*
banner

Mead back on travels

The Besson star is back racking up the air miles enjoying the global appeal of the euphonium.

Mead
  Steven Mead is back on his travels around the globe

Besson Artist, Prof Steven Mead continues to take his teaching, judging and performance talents around the globe.

Having already visited students and given recitals in Luxembourg, Peru, Norway, Portugal and France, this week he has taken a long-haul flight to be a guest at the Thailand International Tuba Euphonium Conference to be held at Mahidol University.

He will be joining Portuguese euphonium star Mauro Martins and renowned tuba soloist Sergio Carolino to give masterclasses, lessons, a recital and a concert with the Mahidol University Brass Band.

Development

The development of brass music in Thailand is quite remarkable, led by leading figures such as Boonyarit Kittaweepitak (Tee) who studied both at the RNCM in Manchester with Steve, and at the University of North Texas, with David Childs.

Following the trip to Asia, Steve will then head to The Netherlands to judge a euphonium competition before taking to the air once more to fly to Brazil for the fifth National Euphonium and Tuba Festival to be held at Braganca Paulista, near Sau Paolo. His busy schedule is rounded off back in Europe for two concerts near Fribourg, Switzerland, conducted by Jamie Hood.

USA and Mexico

All that and he is also working alongside 4BR at the forthcoming European Brass Band Championships in Malmo, Sweden with future trips already pencilled in for a spring concert with Brass Band of Battle Creek in the USAS and a trip to Mexico.

In May Steve's contribution to the teaching excellence of the RNCM in Manchester will be marked by a special presentation RNCM Principal Prof Linda Merrick, in recognition of his 30 years of service at the leading institution.

The world of brass playing expands each year — and especially low brass and the euphonium. New countries, new players and new experiences — you never tire of itProf Steven Mead

Never tired

Speaking to 4BR just before he heft, Steve said: "I'm really fortunate to have these opportunities to travel and perform. The world of brass playing expands each year — and especially low brass and the euphonium. New countries, new players and new experiences — you never tire of it."

Image copyright: Julia Kwoka

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    


BrookWright Music

BrookWright acquisition adds to music portfolio

June 18 • Music by Dr Keith Wilkinson will become more readily available as four new publishing catalogues are absorbed by BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Youth

King's Birthday Honour for Dobcross stalwart

June 18 • Susan Crook, the Chairperson and founding member of Dobcross Youth Band has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours List.


Uppermill

Uppermill reach new Whit Friday heights

June 18 • Uppermill Band certainly enjoyed their Whit Friday contesting day, with prizes to back up the fun...


Friary Brass

Friary employ wow factor to help raise Church funds

June 18 • Friary Brass made its popular concert visit to help raise funds for a local church.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 21 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Epping Forest Band

June 16 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd