*
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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) 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.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd