*
banner

Menai Bridge enjoys Queensbury connection

Members of Band Pres Porthaethwy/Menai Bridge recently enjoyed an inspirational chat with Nicholas and Alison Childs.

Childs
  Nicholas and Alison Childs were the guests for the meeting

Members of Band Pres Porthaethwy/Menai Bridge recently enjoyed a Zoom meeting with Black Dyke Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs.

Informal chat

In the two-hour informal chat Prof Childs and his wife, Alison, provided insights into how Black Dyke has approached the challenges posed by the restrictions of Covid-19, and how it has overcome them with a mix of enthusiasm and expertise.

He also answered questions about his banding career and told many interesting tales of his experiences along the way — from his earliest days with Tredegar Junior Band to his 20 year tenure at Black Dyke.

It was two hours of wonderful information and inspiration and we hope to invite both back to visit us at our bandroom when we finally return to rehearsalsBrian Mottershead

Wonderful

Band Chairman Brian Mottershead told 4BR: "We were all very grateful to Nick and Alison for being so generous with their time to talk to us, and particularly the friendly way in which he conducted the meeting.

It was two hours of wonderful information and inspiration and we hope to invite both back to visit us at our bandroom when we finally return to rehearsals."

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    


Black Dyke Band

Plaudit crescendo for Black Dyke Proms appearance

July 21 • Fans and critics alike have joined in a chorus of plaudits and congratulations for Black Dyke Band's BBC Proms appearance alongside soloist David Childs.


Edward

Richard Fife Award won by tuba player

July 21 • Tredegar tuba player Edward Falloon is the 2026 winner of the prestigious Richard Fice Solo competition.


Wright and Round

Wright and Round: Say a Little Prayer (Burt Bacharach arr. Ray Farr)

July 21 • A classic bit of easy listening 1960s magic for any concert programme.


City of Bristol

New leadership roles at City of Bristol

July 21 • Mark Dallas and Andrew Read take on new roles to help push Bristol band forward.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 21 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join our ambitious,friendly and hard working 1st section band.Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up and down). Good but realistic diary of concerts and contests including tour abroad in 2027.


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd