*
banner

Recalling Ratby's National heroics

4BR catches up with Mareika Gray to talk about Ratby Co-operative's remarkable fifth place finish at the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall — one that came in just a three week period of preparation.

Ratby
  Mareika Gray leading Ratby Co-operative at the Albert Hall

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

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Mareika Gray to look back on a truly remarkable personal and banding performance at the Royal Albert Hall last weekend.

Not only did Mareika become the first female conductor to lead a band to a top-six finish at the event, Ratby secured a superb fifth place after accepting the invitation to compete just three weeks before the contest took place.

Mareika talks about how it all came about...

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    


Voigt

Voigt brings the sound of the horn to new audiences

January 21 • German tenor horn player Anabel Voigt is making her mark with recordings and performances.


Cope

4BR Wednesday interview with Clare Cope

January 21 • 4BR talks to the award winning composer ahead of the world premiere of his work, 'The Green Chapel' at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Nailsworth

Final chord ahead for Adachi and Nailsworth

January 21 • The successful six year partnership between Nailsworth Silver Band and Musical Director Anri Adachi will come to an end at the West of England Regional Championships.


Norway

80 bands line-up for Norwegian titles

January 21 • There will be two days packed with musical action in Bergen next month at the Norwegian National Championships.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has a horn seat vacancy.. Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd