*
banner

Farr and wide enjoy Higham Hall music making

Besson star Owen Farr led delegates on a great weekend of music making in Cumbria.

Higham
  The delegates enjoyed a great weekend of music making as well as an occasional tipple

The first brass band course held at Higham Hall in Cumbria recently saw 22 course members brave a month's worth of rain in 24 hours (and the resulting flooding!) to enjoy a weekend of outstanding tuition and musical inspiration.

Right in the heart of the Lake District, Higham Hall was built in 1828 by railway pioneer Thomas Hoskins, and became a well-established Education Centre in 1975.

It is now an independent Educational Trust attracting around 3,000 adults each year on over 250 courses of lengths from half a day to up to a week — with the specialised brass band weekend now established alongside them as a major attraction.

Welcome and whisky

Led by Besson star Owen Farr alongside Andy Kershaw and Martyn Grisdale, the opening session (after a welcoming meal) was a full band rehearsal playing through both well and lesser-known repertoire.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The tutors' relaxed approach quickly put course members at ease resulting in some wonderful and rewarding music-making sectional rehearsals, a masterclass led by Owen and Andy, and even some whisky tasting!"

The course culminated in an informal playthrough of the repertoire covered over the three days to round off what had been a wonderful musical time in arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

Next course

The next course from 18-20th February 2022 with guest tutor, Besson star Steven Mead.

Anyone interested in attending should contact course leader Martyn at martyn@onlinetrumpetteacher.com before enrolling to ascertain level, instrument(s) and suitability. February's weekend course is £242 or £172 non-residential.

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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd