*
banner

4BR Friday Interview with Shannon Aikins

4BR talks to the Executive Director of Brass Band of Battle Creek to find out more about the professional ensemble which later this year will perform the closing concert at the 75th Anniversary of the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

Battle Creek
  The band attracts the world's finest players to its ranks each year

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

For the Friday interview on 4BR this week we have once again popped over the Atlantic Ocean to find out more about the banding movement there.

And if there is one brass band that is the standard bearer for American excellence then it is the professional Brass Band of Battle Creek — although in truth it is more a focal point for worldwide brilliance as it's a band that attracts an incredible list of playing personnel from all over the world.

We catch up with its Executive Director Shannon Aikins to find out more about the band, its ethos, its players and conductors — as well as its future plans — including a high profile concerts to close the 75th anniversary of the massive Midwest Clinic in Chicago on December 18th.

To find out more about the band go to: https://bbbc.net/

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    


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Festival Brass Band

Vertommen to lead Festival Brass at Belgian Championships

November 5 • The experienced Luc Vertommen will lead Festival Brass Band in Heist-op-den-Berg later this month as MD Senne La Mela takes principal cornet role.


Get marching

Morley March Contest boosted

November 5 • The popular march contest adds to its attractions for 2027.


Melita

Wright & Round: O Hear Us (Naomi Rebecca Hill)

November 5 • A new release from the award-winning composer inspired by the hymn tune 'Melita'.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit horns to complete our line-up for the Area contest next year. The position is negotiable. Hade Edge are a friendly second band who rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45 till 9.45 in a fantastic purpose built bandroom


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

November 5 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd