*
banner

Wantage invites self isolation stars...

Wantage Band puts a brass band personality on a desert island and find out more about them and their musical tastes in isolation...

Wantage
  Wantage Band has been inviting personalities to self isolate on a desert island

At a time when bands are trying out new ideas to keep connected, Wantage Band has also taken the opportunity to find out a bit more about themselves too.

They have already enjoyed Zoom interviews with Black Dyke principal cornet Richard Marshall and Belgian euphonium star Glenn Van Looy, whilst last week they started their own version of 'Desert Island Discs' with Musical Director Paul Holland as the first self-isolated castaway.

New feature

The new feature on 'WSB Sounds' saw Paul reveal his five pieces of music that meant most to him — and to say there were a few were a surprise was an understatement — with the 'Alpine Symphony' by Richard Strauss rubbing shoulders with 'Star Wars' and even a little bit of country and western music...

Presented by Sam Wyne and Jemma Johnstone, the next programme will be aired through the band's Facebook page on Sunday 26th April (9.00pm) when well known player, conductor and adjudicator David Hirst will be revealing just what he will want to listen to on a wind-up CD player on his desert island.

As a castaway he can also have one luxury item...

Fun

Sam told 4BR: "We wanted something to keep bringing the band together, and for it to be fun. We already do Saturday morning training session for learners which have been a great success, so we added to that with this little programme to find out more about leading brass band personalities and members of the band.

We've already found out some great stories, some amazing facts and even some odd musical choices!"

We've already found out some great stories, some amazing facts and even some odd musical choices!Sam Wyne

Further information

For further information about enjoying the fun at 9.00pm on Sunday 26th April, then you have to go to the Wantage Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/234445920957040/

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    


RAH

MPs vote against Albert Hall ticket proposals

June 16 • A Private Members Bill to amend the constitution of the charity that runs the Royal Albert Hall and its long held ticketing policy has been defeated in Parliament amid accusations of "outrageous profiteering".


pocast

4BR Review: Episode 19

June 15 • Join Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas on Wednesday 17th June at 7.00pm for the latest live broadcast 4BR Review.


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd