*
banner

Eikanger extend Gilje connection to 27 years

The musical partnership between Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag and conductor Reid Gilje has been extended for another two years.

Reid
  Reid Gilje's connection with Eikanger stretches back over 25 years

4BR has been informed that the outstanding musical partnership between Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag and conductor Reid Gilje has been extended for another two years.

2025 marked a quarter of century since the initial appointment was made, although Gilje had enjoyed a freelance role with the band prior to this.

Integral part

Since 2000 though he has become an integral part of Eikanger's artistic and competitive ambitions — leading the band to the National Championship in 2019 as well as 12 Siddis Championships victories and the Brass in Concert title in 2017.

He has also been a major contributor as a composer and arranger to the band's commercial recordings, entertainment programmes and projects.

Positive development

Speaking about the news, Eikanger-Bjørsvik Chairperson Frode Rydland told 4BR: "Reid has been extremely important for the band and its continuous, positive development during his entire tenure.

Continuity and quality are essential factors for success for any ensemble which strives to develop and Reid embodies both these two factors brilliantly. In every musical aspect he is a true master of all genres."

Continuity and quality are essential factors for success for any ensemble which strives to develop and Reid embodies both these two factors brilliantly. In every musical aspect he is a true master of all genresFrode Rydland

Time and again

He added: "That has been shown time and time again with the band claiming 14 Norwegian National and 14 Siddis Brass titles thanks to his direct input. We are therefore delighted we can look forward to another two years of building success together with him."

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 Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd