*
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    


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Climb every mountain

Wright & Round: Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Rodgers & Hammerstein arr. Philip Harper)

August 25 • You simply can't beat a belting classic from Julie Andrews...


bRASS IN cOCNERT

Brass in Concert Championship sold out

August 25 • There is not a seat left to be filled in the hall for the 49th Brass in Concert Championship this year.


British Open

British Open live-stream

August 24 • The 2026 British Open Championship will be live-streamed around the banding globe — so make sure you don't miss a note of the action.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd