*
banner

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!

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd