*
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    


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Festival Brass Band

Vertommen to lead Festival Brass at Belgian Championships

November 5 • The experienced Luc Vertommen will lead Festival Brass Band in Heist-op-den-Berg later this month as MD Senne La Mela takes principal cornet role.


Get marching

Morley March Contest boosted

November 5 • The popular march contest adds to its attractions for 2027.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit horns to complete our line-up for the Area contest next year. The position is negotiable. Hade Edge are a friendly second band who rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45 till 9.45 in a fantastic purpose built bandroom


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

November 5 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd