*
banner

1st Old Boys join massed ranks for festive treats

The 1st Old Boys Band round off a memorable year by joining forces with the Belfast Operatic Society for plenty of festive entertainment.

First Old Boys
  The 1st Old Boys Band joined forces for some of the items in the Ulster Hall concert

1st Old Boys Band under MD, Dr Jonathan Corry, recently completed a successful 2022 as the guests of Belfast Operatic Company for a concert at a packed Ulster Hall in Belfast.

The recently crowned NIBA and BBN1 Festival of Brass champion joined the renowned choir, led by Musical Director Adam Darcy, and a host of outstanding soloists for an evening of festive celebration and entertainment.

Christmas Fantasy

Their contributions included renditions of 'Christmas Festival Overture' (Anderson) and Peter Graham's arrangement of 'Away in a Manger', as well as joining together with the choir in Gordon Langford's 'Christmas Fantasy'.

The grand finale saw the massed ranks join the Mulholland organ played by Richard Campbell in 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'.

Memorable year

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "2022 has really developed into a memorable year with the two major championship wins and qualification for the 2024 European Championships.

Add to some great projects, workshops and a recording for BBC Radio Ulster, as well as lots of individual recognition for players and we can't wait for 2023."

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    


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


fUSION

Brass Fluxus — where brass banding meets avant-garde art

January 8 • Regent Brass joins an artistic fusion of Spike Jones, gags, games, Vaudeville, John Cage and Marcel Duchamp.


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.


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.


James Garlick

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd