*
banner

Pannell beaters...

Archie and Ivy Pannell perform on their brand new Geneva Mentor cornets after the duo impressed the legendary Phillip McCann with their wonderful lyrical playing in his Geneva Slow Melody competition.

Gebea
  Archie and Ivy enjoy a little outdoor practice together...

At a time when brass bands are in greater need than ever to be able to attract youngsters to start enjoying playing a musical instrument, then this picture of talented youngsters Archie and Ivy Pannell should put a smile on the face of everyone trying to do just that.

The duo have just received their brand-new Geneva Mentor cornets after they came in for special praise from cornet legend Phillip McCann after they entered his recent Geneva Instruments International Slow Melody Competition.

Chips off the block

Ivy aged 6, and Archie aged 8, play for Haverhill Youth and Community Band in Suffolk, and have already made a name for themselves with their wonderful online performances — showing that they are musical chips of the block of dad, Tim, who is also a multi-talented musician.

The youngsters have been recorded playing music from James Bond and Haydn to George Gershwin and John Williams — all delivered with great smiles.

No wonder then Phillip was extremely impressed with both of them as he told 4BR: "For two so young, their playing simply showed the joy of making music. Ivy is an amazing talent and with a personality that just invites to listen to her play. It's like a musical hug."

Pleasure

Both Ivy and Archie will now continue to enjoy their music making on their new Geneva instruments, with Geneva Group Director Vincent Eckerman adding: "Having also having thoroughly enjoyed viewing all the entries in the recent Phillip McCann 'International Slow Melody Competition' it was a pleasure to reward Ivy and Archie.

The joy was there for everyone to both see and hear and summed up the principal reason why the Geneva Foundation is so keen to support such initiatives."

For two so young, their playing simply showed the joy of making music. Ivy is an amazing talent and with a personality that just invites to listen to her play. It's like a musical hugPhillip McCann

Enjoy

You can enjoy performances form Ivy, Archie and Tim at their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/297930707852474/user/504884078

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    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


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


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist 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.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd