*
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    


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Spring Festival

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


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


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


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.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd