*
banner

4BR in numbers

With Christmas fast approaching – here are a few festive numbers – some true – some that could be true, to ponder over as you start your Christmas packing of prezzies…

4BR
 

415 – the number of telephone calls Band Managers will have made over the festive period trying to get bandsmen out doing a bit of fund raising carolling.

413 — the number of different excuses made by bandsman trying to get out of doing it.

236 – the number of unreturned band jackets from guest players to bands after they have ‘helped out’ after concerts.

1 – the number picked out of the hat at the draw for the National Finals by Grimethorpe’s and Black Dyke at the British Open this year.

3758 – the number of times the word schardenfreude was used to describe the feelings of the players from other bands on hearing the news.

17658 – the number of extra quick Nurofen tablets taken by bandsmen and women on the Sunday morning at Pontins.

26 – the number of fancy dress costumes already booked by bands as part of their ‘comedy’ routines for the forthcoming Butlins Mineworkers Contest.

17658 – the number of extra quick Nurofen tablets taken by bandsmen and women on the Sunday morning at Pontins4BR

87 – the number of MDs who wished their former bands ‘the very best in the future’ after getting the sack this year.

87 – the number of MDs who genuinely meant it.

127 – the number of players from outside the UK who will be signed to play for top section contenders at major contests, only to return to their original bands within 24 hours of actually playing on stage.

15 – the number of conductors who will request that they be addressed as either Professor, Doctor, His Lordship, Archbishop or His Excellency Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and the Last King of Scotland, in contest programmes during 2009.

63 – the number of ‘2012 Cultural Olympic’ initiatives that will be found to have no mention of brass bands in them during the next 12 months.

18799 – the number of spelling mistakes highlighted on 4BR during the past 12 months.

3 – the number of truly excellent performances of ‘Pentacle’ to be heard at the Regional Championships next year.

210 – the number of times ‘Le Corsair’ will be played as an overture by Black Dyke at a concert in 2009.

0 – hopefully the number of brass bands that will go out of business during 2009 – last year saw at least 5 championship bands and many more further down the contesting tree.

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    


nybbgb

Celebration theme for National Youth Band concert in London

July 9 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be in musical celebration mode for their Summer Concert in London next month.


ai rOBOT

Artists combine with AI to win composition prize

July 9 • AI technology fuses with the 'human essence' to create award winning compositions in global competition.


pRESTOCDS

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

July 8 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd