*
banner

Middle Brass returns to RNCM

There is a great opportunity for young middle brass players to enjoy some free inspirational teaching from brass band stars at the RNCM in Manchester.

mIDDLE BRASS
  It all about the middle brass — and all for free

The Junior Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester (RNCM) will be relaunching its 'Young Middle Brass' series of free workshops later this month.

The first of the events which focus on youngsters exploring the joys and developing their skills on flugel, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium takes place on Sunday 19th September.

Free and fun

Held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, they will be led by Junior RNCM tutors Mark Bousie (Foden's Band) and Helen Varley (Grimethorpe Colliery Band).

Helen told 4BR: "As lots of young players may be a little nervous about getting back into the workshops there will be a strong emphasis on having fun!

There is also an exciting line-up of inspirational guest players taking part in the workshops, including the amazing Daniel Thomas (Black Dyke) and the fabulous Amy Ewen (Brighouse & Rastrick)."

Tailored mix

Helen added: "The workshops are open to all flugel, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium players of school age and from any location.

They are tailored to a mix of abilities ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 8+ with lots of fun music and activities, so there will be something to inspire and challenge everyone."

Youngsters are encouraged to attend all sessions, but sessions can be missed when they conflict with other events.

The workshops are open to all flugel, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium players of school age and from any locationHelen Varley

Free sessions

All sessions are held at the RNCM on Sunday mornings from 10am — 1pm and are free of charge.

To book your place just email Bryony Taylor (music education administrator) at bryony.taylor@rncm.ac.uk

The dates for the coming year are:

Sunday 19th September
Sunday 21st November

Sunday 9th January 2022
Sunday 27th February 2022
Sunday 24th April 2022
Sunday 5th June 2022

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


EBBC

2026 European Championship ticket sale date announced

January 16 • Tickets for the 47th European Brass Band Championships in Linz will go on sale on Tuesday 20th January.


Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Corporate partnership shares ethos with Grimethorpe

January 16 • Grimethorpe announces corporate link with leading mobile and static welfare accommodation manufacturer to share long-standing commitment to community, charity, and local engagement.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd