*
banner

Waitakere Sells Out

The Trusts Waitakere Brass do it for the kids.

Children and toys
 

Last Sunday afternoon saw a sell-out performance by The Trusts Waitakere Brass at their fourth annual Toys For Kids charity event, held at the Glen Eden Playhouse.

Toys

The child-themed concert encourages donations of toys, which are then donated to the Waitakere Hospital children’s ward.

Children were invited to come to the concert in fancy dress, with a prize for the best dressed boy and girl. A kids tea party was also held during the interval, featuring an incredible story-book cake.

Fairies and more!

The second half of the concert saw over fifty fairies, pirates, princesses, superheros and a dinosaur take to the stage to play along to kid’s songs with the band, with some lucky youngsters even getting a chance to conduct.

Amongst the organized chaos of children, Waitakere Brass performed a varied program, including music from children’s films such as The Lion King, E.T., Shrek, Aladdin and The Jungle Book.

Featured Players

Other highlights of the concert included solos from Bb Bass player Jamie Mackay, Solo Horn Claire Whyte, Principal Cornet Carolyn Ramsbottom and Eb Bass player Andy Mitchell, a duet from Trombonist Stu Ritchie and Flugel Courtney Hildreth, and quartets featuring the trombone section and lower end of the band.

Youth Band

The concert finished with an opportunity for children to try a brass instrument to promote Waitakere Brass’ new Youth Band.

Thanks go to the band’s compere extraordinaire Mark Haines, all the band’s supporters and helpers, and all the children who’s enthusiasm made the concert a great success.

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Barnsley Brass

October 7 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


David Hirst

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd