*
banner

Farr home and away for free

The Besson horn star will provide a free masterclass for people in Australia and around the world as part of a new initiative.

Own Farr
  Owen Farr will lead the first free masterclass

An exciting new on-line initiative will see leading international brass stars offer free on-line masterclasses which will be open to players of all ages and abilities.

Skunkworks Community in Australia has linked up with the Band Association of New South Wales and the Victorian Bands' League to features artists from both the professional orchestral world and leading brass bands as well as retailers.

Farr start

It will start with Besson artist Owen Farr on Sunday 25th September (6.00pm local time/GMT +10 hours)

Also included in the schedule will be artists from the Auckland Philharmonia, Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's Bands, as well as sessions by WindCraft Repair and Hal Leonard — Australia.

Virtuosi players such as Brett Baker, David Thornton Katrina Marzella and Tom Hutchinson will join the likes of Josh Rogan, Tim Buzbee, Greg Spence Emma Scoll and Richard Shirley.

The first masterclass takes place on Sunday 25th September.

Register

People can register for as many free sessions as you like at: https://skunkworkscommunity.com/2022-online-master-class

The initiative is sponsored by Eastman Winds, Denis Wick Products, Hal Leonard — Australia, WindCraft Repair, Ozwinds Brass and Woodwind, Fine Music, and the NSW Government through Create NSW.

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    


Blackpool

Results: 2026 North West Regional Championship

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.


Elgar International Festival

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire set to welcome Elgar International Festival of Brass

February 28 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke Band, Flowers, Foden's and David Childs headline the musical attractions for a day of the very best brass band music making in June.


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.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd