*
banner

SBBA Speaks to the world

The first 'SBBA Speaks' podcast has taken to the airwaves

sbba speaks
  Iona McVicar and Laura Carter are the two presenters

The Scottish Brass Band Association's very first podcast has taken to the airwaves. 'SBBA Speaks' is hosted by Iona McVicar and Laura Carter, two young players who have developed the initiative after their experience of putting together a 'Youth Speaks Roadshow' for SBBA last June.

Winner of the SBBA Young Composers Competition in 2019, Iona started learning tenor horn with Campbeltown Brass when she was eight. Laura started playing trumpet at 10 years old before quickly making the jump to tuba.

Now in her third year studying for a BMus Hons degree at Edinburgh Napier University, she is currently playing with St David's Brass.

The podcast aims to create a space for Scottish brass banding youth to keep up to date with news and discuss topics that are important to them4BR

Creating a space

The podcast aims to create a space for Scottish brass banding youth to keep up to date with news and discuss topics that are important to them.

The inaugural episode which aired on Saturday (4th December) features the duo recording a 'vox pop' of people's opinions at the Scottish Festival of Brass on how their banding and musical experiences have been impacted by the pandemic, how they have dealt with coming back to band, and how excited they are about playing live music again.

Tune in

You can tune in to the podcast at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0u9s5ASEk0pZm3prO6Wrn4#_=_

If you would like to let Iona and Laura have your feedback on the first episode or have any ideas for future broadcasts, you can contact them via Instagram or @sbbaspeakspodcast

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    


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Elgar

January Area workshops on offer through Elgar International Brass Band Summer School

October 14 • Flowers MD Paul Holland and a leading team of tutors offer Area test-piece workshops ahead of 2027 tests.


John Packer

Death of John Packer

October 14 • The death has been announced of business founder and music industry leader John Packer.


Cory

Wobplay boost from National coverage

October 12 • The recording quality of the performances from York and London also proved to be a winner for World of Brass as well as Cory, Marsden Silver, Harborough, Allerton brass and Wardle Community...


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd