Latest News
A4 Quartet selected for acclaimed development programme
September 22
The A4 Quartet has become the first brass ensemble to be part of the City Music Foundation Artists Programme.
50 year surprise for Renfrew sop stalwart
September 22 • Soprano stalwart George Mullin was presented with Life Membership of the Scottish Brass Band Association at a surprise party in his honour.
Foden's announce Regent Hall programme
September 22 • You will be able to have a sneak pre-National Championship preview of 'Handel in the Band' with Foden's at Regent Hall the night before the big Albert Hall contest...
BrassFest UK closing date looms
September 22 • The closing date for the inventive BrassFest UK Entertainment Contest is looming — and you don't have to travel to take part either...
Radio: World of Brass
September 22 • Plenty of great music on the airwaves thanks to John Maines at World of Brass
The perfect instrument for you is...?
September 22 • According to the BBC, a 'personality test' will identify the perfect musical instrument for you to learn... yeah, right...
Stavanger hosts brass band and symphony orchestra world premiere
September 21 • A new work celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Norwegian Music Federation will be given its world premiere this evening in Stavanger — featuring the combined forces of its leading symphony orchestra and brass band.
Scottish Parliament hears impassioned plea for free instrumental music services
September 21 • Scottish MSPs get to hear the arguments made for changing the law to enable children in state schools in Scotland to receive free music instrument teaching.
Best Area test piece and Christmas music deals at Band Supplies
September 21 • If its the 2019 Regional test-pieces or the best music to play with your fund raising efforts this Christmas then Band Supplies has the best deals for you... so ring, ring, ring...
Vision
Interview with John Collins
September 17 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to John Collins, the conductor of Oldham (Lees) following their victory in the First Section National Championships.
Interview with Julian Bright
September 15 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to a delighted Julian Bright, the conductor of the new Fourth Section Champion Band of Great Britain
Interview with Kevin Gibbs of Middleton Band
September 15 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Kevin Gibbs - the conductor of Middleton Band - the new Second Section Champion Band of Great Britain.
Interview with Philip Harper
September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Cory MD, Philip Harper after his band claimed the British Open title at Symphony Hall
Editor's Picks
2018 National Championship of Great Britain: First Section preview & prediction
September 14 • Someone's prescribed destiny may well come true in Cheltenham on Sunday evening — although thankfully they won't have to pull a sword out of a stone to prove worthy of winning the First Section title.
2018 National Championship of Great Britain: Second Section preview & prediction
September 13 • Stephen Bulla's powerful rhapsodic reflection on the military interventionist age we live in will prove a stern test of character for the bands looking to claim victory in their own National battle.
2018 National Championship of Great Britain: Third Section preview & prediction
September 12 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks at a work of youthful personal reflections that will need careful consideration by the bands in the Third Section if they are to lift the National title.
2018 National Championship of Great Britain: Fourth Section preview & prediction
September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at the test awaiting the 18 competitors in the Fourth Section this weekend — and wonders which band will come out on top to join the Cheltenham hall of fame...
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
Roberts Bakery Band - St Luke's Hospice Gala Concert
Saturday 22 September • St Mary's Church, Church Ln, Nantwich CW5 5RQ
Medway Band - Barbershop & Brass concert
Saturday 22 September • Langley Park School for Boys. South Eden Park Rd . Beckenham . Bromley. BR3 3BP
Black Dyke Band - Lucerne Switzerland
Saturday 22 September • KKL, Europaplatz 1, 6005 Luzern, Switzerland 6002
The Fairey Band - Celebrating 150 years of Lytham Methodist Church
Saturday 22 September • Lytham Methodist Church. Park Street. Lytham Saint Annes . FY8 5LU FY8 5LU
Werneth Concert Band -
Saturday 22 September • The Parish Church of All Saints, Church Street South, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 7RU
Vacancies
Watford Band
September 22 • Watford Band are a friendly bunch! If you are flugelhorn or baritone player or you play the tuned percussion and you want to join a band with a vision, we are aiming for the 3rd section promotion next year.. .
Matlock Band
September 22 • Are you heading to university this year ? Matlock Band welcomes players in all sections. Lifts available from Loughborough, Nottingham, Derby and Chesterfield as well as direct rail link from Derby.
Matlock Band
September 22 • Matlock Band (4th section 2019) Has vacancies for brass and percussion players. Under our new Musical Director Chris Banks, we are re-building the band to hit the ground running in 2019. Key positions available include Soprano Cornet and Flugel.
Professional Cards
David A. Stowell
Conductor and composer