*
banner

Ultimate Big Band Toolkit launched

Louis Dowdeswell and Callum Au launch a fantastic new guide to help players understand and perform in the Big Band genre — with 10% off for 4BR readers too!

Louis
  The duo have launched their ultimate toolkit to help players bridge the divide between genres

High trumpet star Louis Dowdeswell has linked up with his friend and fellow big band trombone performer and composer Callum Au to launch a new project entitled, 'Louis & Cal's Ultimate Big Band Toolkit'.

Skills focus

It is the latest publication offering from the long time collaborators, and is designed to take students, amateurs and aspiring professionals to the next level of their understanding and appreciation of big band playing, focusing not only on the technical excellence, but on all of the skills that it takes to be a band musician.

Brass band fans

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, Callum said that both he and Louis were huge fans of the brass band movement and had been determined for some time to try and help bridge the gap between it and the big band scene.

"This has been a true passion project for us, and something we have wanted to make happen for a long time. We have notched up thousands of hours of practice and performance over the years and want to pass that on.

We are both keen followers of 4BR and are continually amazed by the standard of the playing at all levels of the banding movement.

We want to bring our genres closer together through these 10 new tracks, and we thought this was the best way of doing it — in an enjoyable and informative way."

Playalong album and more

Cal explained that 'Louis & Cal's Ultimate Big Band Toolkit' is in part a playalong album; 10 brand new, original tracks spanning 100 years of big band styles, specially written to put every instrument and part through its technical and stylistic paces.

It is also an ebook, with every chart presented alongside composer insights and playing tips.

We want to bring our genres closer together through these 10 new tracks, and we thought this was the best way of doing it — in an enjoyable and informative wayCallum Au

Guides and advice

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, it is a collection of short guides, advice and thoughts from many of the industry's top musicians, covering everything from style and sight-reading to the secrets of great ensemble playing, improvising and more.

Callum added: "We want to try and get people to enjoy exploring Big Band music making, so we've also set up a discount code for 4BR reader on Louis' site — to get 10% off, they'll need to enter the code 4BARSREST on the checkout page. We've set this up to be valid until 31st January."

Find out more and purchase

'Louis & Cal's Ultimate Big Band Toolkit' is available for £19.99. It is also available for saxophone, drums bass, guitar and piano.

To find out more and to purchase, go to: https://shop.louisdowdeswell.com/products/the-ultimate-big-band-toolkit

There are some great taster videos to enjoy at:

https://youtu.be/XNYvwDPBrsA (Louis)
https://youtu.be/H3H8FmDyQ7c (Callum)

Enjoy the music at:

https://open.spotify.com/album/78wvRNaLcUe93P19rY7GHp

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    


unite

Result: 2025 National Championship of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Instruments

Band Supplies offers best bet at Cheltenham

September 12 • If you are looking for a sure thing each way bet on deals on top instruments at Cheltenham, out your money on Band Supplies.


NBCA

Pankhurst work dropped for Australian National Championships.

September 12 • Lucy Pankhurst's 'The Ghosts of Industry' has been dropped as the Premier Grade set-work at the 2026 Australian National Championships.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


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


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd