Latest News
World Rankings — January update
January 17
Significant moves for the Butlins prizewinners with Desford's victory securing a spot in the top 20.
Special offers continue at Eventz
January 17 • The Skegness mood hasn't been lost at Ev-entz — with extended special offers still up for grabs if you are quick...
Hayes manual on show at Geneva bandroom
January 17 • Cornet star Jim Hayes will be leading a free masterclass at the Geneva Bandroom in Stockton on Tees this weekend — so why not go along and pick up some tips...
Coalburn teams up for free workshop
January 17 • Coalburn Band has linked up with tuba and percussion stars Harry Cunningham and Paul Judge for a free masterclass day.
Musical memories for Evans and Foden's
January 17 • The partnership of Richard Evans and Foden's will provide the backdrop for all his great stories, anecdotes and memories...
Farr to lead workshop at Watership Brass
January 17 • Besson artist Owen Farr will be leading a masterclass in Newbury this weekend.
Last minute pub prep available for Preston
January 17 • Bands taking part in the Brass at the Guild contest in Preston later this month can book a rehearsal slot in at the nearby Stanley Arms pub.
Besses welcome new quartet
January 17 • Besses o' th' Barn has welcomed a quartet of new signings as they look towards their 201st season.
Nieces nice touch of brass band health care...
January 17 • The Ramplin sisters make a welcome return to Long Eaton to help their aunt back on the road to banding health
Vision
David Childs and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
January 8 • 4BR travels to Manchester to see euphonium virtuoso David Childs recording four concerto works with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
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
Editor's Picks
2019 Butlins Mineworkers Championship: As it happened
January 13 • All the action from the 2019 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — As it happened.
2019 Butlins Mineworkers Championship: Preview & Predictions
January 10 • The overture to the 2019 contesting year is provided at Skegness this weekend when 70 bands battle for the Butlins accolades and hefty cash prizes...
Walking in the Air: How to build a magical brass band Snowman
January 9 • Inspiration, hard work and plenty of vision has helped East London Brass bring an iconic Christmas tale to magical brass band life in the heart of their community.
4BR Spotlight interview: 5 minutes or so with Rex Richardson
January 8 • We spend five minutes or so in the company of the great American trumpet star and brass band lover Rex Richardson — with another five minutes or more to come...
Reviews
CD review: 56° North
January 3 • Mike Lovatt. Featuring: Foden's Band. Conductors: Colin Skinner, Paul Fisher, Michael Fowles. Featuring: Philip Cobb, Danny Marsden, Gareth Small, Jeremy Brown, Graham Harvey, Matt Skelton. WOS CD 139
CD review: This Way
January 2 • Tom Hutchinson. Accompanied by Cory Band. Conductor: Philip Harper. DOY CD386
CD review: Celebrate! 50 Years of the Flowers Band
January 1 • Flowers Band. Principal Conductor: David Childs. Soloists: Paul Richards, Grant Jameson, Andrew Smith, Emily Evans and Carlton Sykes. SKU: 100393
Rankings
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory | 1,947.00 |
| 2 | Valaisia Brass Band | 1,280.57 |
| 3 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 990.81 |
| 4 | Foden's | 672.90 |
| 5 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 650.04 |
| 6 | Black Dyke | 476.21 |
| 7 | Whitburn | 323.21 |
| 8 | Carlton Main Frickley Colliery | 320.03 |
| 9 | Tredegar | 312.99 |
| 10 | Grimethorpe Colliery | 286.30 |
Renowned instrument repairers McQueens help restore all sorts of things to past glories — from the Premiership Trophy to a 103 year old euphonium.
Brought to you by
What's on
Black Dyke Band - Symphony Hall
Sunday 20 January • Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA
Grimethorpe Colliery Band - Grimsby Auditorium
Sunday 20 January • Grimsby Auditorium . Grimsby Auditorium, . Cromwell Rd, . Grimsby, . North East Lincolnshire . DN31 2BH DN31 2BH
Foden's Band - RNCM Brass Band Festival
Friday 25 January • 124 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9RD
Regent Hall Concerts - Canon Brass (brass quintet) from the Royal College
Friday 25 January • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street Opp. RESERVED. London . W1C 2DJ
Black Dyke Band - International Staff Band of Salvation Army - RNCM
Saturday 26 January • Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RD
Vacancies
Chinnor Silver
January 17 • We are looking for CORNETS AND Bb BASS to complete our area line up. we rehearse on wednesdays in our own bandroom which are well attended and have a good atmosphere.. Realistic book of concerts and contests
Drighlington Band
January 17 • We are keen to fill our final remaining vacancies prior to the Yorkshire Regional Contest & are looking to recruit Eb/BBb bass & percussionists. if you fancy a change for the New Year & are looking for a friendly band, then please get in touch.
Stretford Band
January 17 • Stretford Band are looking for an experienced Musical Director with brass knowledge, drive and vision . We are a friendly, non- contesting community band comprising experienced players and some learners all with a passion to learn and progress.
Professional Cards
Craig Roberts
BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator