*
banner

Gloucester youth enjoy a real blast

A Blast Off training event led by Flower MD Paul Holland was full of fun and games recently.

Blast off
 

The Gloucestershire Brass Band Association working with Gloucestershire Music recently held its Blast Off! event for complete beginners to Grade 5 students during half term.

Less than 4 weeks

Some of the youngsters who took part had only been playing for as little as 4 weeks, but as part of the Training Band under course director and Flowers MD Paul Holland, they had great fun on two movements of ‘Things that go Bump’, as well as improving their long notes and dynamics before performing to parents and friends.

Youth Band

The Gloucestershire Youth Band also worked hard on a three day course before their joint concert with Tredegar Band, took time out to perform with the youngsters before performing the exciting ‘Best of Bond’ music with them.

Some of the youngsters who took part had only been playing for as little as 4 weeks4BR

Massed bands

Paul Holland also rehearsed the Intermediate Band in the popular melodies of ‘Disney Matter’ and the more challenging, ‘Last Rose’, with the band joining their senior counterparts for a massed band performance of the piece, whilst many talented young soloists were featured in items throughout the day.

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    


Hauts de France

Results: 2026 French National Championships

March 4 • Hauts de France Brass Band are crowned Kings of France for the seventh time in a row in Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy, with division title going to Les Coniques Brass Band, Brass Band de La Gorgue and Le Ch'ti Brass.


First Old Boys

Report & Results: 2026 BBNI Brass in Concert

March 4
1st Old Boys lead the entertainment in Fivemiletown, with section success for CWA Brass and Dynamic Brass


ODBBA

Report & Results: 2026 ODBBA Winter Contest

March 4 • Michelmersh Silver, Chinnor Silver, Towcester Studio, Avonbank (Evesham), City of Oxford Silver lead the way in showcasing their Area preparations


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd