*
banner

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...

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd