*
banner

Huge response SWBBA solo and quartet event

150 competitors from across the banding world have been out to impress adjudicator Steve Sykes — with the results to be announced later this month.

SWBBA
  The event has been a huge success for the Association

The South West Brass Band Association has told 4BR that they have been delighted at the entry repose for their inaugural Online Solo & Quartet Contest.

150 competitors from across the UK and abroad have provided adjudicator Steve Sykes with over 180 performances, with the results to be announced over the evenings of the 21st, 22nd & 23rd May.

Wonderful entry

Speaking to 4BR, SWBBA Vice-Chairman, John Woods, said: "Not surprisingly, due to the wonderful entry we have had to delay our 'Results Showcase' as the evaluation process took longer than originally envisaged.

We will announce the results on Facebook and our grateful thanks go to adjudicator Steve Sykes for the mammoth task of deciding the winners and also to Trevada Music for so generously sponsoring the prizes."

John also confirmed that due to the fantastic response with entries in the Slow Melody Under 12 class, it has been divided into two separate categories — 9 years and under, and 10-12 years.

150 competitors from across the UK and abroad have provided adjudicator Steve Sykes with over 180 performances, with the results to be announced over the evenings of the 21st, 22nd & 23rd May4BR

Thanks

John added: "We would like to thank everyone, especially parents, family and teachers in encouraging young players to record performances and enter — the response has been outstanding. Without them this event could not have taken place."

The three Showcases will be available to view on SWBBA YouTube channel shortly after the weekend.

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    


EBBA Linz

Austrian celebration to be showcased at EBBC Gala Concert

January 13 • An unforgettable celebration of Austrian music is promised at the Gala Concert of the European Brass Band Championships in Linz later this year.


David Morton

Morton set to link with Sandefjord

January 13 • David Morton is set to become Musical Director of Sandefjord Brass Symposium in Autumn 2026.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

January 13 • More great music to enjoy from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd