*
banner

British Army Brass Band makes Major return

The British Army Brass Band will be 're-introduced' with a brilliant set of Major attractions.

Army
  Ailsa Russell and Christian Dullea will be the featured soloists in the concert.

The British Army Brass Band (BABB) has announced its return to duty with a special re-introductory concert on 16th May at The Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks in London (7.00pm).

The Major

The band will deliver a programme of contemporary and classic brass band works interspersed with featured solo features from Ailsa Russell (Cory) and Christian Dullea (Desford).

It will also feature the premiere of 'Fanfare for Parkes', a composition dedicated to the legendary Major Peter Parkes, a former Director of Music, Grenadier Guards and written by the current staff arranger at The Band of the Grenadier Guards, Ian Shepherd.

Love of brass

BABB was founded back in 2007 by two Army Bandmasters, David Barringer and Chris King.

Their love for the brass band genre and the recognition of like minded 'banders' within the Army gave rise to the formation of a brass band made up of players across all bands of the Army, Regulars and Reservists.

The BABB musicians gave up their off duty time to perform in concerts across the country at high profile contesting events and even recorded a CD, 'Top Brass'.

The re-introduction of BABB is testament to the desire of Army musicians across all Army bands to perform high quality brass band repertoireMajor Stewart Halliday

Desire

Officer Commanding, Major Stewart Halliday told 4BR: "The re-introduction of BABB is testament to the desire of Army musicians across all Army bands to perform high quality brass band repertoire.

The concert of the 16th May is an announcement that BABB is back with our aim to delight our audiences."

Major Halliday will be joined by Captain Brenden Wheeler in conducting the concert.

Major Halliday added: "Brenden has a natural feel for conducting brass musicians. He really connects with them and gets the absolute best out of their playing."

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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd