*
banner

'Ear, 'Ear with David Thornton...

Brass Band England's latest online development programme sees David Thornton explore how we can learn from listening and how it can make a positive impact on our performances...

Thornton
  Find out what to listen out for with David Thornton this evening...

In the latest Brass Bands England's (BBE) Development Programme Online, David Thornton presents the topic of 'Critical Listening', exploring how we can learn the most from what we hear, and use this to impact our own performances.

As he says, rightly or wrongly, it's in our banding DNA to listen with a critical ear, judging one performance against another. But what are we listening for?

Sign up

To sign up to the zoom webinar please go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9215882779877/WN_tXnAPxioQfmKmKPxNO_YSg to register.

There are only 100 spaces available.

This is one of a popular series of BBE webinars held during the Covid-19 crisis, which seeks to delve into elements of the BBE Development programmes. The webinars have so far had over 45,000 viewers.

Join in

David's session will take place on a Zoom webinar for those who want to get involved and ask questions directly, as well as being available as a Facebook live video on the BBE Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/brassbandsengland.

The webinar will take place on Thursday 4th June, starting at 7.00pm (BST).

All the workshops are free, but BBE is asking participants to consider supporting the Brass Bands Emergency Fund with what they think sessions are worth.

The fund will use 100% of donated funds to support bands struggling during the crisis with ongoing freelance costs and other financial commitments.

To support the emergency fund, go to https://www.chuffed.org/project/brassbandemergencyfund

Down the pub

During the session, attendees will be able to ask questions sent in via the registration form. The workshop will begin with a short presentation on how to use the Zoom platform effectively to get the most out of the workshop while participants get used to the set up before starting at about 7.10pm.

After the presentation you can also join plenty of others down at the 'BBE Pub' to discuss the session and other things happening in the banding world. It's proved to be a great way to make links, socialise and chat!

The BBE Development Programme Online has lined up experts from across the brass band world every Thursday for at least the next few months to lead webinars straight to your living rooms on subjects covering almost every conceivable element of banding.

As he says, rightly or wrongly, it's in our banding DNA to listen with a critical ear, judging one performance against another. But what are we listening for?

Sign up

The session will also be available on Facebook live on the BBE facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/brassbandsengland

BBE facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrassBandsEngland/ for which users can sign up to for free.

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    


4BR

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

October 11 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts and contests all year round.


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd