*
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    


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


Peter Moore

Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London

January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.


Philip Jones

Philip Jones celebration in London

January 12 • Leading student brass ensembles will celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic trumpet player Philip Jones.


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


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd