*
banner

Lock and Load — six times...

An intrepid peripatetic teacher is to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK with a six shot attempt at Grade 8 exams.

Music
 

Russell Lock, a 23 year old peripatetic music teacher from Sandwell in the West Midlands, will be raising money for Cancer Research UK by taking six Grade 8 exams in December.

A few problems

Russell (pictured centre) will be taking the exams on trumpet, tenor horn, euphonium, trombone bass trombone and tuba, and had admitted to 4BR that as the trombone is his instrument of choice he has understandably encountered a few problems in mastering no less than 18 exam pieces and scales.

However, the biggest difficulty came in the organisation of the whole event.

Support

Russell has managed to gain support from John Packer Musical Instruments who have supplied him with every instrument that he will need, whilst Denis Wick has supplied all mouthpieces and accessories.

Meanwhile, Trinity College London has agreed to waive the examination fees for all six examinations.

Worthwhile investment

Russell told 4BR: "The challenge would not have been possible without the kind support of so many people and organisations.

I hope to make their investments worthwhile by raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK and by passing all of the exams."

I hope to make their investments worthwhile by raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK and by passing all of the examsRussell Lock

Help

You can support Cancer Research UK and Russell by donating at www.justgiving.com/Russell-Lock

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd