*
banner

On the seventh day of Christmas...

Brass band music making on ice...

Ice shakting
  The players accompanied local skaters as well as the national champions...

Brass bands are always looking out to try something a little different to attract a new audience to see them perform — so why not get together with 50 ice skaters at a local ice rink for 'Brass on Ice'.

It recently took place in Aarau in Switzerland where Brass Band Musikgesellschaft Oberruti led by conductor Peter Stadelmann provided the musical accompaniment for the skaters as they gave their performances.

Queen to Doss

The band played arrangements of music by Queen, ABBA, Sam Smith as well as original brass band music from the pens of Peter Meechan with his 'Apex' and 'Fanfare for the Best' by Thomas Doss.

The band also accompanied singer songwriter Sarah Huber as she sang songs for some of those taking part to skate to.

It was a very special way to bring brass band music to a new audience and we all enjoyed it. The skaters were brilliant and enjoyed the experience too as it was also very different for themspokesperson

Highlight

The highlight though was playing to the appearances of multiple national champions Annette Dytrt from Germany and Yannick Bonheur from France, as well as current Swiss junior champion Alissa Orlando.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a very special way to bring brass band music to a new audience and we all enjoyed it. The skaters were brilliant and enjoyed the experience too as it was also very different for them."

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    


Symphony Hall

2028 European Championships to be held in Birmingham

April 24 • EBBA to run 50th anniversary event at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.


Linz

Report & Result: 10th European Solo Championship

April 24 • Young Swiss cornet star Simon Gabriel adds to his growing list of accolades as he becomes European Solo Champion in Linz.


Stevenage

Abusive and threatening behaviour sees ban

April 24 • The London & Southern Counties Regional Championships have acted to ban a band member after abusing and threatening behaviour towards a concert hall steward.


Fleetwood contest

Fleetwood live...

April 24 • If you can't get to Linz or Fleetwood this weekend you can still just sit back and enjoy the action from the comfort of your own home.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd