*
banner

30th anniversary celebrations for Brass Band World magazine

The leading brass band publication celebrates a special milestone with its 301st issue.

bbw
  The pioneering magazine celebrates its 30th anniversary with its 301st edition

This month's special 30th anniversary edition of Brass Band World and BBW Digital magazine is out now — packed with news, views, opinions and reviews that add up to essential reading.

Founding principles

BBW's founding Editor, Robert Mulholland published the magazine's first edition in February 1991, and in doing so began a journey that revolutionised the brass band media landscape.

In this month's edition…

30 YEARS OF BBW:


Today's BBW Editor, David Childs, looks back over 30 years, delving into the rich history of the magazine and, together with a number of brass band luminaries, explores the impact the publication has made during its lifetime.

30 YEARS OF REPERTOIRE:


The BBW Interview — Chief Contributor, Christopher Thomas, probes three of the brass band world's brightest creative lights during BBW's three decades of publishing, Edward Gregson, Philip Wilby and Philip Sparke, provoking fascinating insights about how far repertoire has developed and where its future lies.

30 YEARS OF WOMEN IN BANDING:


Lisa Fitzgerald-Lombard delves back into the last three decades of Brass Band World to share fascinating insights into the gradual embracing of female talent now enhancing brass bands, and celebrates the pioneers and their outstanding achievements along the way

A LOOK-BACK IN TIME:


Centre Band — A quick look-back at the three 'major' championships that constitute the UK Grand Slam reveal that, despite the subjectivity and many variables involved in brass band competition.

Only 18 bands and 19 conductors share the 87 titles listed in this month's '30-year Roll of Honour' featuring historic images of Grimethorpe, Foden's, Fairey, Leyland, Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick, Cory and Yorkshire Building Society bands.

AND ANOTHER THING...


This month we are taken 'Back to the Future' 30 years with Brass Band World's resident wit and cartoonist, Rob Nesbitt — 'Nezzy' to his friends

LET'S DEBATE:


Black Dyke Band's Chairman, Trevor Caffull, reveals how the Queensbury outfit has met the existential challenge posed by the pandemic, the engagement and well-being of players,.

He shares the organisation's bold 'Pathway to Performance' offering a 'best practice' example to other bands with post-pandemic motivation concerns

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT:


Mental Health first-aider in England, Tabby Kerwin, talks embracing possibility and positivity to firstly support personal well-being and mental health, and using these learned skills to build a stronger, healthier and happier brass band movement

BANDING SPIRIT:


To keep the global band world playing, Cory Band and Headline sponsor, Kapitol Promotions, is gearing-up to deliver the second edition of its Online Championships — 'Battle of the Regions'.

Over 100 competing bands will bring performances reflecting their regions of the world — so don't forget to tune in and spur the spirited competing bands on.

TRIBUTE TO JAMES SCOTT:


Renowned cornet soloist, conductor, adjudicator and educator, James Scott, sadly passed away at the age of 95 on 24 January 2021.

Together with several leading lights of the brass band world, David Childs pays tribute to one of the most revered figures in the brass band world

STACCATO PROFILE:


Helen Williams chats to her former Cory colleague, Stephanie Wilkins.

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama graduate recently followed Cornwall compatriot, Zoe Lovatt-Cooper, as Black Dyke's flugel horn soloist and has also become a Geneva Artist.

PRO PRACTICE:


This month, 'Pro Practice' host, Dr. Robert Childs, welcomes Dr. Jason Sulliman — Professor of Trombone at Troy University, USA, trombone tutor to the North American Brass Band Summer School and an M&W Artist to provide fascinating insight to embouchure stability, managing expectations and practice concepts

PRO PLATFORM:


Raquel Samayoa leads a dynamic and engaging career as an educator, chamber musician, soloist, and now Yamaha Artist.

The US-based trumpet star, who with Lantana Trio members will host the 2022 International Women's Brass Conference at the University of North Texas, chats to David Childs, about 'dreaming big'

BBW CASTAWAY:


This month, the boat to BBW's imaginary desert island sets sail with World of Sound's Manager, Producer and Engineer, Adam Goldsmith, accompanied by his eclectic listening and thoughtful reading choices, although we're not quite sure how we're going to get his luxury item sent to join him!

BBW's founding Editor, Robert Mulholland published the magazine's first edition in February 1991, and in doing so began a journey that revolutionised the brass band media landscapeBBW

NEWS:


Learning 'opps' in March — the 'StAMP Virtual Conservatoire'
and the 'Black Dyke Virtual Brass Day'

RECORDINGS:


Tim Mutum brings the streamed audio and video morsels dished up on wobplay.com in January and February; plus the latest recordings by euphonium soloist Mauro Martins, cornet soloist Chris Bradley and the Band of the RAF College.

MUSIC:


New flexible music for home and concert hall performance from publishing houses Gramercy, Prima Vista Musikk and The Salvation Army USA East and Trade Central territories.

PRODUCTS:


The new medium-shank David Childs Signature Mouthpiece and bell cover launched by Alliance.

PERFORMANCE:


The RNCM Brass Band Festival 2021 edition looks back on the last 14 years virtually and the National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand offers goes live in concert — three times!

BRASS BUSINESS:


Focus on community banding support by New Moon insurance company.

SUBSCRIBE:

Subscribe at: www.brassbandworld.co.uk

Preview: https://tinyurl.com/nn9ek9m2

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    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd