*
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    


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.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd