*
banner

Haakon proves to be the good, bad and ugly

Melvin White and Steve Sykes were looking for something extra in the First Section.

White
 

Adjudicator Melvin White took the opportunity to speak to 4BR after the announcement of the First Section results, and emphasised that he felt that a very fine test piece had tested the 16 bands on show to the full.

No problems

Melvin emphasised that both he and fellow judge Steve Sykes had no problems in sorting out the bands on the day, stating that the two top bands were clearly ahead of the rest of the field, whilst the rest of the competitors fell very clearly into order too.

Melvin emphasised that both he and fellow judge Steve Sykes had no problems in sorting out the bands on the day...4BR

Something more

Melvin also felt that the piece should have been well within the technical capabilities of the bands at this level, and so both he and Steve were looking for something more — something that wasn’t that common on a day when too many bands failed to capture the Nordic essence of inspiration of the work.

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • Durham Miners Institute, Felling and Driffield take the first three titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Fulham and Crystal Palace claim the titles on the first day at Stevenage.


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd