Latest News
Project findings highlight inexcusable lack of female compositions
June 20
Figures compiled by a new report show that 95% of classical music concerts only feature works by men.
SBBA continues to sow seeds for sustainable grass roots future
June 20 • The Scottish Brass Band Association is helping to strengthen the grass roots future of banding with investment in youth.
Report & Result: 2018 Morley March & Hymn Tune
June 20 • Yorkshire Imps prove to be march wizards amid the contest traffic as they claim the honours, the money and the silverware at the popular Morley contest.
All that glitters...
June 20 • John Packer Ltd has a fantastic range of golden Denis Wick mutes ready to be played...
Report & Results: 2018 Brass at Beamish March & Hymn Tune
June 19 • There was a great deal of quality traditional march and hymn tune playing on show at the popular Beamish Museum in County Durham.
Coalburn's Got Talent — plenty of it!
June 19 • Simon Cowell should have been in Coalburn as the band's 'Talent' showcased their brilliant playing.
Report & Results: 2018 Holme Valley Solo & Ensemble
June 19 • There were some stunning performances to enjoy at the Hade Edge bandroom on the weekend.
Radio: Sunday Bandstand
June 19 • Music over the airwaves from Chris Helme
White joins adjudication association
June 19 • Sheona White is the latest high profile recruit to join the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators
Editor's Picks
Per Mare, Per Terram: Marine life meets Low Brass lovers in Portsmouth
June 15 • HMS Nelson in Portsmouth recently held a fantastic day of inspirational low brass teaching and playing where Les Neish, Simon Minshall, David Childs and Robbie Harvey took command of the musical troops.
Don’t look back in anger: How memories of Britpop should give us a kick up the backside
June 11 • A less than cool perception of what brass bands have left to offer an ageing generation of Oasis and Blur fans may in fact be the perfect stimulus to reach out to the new generation of pop obsessed youngsters...
2018 Whit Friday contests: Preview of the Tameside and Saddleworth events
May 24 • The main brass bands candidates will be joined by a ballot paper full of representatives around the Whit Friday constituencies of Tameside and Saddleworth this year.
World Cup memories: When England's hopes rested with Kevin Keegan and Leyland Band...
May 22 • There was a time when England went to World Cups with high hopes of success, a bubble permed captain and a tournament anthem featuring a brass band accompaniment...
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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Reviews
Book: Bandstands - Pavilions for music, entertainment and leisure
June 19 • Author: Paul Rabbitts. Published by Historic England. Price £25.00 (paperback). From: Amazon and other outlets
Concert: Black Dyke
June 17 • Conductor: Prof Nicholas Childs. George Lawton Hall. Mossley. Thursday 14th June
Concert: Foden's Band
June 16 • Edwin Firth Memorial Concert. Conductor: Michael Fowles. Sandbach School. Sunday 3rd June
Rankings
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory | 1,658.33 |
| 2 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 976.16 |
| 3 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 944.55 |
| 4 | Valaisia Brass Band | 668.92 |
| 5 | Black Dyke | 557.03 |
| 6 | Tredegar | 542.08 |
| 7 | Whitburn | 521.24 |
| 8 | Foden's | 491.86 |
| 9 | Grimethorpe Colliery | 447.26 |
| 10 | Flowers | 332.89 |
Vision
2018 Black Dyke Festival
June 3 • Iwan Fox enjoys the music making on show at the 2018 Black Dyke Festival at Leeds Town Hall
Interview with David Childs
May 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to David Childs about his latest American appointment and working on the Edward Gregson Euphonium Concerto
Interview with Edward Gregson
May 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to composer Edward Gregson about his new Euphonium Concerto written for David Childs
Interview with Tom Davoren in Palanga
April 8 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Tom Davoren to find out more about his trip to Palanga with Filton Concert Band - and about the venue that may host the 2020 European Champinships.
What's on
Tredegar Town Band - Mussorgsky meets Mozart
Wednesday 20 June • ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE, Birmingham City University, 200 Jennens Rd, Birmingham. B4 7XR
The Marple Band - The Marple Band presents Music from Musicals
Saturday 23 June • Stockport Grammar School. Buxton Road. Stockport SK2 7AF
York Railway Institute Band - Dan Thomas - Euphonium
Saturday 23 June • Central Methodist Church. St Saviourgate. York. YO1 8NQ YO1 8NQ
Besses o' th' Barn Band - Charity Celebration Concert
Saturday 23 June • St Thomas Church, Warrington Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield WN4 9PL
Blidworth Welfare Band - Organist Keith Hearnshaw
Saturday 23 June • St Andrews Church, The Green, Swanwick, Derbys DE55 1AN
Vacancies
Cheshire Constabulary Band
June 20 • Cheshire police band based in Winsford & rehearsing Mondays are looking for a tutti & 3rd cornet. Great rh facilities and a smart friendly band.
Blidworth Welfare Band
June 20 • Midlands area Championship section (5th place 2018) Blidworth Welfare band require a percussionist to join us (Thursday rehearsals only apart from contest run up). Our only vacancy is now for a percussionist who can join our great team.
Stannington Brass Band
June 20 • Stannington Brass Band are looking for a soprano cornet player to join our progressive 1st section band. We have a good band room atmosphere and a calendar of interesting concerts and contests.. . Rehearsals - Thursdays 8pm-10pm and Sunday 7.30pm-9.30pm
Professional Cards
Mike Sheppard
B.A. (Hons) Music
Composer, conductor, teacher, author