*
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    


Louis Dowdeswell

Dowdeswell ready for final print run

October 15 • The new album from trumpet star Louis Dowdeswell is set to bring high intensity brass to the classics .


Rochdale Contest

Bands ready for Rochdale own-choice challenges

October 15 • There are plenty of bands and plenty of musical choice to enjoy at the Rochdale Contest this weekend.


Wychavon

Wychavon Festival of Brass line-ups confirmed

October 15 • There will be a full day of entertainment at The De Montfort School in Evesham later this month.


Boscombe

Boscombe to welcome Black Dyke Band for 140th anniversary

October 15 • Boscombe Band of the Salvation Army will welcome Black Dyke Band for a joint concert to celebrate 140 years of music making and worship.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd