*
banner

Heroic reflections with Russell Gray

4BR catches up with Foden's winning conductor to talk about his third National title success and how he approached the score to Bruce Broughton's test piece to do it with the band at the Albert Hall on the weekend.

Fodens
  Russell Gray had the score at his fingertips

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Russell Gray about leading Foden's Band to the 2021 National title at the Royal Albert Hall on the weekend.

He talks about the way in which he approached Bruce Broughton's 'Heroes' test-piece, and his wonderful relationship with the Sandbach band that he hopes will continue for quite some time yet

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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd