knew that beating the right time would save his life...
The opening up of Europe: An argument for keeping things closed
April 12 • Cory MD Philip Harper responds to 4BR's recent article on open adjudication in the own-choice element of the European Championships...
The Usual Suspects: Time to end the own-choice pretence at the Europeans?
April 5 • It doesn't take Hercule Poirot to work who is playing what as an own-choice selection ahead of the European Championships in Montreux — so why not just let the judges make their decision in an open court?
Take 5: A quintet of talking points from the National Youth Championships of Great Britain
April 2 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox picks five points of debate and interest that arose from the 2019 National Youth Championships of Great Britain at Warwick School.
Reviews
Concert: Brighouse & Rastrick and Fairey Bands
April 17 • Conductor: Frank Renton. Stoller Hall . Manchester . Sunday 14th April
Concert: The British Army Brass Band
April 16 • Prof Philip Wilby 70th Birthday Concert . Conductor: Captain Brenden Wheeler . St Peter's Church. Harrogate. Thursday 11th April
CD review: Diadem of Gold
April 15 • The Oldham Band (Lees). Conductor: John Collins. WOS CD 144
Rankings
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory | 1,727.83 |
| 2 | Valaisia Brass Band | 973.38 |
| 3 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 919.62 |
| 4 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 688.56 |
| 5 | Foden's | 620.84 |
| 6 | Black Dyke | 423.40 |
| 7 | Tredegar | 327.23 |
| 8 | Whitburn | 309.76 |
| 9 | Carlton Main Frickley Colliery | 306.13 |
| 10 | Grimethorpe Colliery | 284.94 |
What's on
Grimethorpe Colliery Band -
Saturday 20 April • Hull Truck Theatre, 50 Ferensway, Hull HU2 8LB HU2 8LB
Gresley Colliery Band - A George's Day Concert
Saturday 20 April • The Gresley Old Hall, Church Gresley DE11 9QW
Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band & Regent Brass
Saturday 20 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army) . 275 Oxford Street Opp. RESERVED. London . W1C 2DJ W1C 2DJ
Contest: European Brass Band Championships
Friday 26 April • 2m2c Montreux Music & Convention Centre,Stravinski Hall, Montreaux. Claude-Nobs 5, 1820 Montreaux, Switzerland  . 1820
Regent Hall Concerts - Celebrity Recital - Brett Baker (trombone) Elliot
Friday 26 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street Opp. RESERVED. London . W1C 2DJ W1C 2DJ
Vacancies
Stannington Brass Band
April 18 • A rare opportunity has arisen to join one of Sheffield's leading bands with a vacancy for an EEb TUBA PLAYER to complete our bass section. We have a good band room atmosphere and a calendar of interesting concerts and contests.
Johnstone Band
April 18 • Due to circumstances outwith our control, we find ourselves looking for a new conductor, with immediate effect. Are you looking for a new challenge?
The Corsham Band
April 18 • 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 friendly and enthusiastic team.
Professional Cards
Alan Fernie
DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor