*
banner

4BR Friday Interview with Phillip Monk

4BR talks to Phillip Monk the founder of the Mbale Schools Brass Band in Uganda who will be making their Whit Friday debut as part of the Foden's on-line competition this weekend.

MbALE
  The band will be making its Whit Friday debut thanks to the power of the world wide internet...

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

4BR talks to Phillip Monk who founded the Mbale Schools Brass Band in Uganda in 2008 and has inspired hundreds of youngsters to learn brass music.

The band which comes from the Mbale in the eastern region of Uganda, draws its players from local schools in the region with an average age of around 15.

Over half the band are female and the experience range covers primary school children to a principal cornet who is training to become a doctor.

They have been drawn number 45 in the Foden's Whit Friday contest — so make sure you don't miss out on their performance of 'The Contestor'.

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

Call for entries for 10th European Composers Competition

September 2 • EBBA announces entry details for its 10th European Composers Competition in Montreux.


Twcester

Get your motor running...

September 2 • Towcester Studio Band enjoyed a memorable weekend revving up the entertainment for a huge crowd at the popular CarFest event.


Robin Hood

Wright & Round: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Michael Kamen arr. Derek Broadbent)

September 2 • The chance to don the green tights and twang a great theme tune out in your next concert as Robin Hood returns again.


Gota Brass

Anglo-French lead at Swedish champions

September 2 • Ryan Watkins and Florent Didier will take the baton at Göta Brass for the coming contesting season.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd