*
banner

Advert: Big Shiny Brass

'Fair' winds of change in Africa — thanks to Big Shiny Brass and a fantastic project.

Big Shiny Brass
 

Young brass players in Uganda are being given a helping hand by new brass band publisher Big Shiny Brass. Each month, Big Shiny Brass will be choosing one of their most popular arrangements, and donating £5 from every purchase to the Mbale District Schools Band.

Help

The Mbale band was founded a year ago, and provides a musical education for 30 youngsters. Many of them have lost at least one parent to Aids or Malaria.

Belonging

"People in Uganda almost expect to be poor," said Philip Monk, whose charity ugive2uganda is funding the band. "We’re giving the children a feeling of belonging to something, and letting them know that they matter to each other."

The latest piece of music for the Mbale band appeal is Matt Kingston’s arrangement of the Irish folk song, 'She moved through the Fair'Big Shiny Brass

Fair

The latest piece of music for the Mbale band appeal is Matt Kingston’s arrangement of the Irish folk song, 'She moved through the Fair'.

Popular

"It’s probably been our most popular arrangement so far," said Matt. "We’ve been getting loads of emails from bands saying how much they’ve enjoyed playing this piece in particular, and it’s had a couple of outings at entertainment contests this summer too.

"And we’ve been getting a fantastic response to our Mbale appeal. Just last month, our donation covered the cost of three cornets for the band, giving three more kids a chance to play."

Download and print

As with all the arrangements in the Big Shiny Brass catalogue, you download and print the music yourself, as well as buying printed sets. It’s a fantastic way to buy quality brass band music at a very affordable price.

Hear more

You can hear a recording of She moved through the Fair at the Big Shiny Brass website — www.BigShinyBrass.com.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Result: 2026 European Championship Championship Section

April 25 • History is made as Flowers Band are crowned Champions of Europe on their contest debut.


Linz

Result: 2026 European Championships Challenge Section

April 25 • Brass Band Wipptal claims the honours and takes the title back to Italy.


Symphony Hall

2028 European Championships to be held in Birmingham

April 24 • EBBA to run 50th anniversary event at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.


Linz

Report & Result: 10th European Solo Championship

April 24 • Young Swiss cornet star Simon Gabriel adds to his growing list of accolades as he becomes European Solo Champion in Linz.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd