*
banner

A4 duo to aid Brass for Africa

Jamie Smith and Michael Cavanagh are flying to Kampala to work with the Brass for Africa charity.

A4 Quartet
  The two members of the A4 Quartet are flying to Kampala.

Jamie Smith and Michael Cavanagh, both members of the A4 Brass Quartet and Grimethorpe Colliery Band, will fly to Kampala in Uganda this week to work with the Brass for Africa charity.

Their 10 day trip will see the pair both observe and work with the charity, as well as hopefully playing their part in helping to inspire children and adults by leading and performing in rehearsals.

Prizes

The duo also hope to help create a little bit of traditional British brass band competition, by hosting an informal solo contest where the young players will be rewarded with plenty of prizes that Jamie and Mike are taking over!

Mike told 4BR: "We are both looking forward so much to our first trip and to see how Brass for Africa changes the lives of so many people. If we can do our bit to help we will be thrilled."

We are both looking forward so much to our first trip and to see how Brass for Africa changes the lives of so many people. If we can do our bit to help we will be thrilledMichael Cavanagh

Life changing

Meanwhile, Jamie added: "We spoke to Alan Fernie on the phone a few weeks ago and he told us about what goes on there and how he believes it will also be a life changing experience for us both.

We cannot think of a better way to show the world what playing a brass band instrument can do."

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    


Brabbins

Childs and Brabbins to showcase Mealor Concerto

November 3 • Paul Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' is to be performed this Friday in Swansea by David Childs under the baton of Martyn Brabbins with the National Orchestra of Wales.


Maurice Andre

Saunas and butter — what made Andre the giant so great...

November 3 • If you ever wondered what the secret of Maurice Andre's success was — then an article from 1987 revealed all about his morning practice regime...


Prof Childs

Childs enjoys latest Japanese trip

November 3 • Black Dyke Band's Director of Music has just returned from his latest musical trip to Japan.


AoBBA

Yorkshire offer for aspiring adjudicators

November 3 • The Yorkshire Regional Championships have teamed up with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators for an experience day for aspiring judges.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


CROFTON SILVER BAND

November 4 • Crofton Silver (Yorks) are seeking Euphonium/Baritone players to join our friendly, enthusiastic 1st section band under our new ambitious MD, David Stokes. Practices are Thurs 8-10pm (also Monday during contest season), at Crofton WMC, WF4 1HJ. .


Fulham Brass Band

November 4 • Euphonium / baritone (position negotiable, inc. principal euph) and principal Eb bass wanted.. . - Current L&SC and Wychavon First Section champions. . . - Ambitious and friendly band.. . - Exciting contest and concert projects in 2026/27.. . - MD, Alan Thomas.


Haverhill Silver Band

November 4 • Haverhill Silver Band (Champion section) are seeking an Eb/Bb BASS (negotiable) to complete our line-up. Weekly Wednesday rehearsals in Haverhill (Suffolk), plus Sunday evenings when required. Regular concerts, L&SC areas, Spring Festival (Senior Cup).


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd