*
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    


lbrrt

Report & Result: 2026 National Championship of Great Britain

October 3 • Cory returns on the road to victory as Philip Harper's band reclaims National title honours at the Royal Albert Hall.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Thundersley Brass Band

Tuesday 6 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • A tenor trombone position has become vacant following the relocation of the previous player.


Alder Valley Brass

October 6 • Seeking a Bb Bass player to join our friendly ambitious second section band under the direction of new MD Oliver Halstead - Brooks. Featuring a good variety of concerts and contests. . We rehearse each Monday and Thursday 8pm to 10pm in Farnham Surrey


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd