*
banner

Eikanger centre future plans on education

Eikanger Bjorsvik looks to the future with ambitious education plans for their rehearsal base.

Eikanger
  The band hall home has the potential to hold yet more players...

Eikanger Bjorsvik Band is looking towards securing it the long term future with ambitious plans to formally take over their rehearsal facility, including the immediate area surrounding it, to provide an educational centre for banding that will serve both its needs and that of its local Hordaland community.

The band has been based at Musikkhuset since April 2004 and currently rents the premises, allowing it also to be used by their local school band, Knarvik Skulekorps and the First Section band, Oster Brass

Driving force

However, with a view to becoming a driving force in helping develop the future generations of brass and percussion players within the banding movement, and to make closer links to the educational sector, plans have been discussed for a new structure that will include an extra rehearsal and recording studio, and several smaller practise rooms.

Potential

Speaking to 4BR about the ambitions, Band Manager and Vice-Chairman Viggo Bjørge said: "Our rehearsal base is a very good room with the potential to give us an excellent venue for activities.

The desire to be able to offer both youth and adult bands time and space in what we believe can become a centre of music making is the long term ambition."

He added: "The ongoing pandemic has also taught us that we may need larger rooms from time to time.

We are prepared to take the responsibility to create this centre and will work together with financial partners and the local authorities to see if these plans can be brought to fruition."

The desire to be able to offer both youth and adult bands time and space in what we believe can become a centre of music making is the long term ambitionVice-Chairman Viggo Bjorge

Widespread interest

The plans have already gained widespread interest, with the regional newspaper already running a feature on it. However, at present the bandroom remains empty as Covid-19 restrictions in Norway mean that banding in the Hordaland region to over the Christmas period.

Viggo explained: "There are positive signs that the second wave of Covid 19 is on retreat. The 'R number' is currently at 0.8 in the Bergen region. With that in mind the band is slightly optimistic for a much better year ahead in 2021.

There is light on the horizon for Norwegian banding and that it will return in a much more structured way in the New Year.

It's during the tough times that the long term plans for development and quality need to be made. We are doing that at Eikanger and I'm sure others are too."

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


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd