*
banner

Aldbourne extras boosted by Meylemans return

New player signings and the return of Belgian conductor Ian Meylemans has given Open contenders an extra Symphony Hall boost.

Meylemans
  The Belgian conductor returns once more to Aldbourne

The Aldbourne Band is looking forward to their appearance at the British Open this coming weekend boosted by the return of their inspirational guest MD, Ivan Meylemans as well as the signing of a trio of new players.

It will be West of England band's fifth consecutive appearance at the event after qualifying through promotion from the Grand Shield in 2018, coming 3rd under the Belgian's baton in 2022 and 12th last year. 2024 has also seen them qualify for the Royal Albert Hall National Final.

Working hard

Speaking about the return and new arrivals they said: "We have been working hard on 'The Lost Circle', but with MD Glyn Williams otherwise occupied on the day it has been wonderful to continue our partnership with Ivan.

We are also excited to announce he players who joined us over the summer in Sam Noden, Kelly Harrison, Tom King and Janine Aston."

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    


Paul Holland

Mayor's Medal honour for Holland

May 11 • Flowers Band MD Paul Holland has been presented with The Mayor's Medal as an expression of the thanks and gratitude of the Citizens of Gloucester following the band's recent European title success.


Tonga

New commission celebrates Tongan history

May 11 • A new test-piece work by Andrew Wainwright will receive its premiere at the Tonga Secondary School Brass Band Festival.


Tameside Whit Friday

Venues ready for Tameside Whit Friday visitors

May 11 • 11 venues will welcome performers and listeners alike later this month.


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts steps down from principal role at Hammonds

May 11 • Kirsty Abbotts is to step down from the principal cornet seat at Hammonds Band.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Ibstock Brick Brass

May 9 • Ibstock Brick Brass are looking for a Solo Cornet, 3rd Cornet, 2nd Horn, Bass Trombone and B Flat Tuba as we move into the second section from 2027. We are a friendly, ambitions and progressive band that rehearse at our own bandroom in Coalville.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd