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Radio: Listen to the Band

Plenty of musical highlights to enjoy from Frank Renton on the BBC.

Frank Renton
  Frank Renton has plenty to chat about to go with the music on the BBC.

Listen to the Band:

7th February:


Frank Renton has some recent releases including a 175th anniversary CD from Camborne Town Band plus memorable music by Gustav Holst, George Harrison and Richard Rodgers played by Grimethorpe, Brett Baker with Black Dyke and the GUS Band under conductor Bramwell Tovey

14th February:


Frank Renton talks to UniBrass's Andy Straiton and hears from last year's winners from the University of Manchester Brass Band about plans to keep the crown this weekend.

21st February:


Frank Renton with a celebration of classic small group brass music played by The Locke Brass Consort, Bonesapart, Bay Brass and the band within a band, The London Symphony Orchestra Brass led by conductor Eric Crees.

28th February:


The Radio 2 Young Brass Award Semi Final

The search for the next brass star reaches the semi-final stage as eight talented musicians play for a place in the final alongside Foden's Band under conductor Michael Fowles.

In this special programme Frank Renton presents all the music highlights as Clare Freeman talks to the young performers about their preparation and their dreams and career aspirations as they try and impress judges David Childs and Helen Vollam, Principal Trombone of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The four selected for the live final at the Royal Northern College of Music in April will be revealed at the end of the programme.

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Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


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Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

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RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


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Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


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


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

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