*
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    


pRINCIPALS

Principals in place for National Youth Band

August 4 • The principal players have been placed in their leadership roles on the current National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fulham Brass

Fulham look towards York

August 4 • Fulham Band has been working with David Barringer and a host of tutors to prepare them for their York National Final appearance.


Jake Bartlett

Bartlett claims Mortimer Solo Award

August 4 • Tuba player Jake Bartlett has won the prestigious Harry Mortimer Solo Competition on this year's National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fowles

Wessex success on emerald anniversary

August 4 • The 55th anniversary Wessex Band Summer School has been hailed as a fantastic week of music making.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Crewe Brass

August 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.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd