*
banner

Come along and blow your mind at Cheltenham

The tuba lads from Mercer & Barker will be offering a special warm welcome to the low brass performers at Cheltenham this weekend — and you may not go away empty handed.

Mercer
  Mr Mercer and Mr Barker will be on hand to offer advice and a warm welcome on the weekend

The tuba mouthpiece manufacturer Mercer & Barker will be on hand in Cheltenham to offer a warm welcome to players who wish to find out more about the products which have made such an impact since their launch.

Acclaim

George Barker and Carl Mercer are vastly experienced players who have used well over half a century of combined knowledge and expertise to make the mouthpieces that have already received a great deal of critical acclaim from leading performers and endorsees such as Shaun Crowther, Simon Gresswell and Andy Cattanach.

Independent reviewers have also been impressed with 4BR recently saying about the MB2SS that; "A player with a solidly ingrained, correct production technique can really make the most of its characteristics — maintaining a dark but rich tonal colouring that can be lightened with experience."

#pq#

Find out more

Carl and George are asking players to come along find out more about the mouthpieces for themselves — and ask the question you want about just how they can help improve you as a player.

You can even drag your conductor or band treasurer along for financial support?

Prize Draw

All this and enter your details and sign up for their Newsletter either at the trade stand or Online @ www.mercerandbarker.com to be in with a chance of winning a mouthpiece of your choice.

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    


Trivergence

Trivergence set for Albert Hall appearance

August 8 • Trombone stars Peter Moore, Mark Nightingale and Andy Wood plus friends will provide the pre-results entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall National Final in October.


IBBSS

Barringer delight at IBBSS success

August 8 • A week of hard work, great music making and friendship in Swansea was a fitting celebration of the leading course's ethos.


Mark Vause

Vause takes baton at Pilling Silver

August 8 • Mark Vause is the new MD of Pilling Silver Band as he returns to the North West.


Smith

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

August 8 • The duo discuss the benefits of an infusion of classical music in the banding veins in rehearsals and concerts.


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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd