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4BR New features

4BR launches two new feature article sections.

4BR
 

With the new year comes new ideas, features and articles on the 4BR site.

Dinner Guests

'Dinner Guests' will see 4BR asking leading brass band personalities for the 10 people, dead or alive, who they would like to invite around their dinner table for a quiet meal and a chin wag about the state of the brass band movement given the chance.

First up in the new series is Chris Wormald.

Go to:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art783.asp

Under the Spotlight

Meanwhile, 'Under the Spotlight' will see 4BR take a very close look at a band to try and find out more about its history, its personnel, but more importantly, about its aims and objectives for the coming season — and whether or not we think they will meet them.

First up is Wingates.

Go to:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art784.asp

New interview series

In addition we will still be looking at the up and coming players around the country in our 'Scouting Report', as well as our 'Gizmos & Gadgets slot and the look back in history that is the 4BR 'Time Team'.

We are also due to start a new series of interviews, whilst we hope to bring some interesting new developments on our contest coverage too.

We are also due to start a new series of interviews, whilst we hope to bring some interesting new developments on our contest coverage too4BR

Contest coverage

Contest coverage starts with the trip to Skegness and Butlins, and we will be at Yeovil, the Norwegian Championships and Action Research too in the early part of February.

Regionals

The Regionals will get our usual in depth coverage and analysis (despite five Areas taking place on one weekend) and we will be looking closely at the state of play in the Fourth Section in particular this year to see what can be done to encourage optimism not despair.

Events

On the event front we will be at the RNCM later this month to report on the bands and the music there, whilst there will also be a report from the National Association of Brass Band Conductors AGM and convention at Bolton where 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is chairing a forum discussing the question of how to help the transition from school and youth bands to adult bands.

Hope you enjoy them all...

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Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


David Hirst

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


               

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