Latest News
World Rankings — December update
December 12
Lots of movement in the rankings following Brass in Concert and plenty of other contests but it's hats off to Carlton Main who jump eight places to secure a top ten spot to end 2018.
Festive Stocking filler from Band Supplies and the 4BR Shop
December 12 • Keep your instrument clean and sparkling this Christmas with a great festive stocking filler from Band Supplies...
Death of John Thomas
December 12 • The death has been announced of the popular Lewis Merthyr Band Life Member John Thomas.
No registration border between Wales and England
December 11 • Clear border roads ahead as the Welsh Brass Band Registry merges with the Brass Band Players Registry from 1st January to guarantee no future ambiguity in relation to cross-border transfers.
Double-sided Christmas telly treat for Oldham Band (Lees)
December 11 • The First Section National Champions to appear on both BBC1 and ITV on Christmas Day...
Foden's link up with Ford for double festive treat
December 11 • National Champions to link up with big-band singer Matt Ford for a double dose of festive music making close to home.
Marzella and Varley hope to build on strong Saxhorn foundations
December 11 • Katrina Marzella and Helen Varley will host a second 'Saxhorn Fest' event in February next year — hoping to build on the success of the first with added features and attractions.
Black to take reins at Hawick
December 11 • Stuart Black returns to take the helm at Hawick Saxhorn Band.
New brass solo contest to be held at Loughborough Schools Foundation
December 11 • A brand new brass solo competition is to be held at the Loughborough Schools Foundation.
Vision
Interview with Simon Dobson
November 26 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox recently met up with composer Simon Dobson in Montreux to talk Glass, GRAMMYs and rock and roll..
2018 Swiss National round up
November 26 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox rounds up with his final thoughts on what was a memorable 2018 Swiss National Championships in Montreux
Interview with Arsene Duc
November 25 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Arsene Duc, the conductor of the 2018 Swiss National Champion, Valaisia Brass Band
Interview with Philip McCann
November 25 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Philip McCann at the 2018 Swiss National Championships to reflect on the banding scene in the country and the contest weekend
Editor's Picks
Banding's Article 50 dilemma: Can EBBA stop further Euro Brexit decisions being made?
December 10 • Will Whitburn's decision not to go to Montreux trigger others to vote for an 'opt out' option to Europe's flagship contest, or can EBBA reform pave the way for future European Union?
2018 Swiss Nationals: As it happened
November 25 • All the action from the 2018 Swiss National Championships — As it happened.
2018 Scottish Open: As it happened
November 24 • All the action from the 2018 Scottish Open Championship — As it happened.
2018 Brass in Concert: As it happened
November 18 • All the action from the 2018 Brass in Concert Championship — As it happened.
Reviews
Concert: Fulham Brass Band
December 7 • Wilfred Heaton Centenary Concert. Conductor: John Ward. Featuring: Thomas Nielsen (cornet). Regent Hall. Friday 23rd November
Concert: Scarlet & Gold
December 2 • The Bands of the Household Division. Featuring: The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra; Katie Holmes (soprano). Cadogan Hall. Thursday 29th November
Concert: Tredegar Band
December 1 • Linz Festival of Brass. Conductor: Ian Porthouse. Soloist: David Childs. Brucknerhaus, Linz. Sunday 18th November
Rankings
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory | 2,123.00 |
| 2 | Valaisia Brass Band | 1,379.41 |
| 3 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 1,076.47 |
| 4 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 711.11 |
| 5 | Foden's | 697.91 |
| 6 | Black Dyke | 519.25 |
| 7 | Whitburn | 347.12 |
| 8 | Carlton Main Frickley Colliery | 346.66 |
| 9 | Tredegar | 340.89 |
| 10 | Grimethorpe Colliery | 311.24 |
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
Black Dyke Band - Queensbury Parish Church
Thursday 13 December • West End, Queensbury, West Yorkshire, BD13 2AD,
Woodfalls Band - Christmas Charity Concert with the Woodfalls Band
Friday 14 December • Abbey United Reformed Church, Romsey SO51 8EL
Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band
Friday 14 December • Charlton House. Charlton Road. London. SE7 8RE SE7 8RE
Newstead Brass - Christmas at the Proms
Friday 14 December • Woodborough Village Hall, Lingwood Lane, Nottingham NG14 6DX
Enderby Band - Hinckley Rock Choir
Friday 14 December • Salvation Army Hall. Lancaster Road. Hinckley. Leicestershire LE10 0AW
Vacancies
PEMBERTON OLD WIGAN DW BRASS BANDS
December 12 • Pemberton Old Wigan DW B band have vacancies for BBb bass and cornets. We are a friendly and progressive band and are looking forward to the New Year with a balanced diary of Concerts and Contests.
Johnstone Band
December 12 • Johnstone Band has vacancies for front and back row cornets, position is negotiable depending on experience and fit. An innovative, ambitious Championship Section band, we have a healthy programme of contests, workshops and concerts planned for 2019.
Roberts Bakery Band
December 12 • We have a vacancy for a 3rd cornet & solo trombone to complete our strong line up. We have an exciting 2019 ahead including a tour, high profile concerts & competing in the North West areas. See what we're up to: https://www.facebook.com/robertsbakeryband
Professional Cards
Alan Widdop
Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)