*
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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 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.


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd