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Brass Band World magazine: Dec/Jan edition out now

The latest edition of the world's leading brass band magazine is now out — and its packed with plenty of musical interest and debate to enjoy over the festive period.

BBW DEC
  The December/January edition of Brass Band World magazine is now out

In fact the latest edition of Brass Band World has got everything you would expect from the world's favourite magazine for brass bands and instrumentalists — which comes in print and digital format for smart phones, tablets and desktops.

EDITOR'S VIEW


David Childs considers the most wonderful time of the year and a BBW packed to the rafters with gifts for the brass band connoisseur!

NEWS


Let Butlins entertain you with a packed, high quality package at its Skegness resort in January, plus more latest news

CONTEST RECORDING RIGHTS


As the debate over bands' recording rights at contests continues, Thomas Dunne explores a variety of views from both sides of the argument and ponders whether there's a moral issue

YOUNG VOICES


Keir Evans-Brown was named Youngest Player at the recent Brass in Concert Championship. The 17-year-old Hammonds Saltaire player chats to Mark Good about his musical rollercoaster ride to date and how he aims to make it to the very top...

EUROPEAN ORDER IN PLACE


Five European nations have witnessed successful title defences in the battle for an invitation to the 2019 European Championships — Thomas Dunne brings the action and looks ahead to the all-important Montreux line-up next April

DEMONIC VIRTUOSO


Cory Band's former star tenor horn, Owen Farr, has carved an international career as teacher, clinician, soloist and promoter of his instrument since leaving the band in 2015. Christopher Thomas caught up with him during his recent stint with Brass Band Battle Creek and before a Christmas trip to Chicago

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF 2018


Christopher Thomas reflects upon a year of more highs than lows in worldwide brass banding

DESTINATION SUMMER


In the bleak mid-winter, the long festive holiday creates time to relax and consider travel plans in the New Year — there's plenty going on across the World to take stock of in BBW's 2019 events preview, as Nicola Bland reveals...

KEEPING SCORE AT THE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL


The two-weekend Scottish Festival has become a 'must-attend' autumn contest, with ten of the 19 'Open' contenders this year hailing from outside Scotland, one of which was even American. Malcolm Wood reports on a healthy line-up for the Scottish Open, Band Supplies Challenge and Youth Championships in Perth

CASTAWAY


Katrina Marzella invites leading conductor, Dr. Robert Childs, to drift away to an imaginary desert island with his favourite recordings, a good read and a luxury item!

CENTRE BAND


Driven performance from Jaguar Land Rover Band

BRASS IN CONCERT


In its fifth decade, Brass in Concert offers an outstanding venue, a raft of new commissions annually and laudable youth activities, ensuring its place at the forefront of artistic entertainment and development. Mark Good reflects upon a packed and entertaining weekend at the UK's Sage Gateshead.

TRIBUTES


BBW brings tributes to two banding luminaries who died last month — leading Salvationist and mainstream conductor/trainer/ educator/adjudicator in Canada and beyond, Bramwell Gregson, and the UK's composer/conductor/tuba artist, Simon Kerwin.

As the debate over bands' recording rights at contests continues, Thomas Dunne explores a variety of views from both sides of the argument and ponders whether there's a moral issueBBW

PRO PLATFORM


Kate Moore, principal trumpet with the BBC Concert Orchestra and former member of Cornwall's St. Keverne Band, advises 'giving with a generous heart'.

PRO PRACTICE: HAPPY HOLIDAYS


Think your 'chops' need a rest this Christmas — think again! Pro Practice host, Professor Roger Webster, examines all the easy excuses for boxing your instrument during the Christmas holidays...

REVIEWS — CDs


Mike Lovatt and Foden's release 56° N, Desford Band calls for piece and unity with its latest release — Where Have All the Flowers Gone, euphoniumist, Misa Mead, releases Souvenir and Flowers Band celebrates its 50th birthday with the aptly titled Celebrate CD.

REVIEWS — CONCERTS


Tredegar Band's spirit of musical adventure led it to a Linz Brass Festival appearance; Steven Mead brings the glamour and spectacle of the USA's all-star Brass Band of Battle Creek's 1 December concert; Simone Rebello reviews the successful RNCM Cornet Day; and Mark Good brings the action from the World of Brass in Concert at the Sage Gateshead, starring Foden's Band with trumpet, Mike Lovatt, and vocalist, Matthew Ford.

GIFT GUIDE


Don't shop until you drop — Helen Williams brings a handy selection of on-line stocking fillers and some pricier present ideas for those with deeper pockets.

DIARY DATES


What's on around the World in December and January

… AND ANOTHER THING


Resident wit and cartoonist, Rob Nesbitt, aka 'Nezzy' becomes 'bah humbug' about Red Book time!

Access


ACCESS THE WORLD'S FAVOURITE MONTHLY BRASS MAGAZINE BY SUBSCRIBING AT: www.brassbandworld.co.uk

PRINTED EDITION DELIVERED BY POST TEN EDITIONS: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (rest of the World).
DIGITAL EDITION FOR SMART 'PHONES, TABLETS AND DESKTOPS — ONLY £30 FOR TEN EDITIONS, WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD!
DITIGAL AND PRINTED EDITION COMBINED — TEN EDITIONS: £55 (UK); £83 (Europe); £96 (rest of World) — SAVING 50% ON THE DIGITAL EDITION!

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Jim Hayes

Hayes principal tenure ends at the cooperation band

December 30 • Two decades of, "exceptional musicianship and dedication" has come to an end at the Brass in Concert Champions, as Jim Hayes takes a final cooperation bow.


Downshire

New Year's Honour for Prof Michael Alcorn

December 30 • The highly respected academic and musician has become a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year's Honours list.


Besson

4BR Christmas Quiz

December 26 • How good is your brass band knowledge? Good enough to win a cornet and goodies for a young player?


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


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


Dobcross Silver Band

December 29 • We are accepting applications for a 2nd BARITONE PLAYER after the Area contest in March.. As current NW Area 3rd Section Champions and 2025 National Champions we start our journey in the 2nd Section in 2026! Come and join our great Euph/Bari section!


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

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