*
banner

Derwent set for birthday planetary exploration

Derwent Brass will perform Holst's 'Planets' to help celebrate their 30th anniversary boosted by a few extra crew members.

pLANETS
  The band will perform the whole of 'The Planets' suite by Gustav Holst

Derwent Brass has welcomed new members and special guests as they prepare for the final concert in a trilogy of special events designed to celebrate 30 years of the Derbyshire based band.

Stephen Hargreaves returns to the percussion team following a break from full time brass banding, together with Conor Harron who returns to the horn section following a move back to the UK.

Meanwhile, Alan Losh has been signed as assistant principal cornet. He is a former member of the International Staff Band, principal cornet of Derby Central Salvation Army Band and Salvo Brass as well as being a conductor, composer and educator for over 40 years.

Entitled 'Under the Stars', it will feature 'The Planets' suite of Gustav Holst arranged by Stephen Roberts, together with other astronomical inspired works4BR

Under the Stars

The band is now putting the finishing touches to their exciting final concert programme to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Entitled 'Under the Stars', it will feature 'The Planets' suite of Gustav Holst arranged by Stephen Roberts, together with other astronomical inspired works such as the finale from Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres' and a new anniversary work from MD Jack Capstaff called 'Jubilate'.

Amongst the guests are the band's Associate Composer Matthew Eden on organ, and award-winning harpists Emily Hopper and Elfair Grug. The concert will take place on September 17th in Derby Cathedral.

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    


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Titles go to Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd