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Latest edition of Brass Band World out now!

The latest edition of BBW is out now — and its packed with everything you would expect from the leading brass band magazine in the world.

BBW aPRIL
  There is so much to enjoy in April's edition of BBW Magazine

The April edition of Brass Band World magazine is now out and it's full with fantastic features, articles, reviews and interviews from around the globe…

SUBSCRIBE NOW AT:


www.brassbandworld.co.uk

EDITOR'S VIEW:


BBW Editor David Childs, highlights the campaign to raise £90,000 for life-saving treatment — which is above the NHS funding threshold — for the 26-year-old ace trombonist Stephen Sykes — also this month's BBW Castaway.

LET'S DEBATE — WHEN JUSTICE IS DONE


David Read MBE has moved from adjudicating brass bands at the highest level of competition to joining the audience and debates the validity of critique from his new vantage point.

EUROPEAN COUNTDOWN


Nicolas Bland surveys the programme of events on offer for the 40th European Brass Band Championships in Oostende, Belgium, whilst composer, Paul McGhee casts his expert eyes over the tests for the Championship and Challenge sections.

THE BBW INTERVIEW — MUSICAL POLYMATH


Chris Thomas chats to the tuba world's multi-faceted musician Les Neish.

WORLDWIDE COMPETITION COVERAGE:


BBW looks back at the last six UK Regional Championships, at which the top section test, 'Pageantry' toppled a clutch of the fancied bands.

Malcolm Wood brings coverage from the National Youth Championships, whilst Joel Collier brings news of the great strides taken at the North American Brass Band Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

REPROGRAMMING YOUR SAT NAV


'Pro' player, Marcus Reynolds offers a route to over-coming Focal Dystonia, which can devastate brass players — even those at the top of their careers.

UNIQUE VOICE


Wing Commander, Duncan Stubbs is poised to retire as Principal Director of Music, Royal Air Force.

David Childs and other luminaries pay tribute to a man who has changed the face of music in one of the UK's military services.

BRASS EDUCATION AND CAREER 'OPPS':


Chetham's specialist music school in Manchester launches Advice Auditions Week in May.

PRO PRACTICE:


What, how and when to practice with Dr. Roger Webster.

PRO PLATFORM:


David Childs enjoys a Q&A with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra's principal trombonist — Simon Johnson

BBW CASTAWAY:


Katrina Marzella chats to the young trombonist, Stephen Sykes, who takes a break from his treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma to select his desert island listening.

YOUNG VOICES:

Mark Good meets the principal cornet of Hammonds Saltaire Band, Philip Varely, who collected the Best Principal Cornet Award at the recent Yorkshire Regional Championships last month.

BBW CENTRE BAND:

How the North American champion, Atlantic Brass Band, is helping to develop the brass band culture Stateside.

REVIEWS — CDS:


David Childs finds affinity with Les Neish's recent solo recording; Christopher Thomas reviews 'The Nationals 2016' CD and Thomas Dunne puts Grant Jameson's 'Genesis' into the CD player, as well as enjoys a Q&A with the American euphonium player.

MUSIC


A selection of new concert music to perform from Prima Vista Musikk and The Salvation Army Eastern Territory USA.

CONCERT REVIEWS:


Dr. Robert Childs took in the Mountbatten Festival at London's Royal Albert Hall; Christopher Thomas found the Portraits of Tibshelf evening full of imagination and concept, whilst Peter Bale enjoyed a night with The International Staff Band at Regent Hall, London.

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www.brassbandworld.co.uk

David Read MBE has moved from adjudicating brass bands at the highest level of competition to joining the audience and debates the validity of critique from his new vantage pointBBW

PRODUCTS:


Christopher Turner gives his verdict on The Elgar Howarth Way — 16 studies for trumpet from the Brass Wind Publications stable;

David Childs finds Yamaha's new generation Silent Brass for euphonium impressive; and Nicola Bland brings news about the Instrument Replacement Scheme just launched by Hayes Music, along with information about the 'Euro' download audio and video on the horizon from World of Sound/World of Brass.

NEWS:


Historic principal cornet appointment at Brighouse and high-profile departures at Grimethorpe; the exciting line-up for Black Dyke's June Festival is revealed, along with the 2017 Brass in Concert band and entertainment line-up.

RANKINGS:


Which band has re-entered the top 20 in April?

DIARY DATES:


What's on around the World in April and May

… AND ANOTHER THING:


John Barber and cartoonist, Nezzy, ruminate over the last will and testament of a 'Regional' judge

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podcast

Latest 4BR Review podcast

February 23 • The latest live 4BR Review podcast will be aired on Wednesday 25th February at 7.00pm — so why not bookmark it and join us with your views as we preview of the 2026 Regional Championships and more...


Wantage

Report & Result: 2026 Welsh Open

February 23 • Wantage are in a winning frame of mind to claim the entertainment honours in Newport


British Open

Spring Festival tickets now on sale

February 23 • Tickets for the 104th British Open Spring Festival in Birmingham in May are now on sale — with discounts available.


Yazu

Black Dyke's RNCM concert now on Wobplay

February 23 • The Yorkshire champion's concert appearance at the recent RNCM International Brass Band Festival can now be enjoyed on the Wobplay media platform.


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

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


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

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