*
banner

Interview with Russell Gray

We catch up with the guest conductor of this year's National Childrens Band of Great Britain to talk about the current course, the music to be performed — and just how brilliantly busy things are each day...

National Childrens Band
  Russell Gray and Karianne Flatene Nilssen with principal players of the band

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

4BR is joined by Russell Gray — guest conductor of the National Childrens Band of Great Britain.

He is leading the band on their Summer Course in Taunton — with a packed schedule of rehearsals and activities for 60 talented youngsters who have come from Cornwall to the North East, West Wales to Kent — all full to the brim with energy and eager to enjoy themselves and the experience.

Concert

The end of course concert takes place at the famous Wells Cathedral on Friday 29th July at 2.00pm.

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    


Antwerp Brass

New band formed after Festival Brass spilt

May 30 • Antwerp Brass has been formed after a major split from former Belgian champion Festival Brass after their European Championship appearance in Linz — led by Guy Audenaert and Harmen Vanhoorne.


Russell Gray

Conductors enjoy Gray and Black inspiration

May 30 • Russell Gray and Stuart Black take the lead on the Scotsman's latest conducting course.


Tyler Clark

Clark completes musical journey at Whitburn

May 30 • Young tenor horn star Tyler Clark is the latest success story of the Whitburn Player Pathway Programme.


Freckleton

Glew secures top seat at Freckleton

May 30 • One of the North West banding's emerging talents has been appointed principal cornet at Freckleton Band.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new 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 MD, Martyn Beecham.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd