*
banner

Brabbins to lead free masterclass

Martyn Brabbins will lead a free masterclass seminar at the University of the West of England — and you can grab your place as a conductor or performer.

Brabbins
  Martyn Brabbins will lead the free event

The University of the West of England (UWE) is to host a free Masterclass seminar with renowned conductor Martyn Brabbins.

The Music Director of English National Opera will lead the evening event on Tuesday 18th October alongside the UWE Bristol Orchestra (6.00pm — 9.00pm)

Exciting opportunity

Steven G Legge, Senior Lecturer in Classical & Jazz Music Enrichment told 4BR: "We are opening our doors to players and conductors of all musical genres to attend this exciting opportunity to learn from one of the UK's leading conductors.

Conductors are encouraged to attend from 6.00pm for the opportunity to work with Martyn on rehearsal techniques. Orchestral musicians can join the UWE Orchestra from 7.00pm to work on John Rutter's 'Gloria'."

Free

The masterclass is open to participants aged 16+ (if you are aged 16 — 17, to accompanied by an adult). Orchestral players should be a minimum Grade 7 standard.

The event is free to attend and will be held at the UWE Frenchay Campus.

Book a place:

Please email steven.legge@uwe.ac.uk with your name, age (if 16-17) and instrument / conductor.

You will be contacted via email closer to the event with final details. This event is supported by The Centre for Music

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


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


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


David Hirst

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd