*
banner

Interview with Ian Porthouse

We catch up with Ian Porthouse to find out more about the forthcoming National Youth Brass Bands Summer course has in store for players in all three of its bands.

NYBBS
  We catch up with Ian Porthouse as he prepares to head north for the NYBBS course

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

The series of National Youth Brass Band Courses continues this weekend as a host of talented youngsters head to Strathallan School in Perthshire for the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland Summer Course.

Three ensembles

The NYBBS organisation sees three ensembles gather together under the batons of Course Director Ian Porthouse and conductors John Boax and Alan Frenie.

Alan is the inspirational lead for Childrens Band with John taking the helm for the Reserve Band and Ian the Senior Band.

Concerts

Supported by the team of volunteers from the Scottish Brass Band Association it's a hugely vibrant course that also features an Open Day on the 4th August and ends with a special concert day at the Albert Halls in Stirling on Saturday 6th August — starting with the Children's Band and then going on to feature the Reserve and Senior Bands.

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    


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

September 3 • Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.


Music

Spheres starting to align across the UK

September 3 • Keep an eye out for a chance to hear a preview of 'Music of the Spheres' ahead of the British Open at Symphony Hall.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb­ BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey!


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd