Articles & features: 2010 / International
4BR Scouting Report - Lewis Bettles - Stannington Band
4BR meets up with a very talented 15 year old trombonist, who is already making a name for himself at the top level of banding.
2010 British Open Championships - Introduction to the 158th contest
4BR looks at some of the issues surrounding the 158th British Open Championships this weekend at Symphony Hall.
2010 British Open Championships - The form guide and prediction
17 bands line up at Symphony Hall on Saturday but there can still only be the one winner...
2010 British Open Championships - Runners and Riders
4BR looks at the records and form guide of the 17 runners and riders hoping to win the famous Gold Trophy.
2009 British Open Championships - Conductors Records
4BR looks at the track records of the 17 men at the British Open - all of whom are hoping to find a place on top of the television for a Mortimer Maestro reminder of their triumph.
2010 British Open Championships - Test piece review
Chris Davies looks in detail at this year's test piece and finds that Peter Graham has produced a corker...
2010 British Open Championships - The Composer
Peter Graham is one of the brass band movements finest composers - and with a record to prove it too.
2010 British Open Championships - Introduction to Criteria Judging Experiment
In a joint collaboration, 4BR has teamed up with Steven Mead to trial a new criteria based adjudication system. Steven tells 4BR more about about it, and how it works...
Gizmos & Gadgets - 4BR puts four top valve oils through their paces
Four top brand valve oils are given a test by 4BR to find out which one we think offers the best value for money.
Jim'll Fix It! - Ask Normans top boffin to sort out your instrument problems...
In a new feature to 4BR, we ask Jim Prior, Normans top technician and all round repair boffin, to come up with the solutions to the usual set of troublesome questions that seem to effect brass players and their beloved instruments
4BR Interview - Peter Meechan
4BR talks amongst other things to one of the UK's most talented composers about music, Black Dyke, Pink Floyd, football and even the Wizard of Oz and waccy baccy...
Gotterdammerung - The downfall of York
The German instruments makers Schreiber & Keilwerth launched its York brand in a blitz of hyperbole. Just three years later it all ended in disaster... 4BR investigates the story...
4BR Time Team - Was Gracie the first contest Cole miner at Grimethorpe?
Was the remarkable Gracie Cole the first female to play with Grimethorpe in a contest - some 68 years before Sheona White? 4BR looks at the intriguing story of the great female pioneer.
4BR Interview - ABBA Secretary C. Brian Buckley
4BR talks to C. Brian Buckley to find out more about the self catergorisation process instituted by the Assocation of Brass Band Adjudicators.
Ironbridge Gorge Festival - Brass & Iron combined
Brian Eggleshaw reports from the recent Ironbridge Festival in Shropshire, where brass bands played their part in a celebration of all things iron.
The 1970s - The decline and fall of Belle Vue & the British Open
Iwan Fox looks back at a decade that started with such hopes for the iconic contest but almost ended up like the last elephant at its famous zoo - dead and buried.
4BR Band under the Spotlight - Groves Brass
It's not just traditional bands that wish to make a mark in the wider musical world - Groves Brass is a brass quintet with very specific aims and objectives. 4BR talks to the group to find out more about them...
4BR Dinner Guests - Cai Isfryn gives us his ultimate dinner guest list
The multi talented Mr Cai Isfryn tells 4BR just who he would have around his dinner table for a good night out and chin wag. It's an interesting mix..
4BR Talking Point - Bands and politics
Political analyst Iestyn T Davies argues that a cash crisis at Arts Councils should prompt a rethink amongst the banding community - and not just in Wales.
4BR Scouting Report - Smain Mokrane - Market Rasen Band
4BR finds out a little bit more about one of the banding movements rising star players - 13 year old cornet player Smain Mokrane of the Market Rasen Band.
2010 New Zealand Band Championships - Contest preview
2010 New Zealand Band Championships 7-11 July, 2010 Dunedin
Brass Band Summit Conference - One small step...
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports from the Brass Band Summit Conference held in Birmingham on July 3rd, where the brass band movement took one small, but highly significant step into the 21st century.
Brass Band Summit Conference - Gallery from a landmark day
4BR images from the Brass Band Summit Conference held in Birmingham.
2010 English National Championship - Retrospective
After seven long years in hiding, the Fairey magic is rediscovered back in a garden in a northern town...
2010 English National Championship - Postcard from Preston
The English National has been a bit of a Carry On this year - although there are hopes that the contest won't go down the Khasi...
2010 English National Championship - Images of Eden
Images of the 2010 English National Championship held in Preston.
2010 English National Championship - Postcard Gallery from Preston
Images of the 2010 English National Championship held in Preston.
Letter from Oz - Part Three - Dr Roy Newsome in Australia
Dr Roy Newsome and wife Muriel conclude their holiday in Oz.
2010 English National Championship - Introduction & Prediction
Has the chance of an English success story at a major championship been dealt another kick in the nuts? Preston may give us all the painful answer.
2010 English National Championship - The Runners & Riders
Just the 9 bands, but still only one place up for grabs. 4BR looks at the contenders this year for the trip to Montreux in 2011.
2010 English National Championship - Test piece review
Eden made a huge impression back in 2005 at the National Championships - and this is what the 4BR Editor Iwan Fox thought of it then - and he hasn't changed his mind half a decade later.
2010 English National Championship - The composer
Dr John Pickard is the man behind one of the most fearsome test pieces of the 21st century.
2010 English National Championship - The adjudicators
These are the three men in the box who will be looking to find something of note behind the musical fig leaves of Eden.
Letter from Oz - Part Two - Dr Roy Newsome in Australia
Dr Roy Newsome and wife Muriel continue their adventures in the land downunder.
Letter from Oz - Part One - Dr Roy Newsome in Australia
Dr Roy Newsome enjoys the sun, sea and surf in Australia.
Black Dyke Brass Symposium - Where there's Brass...
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reflects on Black Dyke's impressive Brass Symposium - a modern take on traditional brass band values.
Black Dyke Brass Symposium - Saturday Gallery
Images from the 2010 Black Dyke Brass Symposium that took place at the Gandhi Hall at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Black Dyke Brass Symposium - Sunday Gallery
Images from the Sunday at the 2010 Black Dyke Symposium at Leeds Town Hall.
2010 French Open Championship - retrospective
Roy Terry braved the heat, the wine and lovely surroundings of Amboise in the Loire Valley to hear Brass Band Rijnmond make it a hat trick of wins at an increasingly popular French Open.
Black Dyke Brass Symposium - Poetic 'brass' inspiration for Dyke and McMillan
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to an intriguing weekend of music making in Leeds, where Black Dyke joins forces with poet Ian McMillan for their annual Brass Symposium.
4BR Masterclass - An experts view on just what trombone mutes a serious player needs
Trombone virtuoso Derek Southcott provides an experts insight into the thorny old question of mutes.
Norway back to Cornwall? - A brass band trip remembered
The Mount Charles Band certainly enjoyed their trip to the Grenland Festival recently - even though they had doubts that they may not return...
2010 All England Masters International Championship - retrospective
Never mind the name - Co-operative Funeralcare is in a pretty good state of contesting health...
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Postcard from Kettering
It may be a brand new venue, but the Masters still retains its ability for old fashioned debate...
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Gallery - The prizewinners
Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions was on hand to capture the prizewinners in action and receiving their awards at Kettering.
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Gallery - Action from the Masters
Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions was on hand to capture all the bands in action - from 7th place down to 22nd...
2010 Whit Friday - retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at a Whit Friday tinged with tragedy and asks whether or not an unique event is in danger of losing its traditional appeal because of anti social behaviour.
SBBA Open Forum - Scots set to address future challenges
Paul Hindmarsh reports from the Scottish Brass Band Association Open Forum held in Livingston, where a number of future challenges were discussed.
2010 Whit Friday - Preview of the greatest free show on earth
Malcolm Wood looks forward to another great day of banding in Tameside and Saddleworth this Whit Friday - waeather permitting of course.
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Introduction to Kettering
The Masters opens a new chapter in its history this weekend. So does the innovative pioneering spirit of the contest still remain in place?
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Contest preview and prediction
If you are looking for a sure fire bet for a winner for Sunday then pop along to the Lighthouse Theatre on Friday night and ask for some help...
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Runners & Riders
4BR looks at the 22 bands that will battle it out for glory in Kettering on Sunday.
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Test piece review
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks at the history of one of the great classics of the brass band repertoire.
2010 All England Masters International Championship - Five of the best/worse dates
With the Masters heading to its new home in Kettering this weekend, 4BR looks back at some of the significant dates that gave the contest its brilliant highs and controversial lows.
2010 Spring Festival - Postcard from Blackpool
You need a little bit of luck to succeed at the Spring Festival - some you make and some you don't.
2010 Spring Festival - Grand Shield: retrospective
The Welsh take control of the Grand Shield as Tredegar and Tongwynlais triumph on Rococo Variations.
2010 Spring Festival - Senior Cup: retrospective
The last man standing on Saturday was Woodfalls, with a fine win on a potent test piece.
2010 Spring Festival - Senior Trophy: retrospective
The floodgates opened in the Spanish Hall on Saturday, but it was Beaumaris who was left high and dry in winning the Senior Trophy in fine style.
2010 Spring Festival - Presentation gallery
Selection of photographs by Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions from this year's Spring Festival Contest
2010 Spring Festival - Grand Shield gallery
Selection of photographs by Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions from this year's Grand Shield Contest
Sustaining the future of Welsh banding - Staggering decline addressed in Wales
C Brian Buckley reports from a summit meeting in Wales, as the causes of banding decline in the Principality are discussed.
4BR Talking Point - A National Body?
Peter Denton puts forward his personal views on the need for a representative national brass band body and how it can be achieved.
2010 Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival - Retrospective
4BR looks back at the inaugural Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival to find out if it lived up to its very long name...
2010 Spring Festival - Blackpool awaits
There are some stark banding realities to be played out on the Golden Mile this weekend.
2010 Spring Festival - The Grand Shield: Contest preview and prediction
20 bands are just one step away from the big time and Symphony Hall. But which two will overcome Gregson's majestic set of variations?
2010 Spring Festival - The Senior Cup: Contest preview and prediction
There is a lot resting on the shoulders of individual players on Philip Sparke's test piece - but which bands will be able to slay his awesome dragon?
2010 Spring Festival - The Senior Trophy: Contest preview and prediction
A classic test piece will test 20 bands of varying quality in the Spanish Hall on Saturday.
2010 Spring Festival - Test piece reviews
4BR takes a closer look at the three test pices being used this weekend - from ornate rococo homage and fire breathing dragons to a mass drowning by a spurned princess.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Images of the 2010 European Championships
Selection of photographs from this year's European Brass Band Championships in Linz.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Opening Ceremony and EBBA Conference gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's European Brass Band Championships opening ceremony and EBBA Conference.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - European Youth Band and Gala Concert gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's European Youth Band and Gala Concert of the European Brass Band Championships.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - 5th European Solo Competition
Selection of photographs from this year's European Solo Competition.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - B Section Gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's B Section of the European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - De Waldsang, Pas de Calais, Concord, Bon Accord
Selection of photographs of Brass Band De Waldsang, Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais, Concord Brass and Bon Accord from this year's European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Buizingen & Valaisia
Selection of photographs of Brass Band Buizingen and Valaisia Brass Band from this year's European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Brass Band Oberosterreich & Black Dyke
Selection of photographs of Brass Band Oberosterreich and Black Dyke from this year's European Brass Band Championships.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Cory & Eikanger Bjorsvik
Selection of photographs of Cory and Eikanger bands from this year's European Brass Band Championships.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Presentation Gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's presentation ceremonies of the European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Championship Section retrospective
Is it a tale as yet untold to come for Cory, and Dr Robert Childs in particular, as they sealed their place in the European history books in Linz.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - A tale of two contests?
It was a game of two halves in Linz - from the basis of Cory's victory to the battle for personal glory by possible future contenders.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - B Section retrospective
There was home country delight in the B Section, but the same problems remain for an entertaining, but essentially flawed contest.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - European Soloist Competition
Three outstanding soloists provided wonderful entertainment as a curtain raiser to the Euroepan weekend, with an engaging winner in Glen Van Looy.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - EBBA Conferences
There was plenty of other things going on at the European in Linz - from culture to adjudication and sun baked press hacks.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Postcard from Linz
There was plenty to enjoy in Linz, even if the feeling remains that the whole event is perched at something of a crossroads.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Set Work Gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's Set Work Section of the European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Conductors Gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Day 2: European Soloist Final
Selection of photographs from this year's European Brass Band Championships from Day 2.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Day 2: In Rehearsal Gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's European Brass Band Championships from Day 2.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Day 1: Around Linz Gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - The Road To Linz Gallery
Selection of photographs from this year's European Brass Band Championships
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Welcome to Linz
There is plenty to enjoy in Linz but some things may be better diplomatically left alone
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Introduction
The European Brass Band Championships head to their furthest ever point East this year, and the delightful city of Linz on the banks of the River Danube.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Timetable of events
There is plenty going on this week in Linz.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Championship Section: Preview and Prediction
As 10 top bands head for Linz, it seems the European experience is still evolving - but some old favourites still hold sway...
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
10 top class bands will take to the stage at the Brucknerhaus on Friday and Saturday all hoping to become the 2010 Champion Band of Europe.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Test Piece review
4BR has been listening to the latest work from the pen of the innovative Thomas Doss - and his fascinating 'Spiriti'.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Own Choice selections
4BR has a look at the selections made by the bands to showcase their abilities to try and become European Champions.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - B Section: Preview and Predictions
There is a second tier contest taking place in Linz this weekend that could prove to be right up someone's alley if they win...
2010 European Brass Band Championships - The Composers
Two very interesting composers have produced the set works to be played in Linz this weekend.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - The Adjudicators
4BR has a look at the six men in the box this year for both the Championship and B Section contests.
2010 European Brass Band Championships - Statistical Heaven
All you need to know from the names of the winners to the number of performances of Eric Ball's works to be used at the contest since 1978. Go on - bore your friends to death...
2010 North Amercian Brass Band Championships - retrospective
4BR was in North Carolina for the North American Championships, where Fountain City claimed the title was a fourth consecutive year. Pat Herak and Tim Jameson report.
2010 National Youth Championships - Training Section Gallery
A selection of photos from the Training Section of the 2010 National Youth Brass Band Championships.
2010 National Youth Championships - Junior Section Gallery
A selection of photos from the Junior Section of the 2010 National Youth Brass Band Championships
2010 National Youth Championships - Premier & Intermediate Section Gallery
A selection of photos from the Premier and Intermediate Sections from the 2010 National Youth Brass Band Championships
2010 National Youth Championships - Advanced Section Gallery
Selection of photographs from year's Advanced Section at the National Youth Brass Band Championships
2010 National Youth Championships - Premier Section retrospective
There was a touch of Welsh class in the Premier Section, where MD Gwyn Evans may have to be locked away in future if anyone is to stop Gwynedd & Mon County from winning year after year.
2010 National Youth Championships - Advanced Section retrospective
The remarkable Carnoustie won the Advanced Section in some considerable style - but the rest of the field found the musical challenge of the day a bit beyond them.
2010 National Youth Championships - Intermediate Section retrospective
The fantastic Elland Band make it a 'Double' at the RNCM on Sunday - and their adventures in brass are just starting...
2010 National Youth Championships - Junior Section retrospective
There may have only been three competitors, but there was plenty to enjoy in the Junior Section - especially with the winners.
2010 National Youth Championships - Training Band Section retrospective
There was a great start to the day in Manchester, even if the parents may have needed an extra hour or two in bed..
Looking for support - 4BR reports from the British Federation of Brass Bands AGM
There were plenty of opinions, views and debate at the BFBB AGM - just not enough people from the banding movement...
Answer Time - 4BRs 10 questions answered at the BFBB AGM
4BR put forward 10 questions at the recent BFBB AGM. These were the answers that came up.
Question Time - 10 questions to be answered at the BFBB AGM
4BR puts forward 10 questions to be asked and answered at the British Federation of Brass Bands Annual General Meeting this weekend.
2010 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain - Introduction & Preview
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the spotlight falling on the best youth bands in the land this weekend, as the National Youth Championships take place at Manchester's RNCM.
2010 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain - Runners & Riders
4BR has a look at the five sections and the competitors for this year's event at the RNCM.
4BR Dinner Guests - John Roberts gives us his ultimate dinner guest list
Conductor John Roberts tells 4BR just who he would have around his dinner table for a good night out and chin wag. It's an interesting mix..
A day out in Taunton - 4BR spends a day with the National Youth Band of Great Britain
4BR spends a day with the talented young players of the National Youth Band of Great Britain as they work hard and enjoy themselves on their Easter Course in Taunton.
2010 Australian Band Championships - Galllery
A selection of photos from the A Grade section of the 2010 Australian Championships
4BR Time Team - Whatever happened to the World Cup?
Just like the Jules Rimet Trophy, the brass band world once had a World Cup - and Pickles the dog has never found it since it went missing. 4BR looks back at a very peculiar tale...
2010 Australian National Championships - Contest preview
The Australian National Championships take place in Hobart, Tasmania this weekend. 4BR provides a preview as bands from all over the huge country battle for glory.
Gizmos & Gadgets - April
4BR looks at some of the bargains around to help players through the short April evenings of band practice...
4BR Interview - Gavin Higgins
4BR's Chris Thomas talks to one of the UK's leading young composers - Gavin Higgins.
2010 Youth Adjudication Panel - The remarks and the results
Four talented youngsters took the opportunity to adjudicate on 4th Section bands at the Yorkshire Regional Championships. Here's what they thought and the results they came up with...
2010 Regional Championships - Success or failure?
Was the series of 2010 Regional Championships a success? 4BR takes a final look back over the highs and lows of the qualification contests.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Championship Section: retrospective
A surge of musical power saw Reg Vardy regain their title on the weekend.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - First Section: retrospective
Richard Evans was in his element on Saturday leading Barton Town to glory on a reminder of a bygone era.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Second Section: retrospective
The Dolphin Centre was certainly Cockerton's Kingdom on Saturday morning.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Third Section: retrospective
Not even a fire alarm going off could stop Ferryhill's performance winning off the number one draw.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section: retrospective
The joy of qualification for Harrogate was there for all to see on Sunday as the music of Saint-Saens was a hit once more.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Championship Section: retrospective
Something moved in Swansea on Sunday - about 25 miles east from its usual epi-centre to the Sirhowy Valley and the home of the new Welsh champion.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - First Section: retrospective
There were the usual problems on the moors in Wales, but two bands showed a mastery of Holst to get to Harrogate.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Second Section: retrospective
Familiar ground for the competitors here, but it was two bands from outside Dragon country that booked their tickets to Harrogate.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Third Section: retrospective
The operatic tradition is alive and well in Wales - thanks to some brilliant youngsters from Goodwick...
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Fourth Section: retrospective
They are still dancing in the streets of Crwbin after a splendid French inspired victory in the Fourth Section.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Championship Section: retrospective
It was a bit of a one horse race at Stevenage as Redbridge did a passable impression of Shergar to win their Area at a canter.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - First Section: retrospective
Everyone was in need of a break in the First Section as Friary Guildford set an early marker that few others had any hope of matching.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Second Section: retrospective
Four contrasting movements brought 17 different takes on Philip Harper's test piece, with a cracker from East London slaying the Welsh dragon to take yet another title.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Third Section: retrospective
A refreshing bit of 'Labour & Love' tested the bands in the Third Section, with some pretty good efforts getting the nod for Harrogate from Derek Broadbent.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Fourth Section: retrospective
Some French style came in handy in the Fourth Section where a trio of chic performances headed to Harrogate.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Gallery
Selection of photographs from year's Yorkshire Regional Championships
2010 Scottish Championships - Championship Section: retrospective
The memories came flooding back for Co-op at Glenrothes - and nearly as good as 1990 they will be too in a few years time...
2010 Scottish Championships - First Section: retrospective
A top drawer performance took the title in Scotland and took Lochgelly back to the top tier of banding via Harrogate in September.
2010 Scottish Championships - Second Section: retrospective
The bands drew plenty of inspiration from Wales with the winners enjoying their trip to the Principality like long lost Celtic cousins...
2010 Scottish Championships - Third Section: retrospective
Plenty of hard labour, but not a lot of love interest made for a hard grafting winning performance from Kilmarnock Concert.
2010 Scottish Championships - Fourth Section: retrospective
Plenty to enjoy on a great test piece and a fine winner in Glenrothes as Dumfries head for Harrogate as champion.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Championship Section: retrospective
Six years of hurt was put behind them at the weekend as Virtuosi GUS once again claimed the bragging rights in the Midlands.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - First Section: retrospective
Never believe the statistics they say as Langley upset the form book to take the First Section title.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Second Section: retrospective
There was a model performance from Tintwistle to take the Second Section title on Philip Harper's exciting Welsh Dragon test piece.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Third Section: retrospective
Somtimes the clue isn't in the title - athough for Porthywaen, being crowned Third Section winners is.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Fourth Section: retrospective
24 bands produced a fine contest, despite the occassional queries on volume from the box. Shipston Town though pushed out all the right organ stops to become champion.
2010 North West Regional Championship - Championship Section: retrospective
Foden's as Mike Tyson? They certainly knocked out the opposition like him in his prime at the Winter Gardens on Sunday to claim a fifth consecutive North West title.
2010 North West Regional Championship - First Section: retrospective
Freckleton proved to be a bit of a myth buster as they took the First Section title from the number 1 draw on Sunday.
2010 North West Regional Championship - Second Section: retrospective
There were more important things to concern people on Sunday, but eventually there was good news both on health and banding issues as Diggle took the title.
2010 North West Regional Championship - Third Section: retrospective
There was a quite outstanding winning performance in the Third Section as Delph delivered a first class bit of labour with a wonderful love interest to take the title.
2010 North West Regional Championship - Fourth Section: retrospective
From last to first for Hazel Grove as Nigel Beasley's band take the Fourth Section homours at a boomy Spanish Hall.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Championship Section: retrospective
A first major win for Paul Holland and Flowers as the Torquay curse strikes yet again...
2010 West of England Regional Championship - First Section: retrospective
Two clear cut qualifers in the First Section as Gustav Holst's work did the bands no favours at all.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Second Section: retrospective
A proud Englishman with a Welsh name produced a cracking account to take the Second Section title and head to Harrogate as champion.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Third Section: retrospective
Listeners were sentenced to some hard labour and little love interest in the Third Section, but were rescued from their toil by two good quality qualifiers from Sidmouth and Bream.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section: retrospective
A great atmosphere, a great piece and a great win for a cracking band as Test Valley head for Harrogate as champions.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
Forget the northern media attention one of the biggest brass band contests takes place in Stevenage this weekend.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders: Championship Secti
12 bands line up to see if they can produce an authentic bit of English Heritage to claim a place at the Royal Albert Hall.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders: First Section
Not much green and pleasant land inside the M25, so how will these bands get on with Holsts bucolic portrait of a long lost English countryside..
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders: Second Section
Which of these 17 bands will be able to be inspired by the weird and wonderful world to be found at the other end of the M4 motorway?
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders: Third Section
14 bands will look to get just the right mix between hard graft and that loving feeling to get to Harrogate.
2010 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders: Fourth Section
There will be plenty of great music to enjoy from the 17 bands as they look to tickle a French fancy to get to Harrogate.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
A warm welcome, bungee jumps and open air markets - and the bands are doing rather well too. No wonder people are smiling a lot more up here in Darlington.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
There is the prospect of a real ding dong battle at the Dolphin Centre to round off the weekend, as Reg Vardy looks to reclaim its domestic bragging rights over its rivals.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
Just the seven bands here to battle it on an old classic, but a few tasty morsels of Moorside could be on the menu.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
Plenty of similarities between South Wales and the North East, so what will the bands here make of the Kingdom of Dragons?
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
Its back to the yellow pages of history in here as the bands shed hard labour perspiration in search of loving inspiration to get to Harrogate.
2010 North of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
The welcome sight of a dozen bands taking to the stage here shows that Philip Sparkes test piece has been a cracker.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
There may be a thin veneer of polish covering Welsh banding, but it is buffed up well from success of late.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
Can anyone challenge Cory for the title on English Heritage? If they do, they can claim to be unofficial World Champions...
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
Plenty of valleys and vales to take inspiration from in Wales, as seven bands look to take a trip to Harrogate via a tricky Moorside test.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
No excuses that the bands won't know what this piece is about. So which of these 12 will be breathing contesting winning fire then?
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
It used to be a real Labour heartland in South Wales before Tony Blair messed things up. So which one of these bands can fly the old red flag and get to Harrogate.
2010 Welsh Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
The Welsh quite like all things French even though they beat them at the rugby this year
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Subjective opinions and hard nosed decisions - whichever way you look at it, Brighouse were Kings of Bradford.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
There was plenty to talk about in the First Section as Meltham & Meltham Mills found a walk on Moorside very much to their liking.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
Knottingley enjoy their bit of Dragon slaying to gain a trip to Harrogate with a Police escort in tow...
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
Two fine performances took the chance to show off their Labour & Love skills to book their places at Harrogate in September.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
A great test piece and some great playing made for a highly entertaining 4th Section contest - won by a French fancy of a band.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
The Midlands has plenty to offer this weekend for players and supporters alike although we all miss the dodgy burger van at the back of the old Burton Town Hall dont we?
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
There is no place in the UK quite as full of English Heritage as the Midlands...
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
Its never good to try and second guess an adjudicator but after Bradford a few will be wondering just how they go about it here...
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
A well matched field of bands should enjoy a bit of Dragon slaying on the weekend.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
An excellent venue plays host to an old time classic on Saturday morning.
2010 Midlands Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
Its like a return to the good old days - a Fourth Section packed with bands and a piece of porcine magic to play too.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
As always there is always a warm and friendly atmosphere down in Torquay - and they have plenty to smile about too...
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
Can Camborne overcome the never ending curse of the defending champion and become the first band in well over a decade to retain their West of England title?
2010 West of England Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
A strong line up of 14 bands all aiming to make the most of a very difficult classic work and gain a long coach trip to Harrogate.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
15 bands will set their musical sights on Harrogate by finding inspiration from over the Severn Estuary.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
A big field of 15 bands and a big old test of musical character on Labour & Love to overcome if they are to get to Harrogate.
2010 West of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
As always there is a fantastic turn out of contenders all looking to book a place in Harrogate courtesy of some tasty French variations.
2010 North West Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
The one thing bands in these parts enjoy doing is competing against each other so Sunday should be a great day of domestic battles then
2010 North West Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
Can Foden's retain their title and create even more history of their own at the Winter Gardens?
2010 North West Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
Which pair of bands here will really get to grips with a classic test piece to head to Harrogate in September?
2010 North West Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
The North West has plenty of strength in depth at this level, so which one of these bands can gain a bit of inspiration from the music of the Principality and win through to Harrogate on Sunday?
2010 North West Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
Whoever gets through here could well be one of the favourites come Harrogate itself, but they first have to work out the winning formula from a bit of Labour & Love.
2010 North West Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
A great line up of bands on the Sunday all set for a real battle on a French fancy to get to Harrogate.
2010 Scottish Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
Scotland is a world leader when it comes to organising brass bands - all it needs now is for the bands themselves to come up with the right results too.
2010 Scottish Regional Championship - Championship Section - Runners & Riders
An appreciation of English Heritage should go down well here in Scotland
2010 Scottish Regional Championship - First Section - Runners & Riders
A Downland Suite may not evoke images of the Scottish Highlands, but if played well by any of these bands it can be just as beautiful.
2010 Scottish Regional Championship - Second Section - Runners & Riders
The Scots need to put one over the Welsh and this is their chance to do just that if they are to get to Harrogate.
2010 Scottish Regional Championship - Third Section - Runners & Riders
They know a thing or two about hard work and even love in these parts and they need to be experts at both if they are to get through to Harrogate.
2010 Scottish Regional Championship - Fourth Section - Runners & Riders
Just six bands make it to the starting blocks here looking to improve their French inspired variations to get to Harrogate.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championships - Introduction and preview
The 2010 National Championships of Great Britain kicks off in Bradford on the weekend - just 140 days since Black Dyke became 2009 champions at the Royal Albert Hall.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
A great contest in prospect as Rothwell Temperance look to defend their title on 'English Heritage'.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
The bands that want to try and make it to Harrogate will have to overcome one heck of a test with the classic 'A Moorside Suite'.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
Which of the 11 bands here can find a bit of Celtic inspiration to get them to Harrogate?
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
12 bands will look for a bit of love interest amid the hard labour in Percy Fletchers testing old work.
2010 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
A healthy turn out of bands this year attracted by a fine work from Philip Sparke and the chance to be on the BBC?
2010 Regional Championships of Great Britain - Test piece reviews
4BR has a closer look at the five regional test pieces - covering close to 100 years of compositional history.
BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist Final - retrospective
Malcolm Wood reports from the RNCM on a night when bucket loads of character and talent saw Matthew White become an extraordinary BBC Young Brass Soloist winner.
2010 Action Research Entertainment Contest - retrospective
Not even a health and safety scare could put a dent in Elland's winning performance at Blackpool's Opera House. Malcolm Wood donned a hard hat to enjoy all the action...
Gizmos & Gadgets - February
4BR looks at some of the best bargains to be had this February...
4BR Time Team - The curious case of the contest that never was?
30 years ago a very curious contest took place in Wales. It is a tale of intrigue, duplicity, shabby politics and even shabbier people. And at its centre there was a crook called Robert D. Alexander.
4BR Dinner Guests - Ian Buckley gives us his ultimate dinner guest list
Stalwart trombonist Ian Buckley tells 4BR just who he would have around his dinner table for a good night out and chin wag...
The X Factor? - Ten composers for the brass band future
With the debate on the future of original brass band music riding high, we thought it was high time to highlight ten composers who we feel could have a serious part to play in new band music in the next few years.
2010 Action Research Entertainment Contest - Preview & Prediction
It's Valentine's Day in Blackpool on Sunday, but which youth band will leave the Winter Gardens blowing victory kisses to their supporters and fans?
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Gallery from Bergen
Just a flavour of the action from Norway's National Championships in Bergen's Grieghallen.
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Postcard from Bergen
There was so much to enjoy about Bergen this year - despite the snow and the smell...
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Elite Division retrospective
Manger return to the top of Norwegian banding - thanks to agnostic adjudication and some X rated playing...
2010 Norwegian National Championships - 1st Division retrospective
There was a commanding win in the 1st Division as Sandefjord took an impressive setp back to the Elite Division of Norwegain banding thanks to a 100% conductor's record.
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Lower Division retrospectives
As always there was plenty to enjoy in the lower divisions - from Orskog, Bjorsvik and Fla to name just three...
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Introduction to Bergen
The first major National Championship takes place this weekend in Norway. 4BR will be there to find out who comes top in Bergen.
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Elite Division preview and prediction
4BR will be in Bergen to listen to the very best bands in Norway battle it out to see who will represent them at the 2011 European Championships. Can Eikanger make it three in a row?
2010 Norwegian National Championships - First Division preview and prediction
4BR casts its eye over the 12 bands hoping to make the step up and join the Elite bands in Norway this weekend.
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Second Division preview and prediction
Another promising contest in store in the Second Division with 13 well matched bands all hoping to do enough to gain another step up the Norwegian promotion ladder.
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Third Division preview and prediction
There is plenty to look forward to in the Third Division - especially as the bands usually have a taste for the classics of the banding repertoire.
2010 Norwegian National Championships - Fourth Division preview and prediction
The foundation base of Norwegian banding continues to grow - now with 24 bands taking part with their eclectic own choices.
2010 Norwegian National Championships - The Champions (1979 - 2009)
Who has won what and when since the Norwegian Nationals started in 1979.
2010 Yeovil Contest - Octagon preview
4BR looks forward to the cross border skirmish in Yeovil for what promises to be an entertaining Wales versus England weekend.
RNCM Festival of Brass - Postcard from Manchester
Chris Thomas looks back over the highlights of the 2010 RNCM Festival of Brass.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Postcard from Skegness
It may not be to everyone's taste but Butlins certainly understands the brass band culture.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Desford take their fourth Butlins title - but victory wasn't as clear cut as the record books may suggest...
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Entertainment innovators?
It's two years since innovation and invention became the brass band buzz words here - so did the 2010 contenders do the entertainment business?
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - First Section retrospective
A Scottish flavour in the First Section, but it was a Midland band who left Skeggy to toast their victory with a wee dram or two.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Second Section retrospective
No doubt about the winners in the Second Section as East London once again came up trumps in Skegness.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Third Section retrospective
A diamond edged performance gave the Third Section title to Delph and their young MD on the weekend.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
There was a touch of the Roman epic about Dronfield's victory in the Fourth Section.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Youth Contest retrospective
Youth Brass 2000 retained their Butlins title, but the Youth Contest was an absolute delight for everyone concerned.
Sleepless in Skegness? - Does PLC deserve a big city bonus with his latest test piece?
4BR takes a forensic look at Paul Lovatt-Cooper's latest test piece. Is it a first class journey to some of the great global destinations, or just a clever musical pastiche of Whicker's World?
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Introduction & preview
Never mind the weather and the economic climate, Butlins will once again provide a warm welcome to an ever growing number of bands.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Championship Section preview
Which band can mix and match their test piece to their entertainment skills to claim the Butlins title this year?
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - The Runners & Riders
11 bands take to the stage on Saturday and Sunday hoping that their mix of city sleeplessness and X Factor entertainment will gain them the seven grand top prize.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - First Section preview
Which of the competing bands will be able to capture the musical nuances of the Outer Hebrides to take the First Section title?
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Second Section preview
A well matched field will have to get in touch with their folk music roots if they are to take the Second Section title.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Third Section preview
Which of the bands can unearth a diamond of a performance to take the Third Section title on Saturday.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Fourth Section preview
A Roman inspiration for glory in the Fourth Section as Leigh Baker's test piece provides the battleground for the 13 gladiator bands.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - Youth Contest preview
There is sure to be plenty to enjoy at the Youth Championships on Sunday afternoon - with six cracking bands providing the entertainment.
2010 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - The adjudicators
These are the men in the box this year in Skegness.
2010 RNCM Festival of Brass - The Director's Cut
Artistic Director Paul Hindmarsh leads us through what's in store at the RNCM Festival of Brass later this month.
Gizmos & Gadgets - January
4BR looks at some of the post Christams bargains to be had in the January sales...
4BR Time Team - The WD & HO Wills Contests
A contest that profit shared, had open adjudication, pre draws, free bandsmen tickets and took place at the Albert Hall? So why did the WD & HO Wills Contest only last 4 years?.
ABBA's Waterloo? - The judges get new leadership and homework
C Brian Buckley reports from the AGM of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, where new leadership and plenty of test piece homework were on the wintery agenda.
The X Factor? - 10 who have it, want it or need it in 2010
These X Factor people and events could well provide the reading on the barometer of the brass band movements general good health in 2010.
4BR End of Term Reports - The top 20 pupils at the 4BR School
The 4BR Headmaster has been writing his 2009 end of term reports on the 20 top ranked pupils in the 4BR school.
4barsrest Classifieds
Vacancies
Eagley Brass Band
Back Row Cornets are needed by this forward thinking band. . .
Contests
SCABA Autumn Contest
Date: 16-Oct-2010
Venue: Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone CT20 2DZ
Concerts
Staines Brass 80th Anniversary concert
Date: 11-Sep-2010
Venue: St Peters Church, Laleham Road, Staines TW18 2DX
Professional Cards
David Stowell
Conductor and composer
