*
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    


Hepworth

Result: 2026 Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Hepworth carries on its dominance of the lucrative march and hymn tune circuit with victory at the Brighouse event under MD Ryan Watkins.


Milnrow

Result: 2026 Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Milnrow adds another march and hymn tune title as they build confidence and bank balances ahead of autumn majors.


hIGGINBOTTOM

Death of Gordon Higginbottom

July 6 • The death has been announced of the celebrated tenor horn soloist, tutor, clinician, conductor and adjudicator, Gordon Higginbottom.


NYBBGB

Ticket sales boost for National Youth Bands

July 5 • Tickets for the end of course performances of both the National Children's Band and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are bring snapped up quickly.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd