*
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    


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


unibrass

UniBrass CompComp26 reveals shortlist

December 30 • Four young composers will look to be crowned 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition winner.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 5 & 6

December 30 • Jo Behan meets up with Idun Carling and the female players of Desford Colliery Band for the final two episodes of her podcast series for 2025.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd