*
banner

4BR Tuesday Interview with Helen Robinson

We find out how the pupils of the Fred Longworth High School Brass Band joined an exclusive crooner list of world famous pop stars to perform with a certain Gary Barlow of Take That fame...

Fred Longworth
  The band members joined Gary for the performance

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

Teachers have been working miracles during the Covid-19 lockdown to keep their pupils informed, entertained and engaged, so just think how great it must have been to find out that the Head of Music and Conductor of the Fred Longworth High School Brass Band had got them a performance gig with Gary Barlow of Take That fame.

Exclusive playlist



Thanks to Helen Robinson and some persuasive messaging from her pupils to the star via Twitter, that is just what has happened — and the players now join an exclusive playlist on his Crooner Sessions that includes the likes of Rod Stewart, Elton John, Paloma Faith, Chris Martin, Brian May, All Saints, Nicole Scherzinger and many more.

4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Helen on Tuesday morning to find if the excitement has now died down after Gary agreed and the performance was put together and released through the school's Facebook page.

Helen talks about how the idea came about after the band had been battling through the lockdown — and how it has given everyone an incredible boost — including herself (she admits she is a big fan of Gary).

To enjoy

To enjoy the video performance go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO7XzttIH40

More Gary Barlow Crooner session performances can be enjoyed at:
https://www.smoothradio.com/artists/take-that/gary-barlow-crooner-sessions-duets-coronavirus/


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    


iNSTRUMENTS

Trump tariffs set to raise instrument prices in USA

August 13 • A new tariff proposal on imports, parts and accessories on brass and wind musical instruments draws criticism about national security issues.


willebroek

Willebroek's sixth sense pays off with Band Academy

August 13 • Over 60 young players enjoyed six days of Belgian music making on their sixth Academy course.


Harper

Harper enjoys Cory reconnection in Japan

August 13 • Philip Harper has made a Cory link in Japan to help inspire musicians on the Ageo Band Camp in Saitama.


Bruce Broughton

BrookWright Music: 11 March 1917 (Bruce Broughton)

August 13 • A moving euphonium solo from the pen of the critically acclaimed American composer Bruce Broughton.


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


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • OurCOMMU ITY BAND meets again on Monday 17th at 11am in our .bandroom.. Why not join us for a relaxed friendly rehearsal where all abilities are welcome.. There ‘s tea and cake and. It’s all free.. So join us this Monday..


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd