*
banner

Free skunkmusic on offer...

A series of free masterclasses that can be enjoyed by anyone across the world is being launched later this month. All you have to do is register and set your alarm clock...

Skunk
  The series is free for anyone around the musical world

A leading independent music provider will be hosting a new series of free online international Masterclasses.

Free sessions

Skunkworks Productions from New South Wales in Australia will host the free sessions from international instrumental clinicians, as well as workshops and lessons, solo competitions, instrument repair advice, beginner drum classes, a Music Directors session, child safety, music choices and licensing forums as part of their global outreach programme.

Run in collaboration with the New South Wales Band Association and the Victorian Bands League the series will features stars such as brass bands stars Harmen Vanhoorne, Tom Hutchinson, Glenn Van Looy and Sheona White, as well as orchestral heavyweights such as Steve Rosse, Frank Celata and Emma Sholl.

First free series

The first free series kicks off between Sunday 26th September and Wednesday 29th September via the Zoom platform.

And you can out yourself forward for as many classes as you wish — including areas away from the brass band world such as community singing, woodwind and percussion.

Window of opportunity

Skunkworks Productions Limited is an independent arts business that is committed to providing opportunities for community arts organisations and aspiring artists, with Director Colin Harrison telling 4BR: "Although restrictions and uncertainty still remain across the world, it is our hope that through the talent and generosity of these clinicians, we can provide a free window of opportunity to help and inspire musicians across the world.

The Masterclasses are provided free of charge to the participants as we firmly believe that music and access to world-class clinicians should not be exclusively for those that can afford it."

Just check out what we have to offer and join in — its free, fun and will be fantasticSkunkworks

Join us!

He added: "We want to connect people together across the world — so the timings are such that people in the UK and Europe will be able to join in without it being at too difficult an hour.

Just check out what we have to offer and join in — its free, fun and will be fantastic."

Find out more and register



Colin stated that funding for the initiative comes from Besson, Yamaha, Geneva, Hal Leonard and a number of local banding associations.

https://skunkworksproductions.com.au/

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    


4BR

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • 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.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd