*
banner

Owen off on his travels

Stavanger's horn star Arfon Owen will be packing his musical bags this Summer...

Arfron
  The Yamaha horn star is looing forward to enjoy new Summer locations...

This summer promises to be a busy one for Yamaha artist Arfon Owen, as the Nordic Welshman is set to engage in a series of performances and educational commitments across Europe.

Following an upcoming adjudication commitment at the NM Skolekops Championships he will join his brass band friends at Manger Musikklag for a tour to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where the band will join forces for concerts alongside a trio of current and former National champions Hauts-de-France, Willebroek and Schoonhoven.

Summer Schools

On his return Owen will then head to the NMF Summer School Course in his home county of Rogaland, helping guide and inspire the next generation of young musicians. He will then pack his bags again for a trip to Scotland where he will be the horn tutor on for the National Youth Band of Scotland on its Summer Course.

The final stop is the Sommerbrass course, held amidst the stunning scenery of Eidfjord in Norway. Here, he will tutor adult musicians, sharing his experience and passion at its inspiring setting.

It's great to be able to pack the bags and head off to enjoy brass band music making around EuropeArfon Owen

Great to pack

Speaking to 4BR, Arfon said: "It's great to be able to pack the bags and head off to enjoy brass band music making around Europe.

Manger is a fantastic band and I'm really looking forward to playing with them. It's fantastic to also join forces with the elite bands of Hauts-de-France, Willebroek and Schoonhoven — each of whom showcased its talents at the recent European Championships.

He added: "I'm delighted to be heading to work with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. They have a brilliant production line of such talented young horn players, so I can't wait to find out more.

The NMF Summer Course and Sommerbrass Course also gives me the opportunity to work with players at both ends of the playing spectrum — both held in inclusive, immersive musical environments that help enrich the playing experience."

No break

As for a break?

"Who would want one when you have opportunities like this to enjoy," he adds.

"I'll never tire of giving my full commitment to performance and education and trying to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy making brass band 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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

April 3 • Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band is on the rise! We're off to Cheltenham for the 3rd year running and will be promoted to the 2nd Section. We need YOU to help us go even further! We play ambitious music under a great conductor and are a very sociable bunch.


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


David Hirst

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd