Articles & features: 2009 / International
2009 English National Championship - All quiet on the Preston Front?
Has the English National got a long term future? Malcolm Wood asked for the opinions on the weekend.
2009 English National Championship - Postcard from Preston
The English National was well run, compact and enjoyable - but is it still one contest too many?
2009 English National Championship - Retrospective
Black Dyke had everything to lose in Preston at the weekend - but old habits die hard...
4BR Interview - Simon Dobson
4BR's Chris Thomas talks to one of the most exciting compositional talents around - Cornishman Simon Dobson.
2009 English National Championship - The adjudicators
There are three men to be impressed in the box at Preston, if bands want to get to Austria next year.
2009 English National Championship - Within Blue Empires
You've seen the masterclass - now read all about PLC's whale inspired music.
2009 English National Championship - The composer - Paul Lovatt-Cooper
All you need to know about the man behind the music at this weekend's contest.
2009 English National Championship - Runners & Riders
14 top bands, but only one place up for grabs. 4BR looks at the contenders this year for the trip to Linz in 2010.
2009 English National Championship - Preview and predictions
Has banding devolution got a future in England? We will find out this weekend at Preston as 14 bands battle it out for a passport to Austria.
2009 Whit Friday - Looking back on a Wet Whit Friday...
Malcolm Wood has finally dried out to look back on a great day's entertainment - despite the monsoon weather...
4BR Band under the spotlight - Rothwell Temperance
4BR puts one of the real form bands of 2009 under the spotlight to see what the rest of the 2009 season holds in store
4BR Dinner Guests - Ian Porthouse gives us his ultimate dinner guest list
Ian Porthouse tells 4BR just who he would have around his dinner table for a good night out and chin wag...
4BR Scouting Report - Jordan Hall - Oldham (Lees) Band
4BR casts its eye on another talented young performer who is making a name for himself in the banding world - Jordan Hall of the Oldham (Lees) Band.
2009 Black Dyke Brass Festival - Gallery
Selection of photos from the 2009 Black Dyke Brass Festival that took place from Friday 29th May – Sunday 31st May at Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds Town Hall.
4BR Time Team - 125 years of Carlton Main
Tim Mutum relates the story of the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary.
2009 Whit Friday - Preview of the Greatest Free Show on Earth
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the Whit Friday extravaganza. Lots of bands, prize money, booze and intrigue. There is even a bit of religion in there too...
2009 All England Masters International - Postcard from Cambridge
Cambridge is a beacon of good taste and refinement - a pity nobody told the footballer's wives that at the Holiday Inn on Saturday night...
2009 All England Masters International - Retrospective
There was only one true Master of Space and Time at Cambridge - the 'Little Master' from Fodens - Garry Cutt.
2009 All England Masters International - Introduction and prediction
The Masters has always been a contest that has an unique appeal - and a £4,000 top prize helps a lot too...
2009 All England Masters International - Runners and Riders
4BR looks at the 18 bands that are trying to leave Cambridge on Sunday night crowned as the Masters of all they survey - Time and Space included...
2009 All England Masters International - Test piece review
Paul Hindmarsh looks closely at this year's test piece - 'Masters of Space and Time' by Bruce Broughton.
2009 All England Masters International - Bruce Broughton
The composer of the test piece this year is a man with plenty of honours to his name...
2009 All England Masters International - Dedicated Service Award
4BR Editor Iwan Fox pays tribute to the man who picks up the Masters Dedicated Service Award this year - the one and only Richard Evans.
2008 All England Masters International - The Statistics and Records [1989-2009]
4BR has updated all the records you need to know about the Masters contest since it first started in 1989.
2009 Black Dyke Brass Festival - Heritage Symposium
4BR looks forward to the Black Dyke Brass Festival which takes place later this month, with its focus on 'Partnering the Past and Fostering the Future'.
2009 Spring Festival - Grand Shield: retrospective
Blackpool may be a dark place for some, but not for Rothwell who once again hit Golden Mile form to head back to the British Open.
2009 Spring Festival - Senior Cup: retrospective
The long trek to the British Open can either be taken in small steps or in giant leaps like Marsden...
2009 Spring Festival - Senior Trophy: retrospective
There was a clear winner in the Senior Trophy as Milnrow brought a British classic back to techicolour life.
2009 Spring Festival - Postcard from Blackpool
Lycra, Sunny D and Boots make up - have we have something to learn from the cheerleaders in Blackpool?
2009 Spring Festival - The Adjudicators
These are the six men that have to be impressed in the box this weekend - although we don't know in what section yet...
2009 Spring Festival - Test Piece review: Spectrum
4BR looks at Spectrum - courtesy of Harry Mortimer's thoughts on the piece back at the British Open in 1969...
2009 Spring Festival - Senior Trophy: Runners and Riders
4BR looks at the 20 bands taking their first steps towardsthe British Open. No looking back now...
2009 Spring Festival - Senior Trophy: Introduction and Predictions
Potentially two steps away from Birmingham, but also just one away from oblivion too. The Senior Trophy has a keen edge of competition at both ends of the results table...
2009 Spring Festival - Test Piece review: Pageantry
4BR looks at another great classic of the banding repertoire - Herbert Howells 'Pageantry'.
2009 Spring Festival - Senior Cup: Runners and Riders
20 bands are just one step away from the Grand Shield and a couple of strides away from the British Open. 4BR looks at the runners & riders who hope to get through on the weekend.
2009 Spring Festival - Senior Cup: Introduction & Predictions
20 budding Grand Shield aspirants line up to try and claim on of the four places up for grabs on Saturday. Pageantry awaits.
2009 Spring Festival - Test Piece review: Contest Music
Contest Music is the Everest of banding repertoire, a true classic. It also takes some conquering...
2009 Spring Festival - Grand Shield: Runners & Riders
20 bands line up to try and qualify from one of the hardest brass band contests in the world.
2009 Spring Festival - Grand Shield: Introduction & Predictions
20 top class bands line up to try and win a place at Symphony Hall in September. The ultimate 'Contest Music' prize awaits then.
2009 Spring Festival - Introduction & Preview
Blackpool can be a place of joyous celebration or one of mephitis and micturition. All the bands want though is to get a step closer to the British Open...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - B Section retrospective
There was a superb B Section contest to whet the appetite on the Saturday morning - and a fine winner from Germany.
2009 European Brass Band Championships - The high wire stars of Ostend
There was one group of players who thrilled everyone on the weekend - the amazing bunch of high wire soprano stars...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Postcard from Ostend
There was plenty to enjoy in Ostend on the weekend - from the fantastic playing of the bands to the beer and the waffles for the locals...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Own Choice retrospective
Saturday was all about showmanship - and none came better than Cory as they took the 2009 European title by a massive 8 point margin...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Set Work retrospective
Cory's title was on the line in Ostend, but they took a leaf out of a certain boxer's book to deliver a two round knockout punch...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: Postcard
Selection of postcard pictures from this year's European Championships
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: Snapshots from EBBC 2009
Selection of from snapshots this year's European Championships in Ostend
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: Conductors
Selection of pictures featuring MD's at the European Championships
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: Images from EBBC 2009
Selection of images from this year's European Championships
4BR Scouting Report - Philip Varley - Elland Youth Band
4BR casts its eye on another talented young performer who is making a name for himself in the banding world - Philip Varley of Elland Youth Band.
2009 European Brass Band Championships - EBBA Conference on Music Education
The EBBA Conference this year highlighted the different approaches to music education in three European coutries. Malcolm Wood was there to find out more.
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: Own Choice
Selection of pictures from this year's European Championships Own Choice Section
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: B Section
Selection of postcard pictures from this year's B Section at the European Championships
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: Set Work
Selection of postcard pictures from this year's European Championships Set Work
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Gallery: Composers Contest
Selection of postcard pictures from this year's European Championships Composers Contest
4BR Band under the spotlight - Reg Vardy
4BR puts the biggest name in the North of England under the spotlight to find out a bit more about them, their aims and objectives for the rest of the 2009 season.
4BR Dinner Guests - Simone Rebello gives us her ultimate dinner guest list
Simone Rebello tells 4BR just who she would have around her dinner table for a good night out and chin wag...
2009 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...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Interesting Belgium?
Belgium is ever so interesting...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Medals for bravery?
Sometimes being brave isn't enough - Some of these choices really did put the necks on the line...
Frozen in Time - 1979 European
Three of the best - or worse, from the European Championships of 30 years ago...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Own Choices - inspired or uninspired?
Picking the right own choice selection plays a huge part in winning the European title. Some chocies have had little to do with true music making however...
4BR Time Team - Brussels 2002
The last time the European came to Belgium, it provided some memorable playing - for the right and wrong reasons...
2009 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.
2009 European Brass Band Championships - The composers and their test pieces
4BR has a look at the two men who have written the pieces for this year's championships: Jan Van der Roost and Bert Appermont
2009 European Brass Band Championships - B Section - Preview and Predictions
Now in its 16th year, the European B Section is the UEFA Cup of the European weekend - an enjoyable contest and worthy prize, but still a bit of an after thought...
2009 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.
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Test Piece review
4BR looks at 'From Ancient Times' - Jan Van der Roost's intriguing take on the Flemish rennaisance...
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Championship Section runners and riders
4BR looks at the eleven bands and their records that will hope to leave Stavanger on the weekend crowned as the 32nd European Champions.
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Championship Section - preview and predictions
11 top class bands will take to the stage at the Kursaal on Friday and Saturday all hoping to become the 2009 Champion Band of Europe.
2009 European Brass Band Championships - Introduction & Preview
The European Brass Band Championships return to Belgium for the second time, with the promise of plenty of fun and games at the impressive Kursaal in Ostend.
2009 New Zealand Championships - Gallery
Snapshots from the 2009 New Zealand Championships.
2009 New Zealand Championships - Postcard from Napier
The Art Deco centre of New Zealand - Napier.
2009 Australian Band Championships - Retrospective: Overview and A Grade
A general overview of the Australian National Championships and A Grade Brass events.
2009 Australian Band Championships - Photo Gallery
A collection of random shots from the 2009 Australian Band Championships
2009 New Zealand Championships - The Chief Adjudicator
About the Chief Adjudicator - Professor David King
2009 New Zealand Championships - Preview: All Grades
29 bands competing this year with the guarantee of trophies in all grades staying on home soil.
2009 New Zealand Band Championships - Introduction and Schedule
4BR will be there for the New Zealand Nationals this coming weekend.
4BR Scouting Report - Eoin Tonner - Carnoustie Youth Band
4BR casts its eye on another talented young performer who is making a name for himself in the banding world - Eoin Tonner of Carnoustie Youth Band
2009 National Youth Championships - Postcard from Manchester
If there is still such as thing as the Manchester Scene then its to be found at the RNCM and not in a football pub on a Saturday afternoon...
2009 National Youth Championships - Premier Section retrospective
There was no stopping the amazing Camborne Youth Band - six times champions!
2009 National Youth Championships - Advanced Section retrospective
Forget the Happy Mondays, it was the Happy Sunday for Sellers International Youth.
2009 National Youth Championships - Intermediate Section retrospective
It may have been a long contest, but time flew by with some great playing - especially by the eventual winners, Gloucestershire Youth Band.
2009 National Youth Championships - Junior Section retrospective
A cracking contest with plenty of cracking playing - no wonder everyone went away happy.
2009 National Youth Championships - Training Section retrospective
There was a fantastic display of brass band talent in the entry level section on Sunday - with everyone having a great time.
2009 Australian Brass Championships - Junior Grades: Preview
Saturday 11 April, 2.00pm Junior A & B Test, Hymn and Own Choice Hall One, Seymour Centre Junior A Test: Shine as the Light (Peter Graham) Junior B Test: A Disney Fantasy (Goff Richards) Adjudicator: Professor David King
2009 Australian Band Championships - D Grade: Preview
Friday 10 April, 8.30am Hall One, Seymour Centre Test & Hymn: Call of the Righteous (Lesley Condon) Sunday 12 April, 8.30am Own Choice & Stage March Adjudicator: Professor David King
2009 Australian Band Championships - C Grade: Preview
Friday 10 April, circa 2.30pm Hall Two, Seymour Centre Test & Hymn: Symphony of Marches (Gilbert Vinter) Sunday 12 April, circa 2.30pm Own Choice & Stage March Adjudicator: James Curnow
2009 Australian Band Championships - The Adjudicators
Chief Adjudicators: Professor David King (Brass Bands) Mr James Curnow (Concert Bands)
2009 Australian Band Championships - B Grade: Preview
Friday 10 April, 8.30am Hall Two, Seymour Centre Test & Hymn: Bandsmans Challenge, Bertrand Moren Sunday 12 April, 8.30am Own Choice & Stage March Adjudicator: James Curnow
British Federation of Brass Bands - 2009 AGM
If the BFBB represents the banding movement in the UK, then does it reflect one that is in good health or in need of a bit of North Korean democracy...
2009 Australian Band Championships - A Grade: Preview
Friday 10 April, circa. 11.30am Hall One, Seymour Centre Test & Hymn: Dove Descending, Philip Wilby Own Choice & Stage March: Sunday 12 April, circa. 11.30am Adjudicator: Professor David King
2009 Australian Band Championships - Introduction & Schedule
9-13 April Seymour Centre University of Sydney Sydney, Australia
4BR Band under the spotlight - Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag
4BR puts the current Norwegian Champions under the spotlight to find out a bit more about them, their aims and objectives for the current 2009 season.
2009 North American Brass Band Championships - Introduction & Preview
4BR's Pat Herak looks forward to the 2009 North American Brass Band Championships, which take place in Louisville, Kentucky this weekend.
2009 National Youth Championships - Introduction and preview
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the battles for the five titles at the revamped National Youth Championships this weekend.
2009 National Youth Championships - Runners & Riders
There are five titles up for grabs on the weekend at the Royal Northern College of Music.
2009 National Youth Championships - Skylines review
Paul Lovatt-Cooper gives us the lowdown on his new test piece in the Advanced Section.
2009 Regional Championships: Questions & Answers?
With the 2009 Regional Championships at an end 4BR looks at some of the questions the eight Area qualifiers raised, and tries to give some answers too.
4BR Dinner Guests - Richard Evans gives us his ultimate dinner guest list
Richard Evans tells 4BR just who he would have around his dinner table for a good night out and chin wag...
Herbert Howells - A man out of his time
Paul Hindmarsh reflects on the life and work of the composer of Pageantry and Three Figures.
4BR Time Team - A Fairey Tale
Tim Mutum looks back at the 66 year sponsorship of the Fairey Band - the last of its type in a banding world now gone...
4BR Interview - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
4BR's Chris Thomas talks to one of the most influential and innovative compositional voices in brass banding - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen.
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Postcard from Stevenage
A little bit of brass band history was made in all five sections at Stevenage on the weekend.
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Championship Section - retrospective
Can London be turning into a one horse race? If Redbridge continue to play like this it may be some time before anyone else will beat them...
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - First Section - retrospective
There was a common denominator in the First Section - a ferocious test piece and some great efforts to overcome it to get to Harrogate.
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Second Section - retrospective
There was plenty to enjoy in the Second Section - especially from the bands that won through to Harrogate via a trip to the USA.
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Third Section - retrospective
Everything was in the right place at Stevenage in the Third Section - and the winners proved that to claim their victory.
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Fourth Section - retrospective
It was a real old battle on 'The Talisman' for all 16 bands on the weekend - but the one with the right name managed to take the title.
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Postcard from Dundee
So much to enjoy in Dundee this year as the state of the nation north of the border seems to be on the up...
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Championship Section - retrospective
Two into three doesn't go in Scotland - but you won't hear Scottish Co-op or Kirkintilloch complain about that this time around...
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - First Section - retrospective
A fantastic advert for Scottish First Section banding was won by a fantastic performance from Kirkintilloch Kelvin.
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Second Section - retrospective
Plenty to enjoy in the Second Section as Arbroath and Annan Town gained their own 'A' grade marks to head to Harrogate.
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Third Section - retrospective
The Third Section set the whole standard for the championships on the weekend - and a good one it was too, especially from the bands heading to Harrogate.
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Fourth Section - retrospective
Short on numbers and unfortunatley short on quality in the Fourth Section - but not on bravery, grit and determination.
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Postcard from Darlington
From bungee jumps to impressions of Methodist ministers - Darlington has a great deal to offer on a visit...
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Championship Section - retrospective
Sometimes a bit of copying can come in very handy at a brass band contest - just ask EYMS, who won their first Area title for over a decade.
2009 North of England Regional Championship - First Section - retrospective
There may have been a great atmosphere outside the hall on Saturday, but inside it was much harder work as GT Group Peterlee gave it high fives to take the title on 'Pentacle'.
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Second Section - retrospective
Short and sweet - and a class apart as Flookburgh took the Second Section title in considerable style on Sunday afternoon.
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Third Section - retrospective
A musical coronation for South Milford, but still no sign of Brenda and her jug eared son on Sunday morning...
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
Despite the brave efforts, the evidence for urgent change in the Fourth Section was clearly on display - even with the winners.
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Postcard from Bedworth
As transitions go, the move to Bedworth is proving to have been close to something spiritual...
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Championship Section - retrospective
40 years after his death, Gilbert Vinter still got one over all 13 bands here in the top section - the winners included.
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - First Section - retrospective
It was a demanding test of character, technique and musical skill on 'Pentacle', but it was Phoenix West Midlands who were giving it high fives after the result.
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Second Section - retrospective
Everyone had a great time of it in the Second Section - from listeners, judges, players and MDs. None enjoyed it as much as the winners though we are sure...
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Third Section - retrospective
It was a beautiful day in Bedworth and fantastic return to form for the winners Cubbington Silver.
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Fourth Section - retrospective
21 bands will have been glad to have seen the back of 'The Talisman' - although the top three heading for Harrogate may just disagree...
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Postcard from Torquay
It's always nice to be able to book in advance for a great weekend away - especially if its like this all the time in Torquay...
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Championship Section - retrospective
The curse continues for another year, but Camborne won't be worrying about that after their victory on Salute to Youth...
2009 West of England Regional Championship - First Section - retrospective
Some things didn't work well on the weekend here in the First Section, but for the winners Poole it certainly did.
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Second Section - retrospective
There was a performance to savour in the Second Section, as Camborne B delivered an A+ victory on the weekend.
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Third Section - retrospective
Fun and games and plenty of excellent playing in the Third Section as the West shows who is best once again...
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section- retrospective
A marathon contest in the Fourth Section, but some cracking qualifiers will head to Harrogate. The rest of the country has been warned!
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Postcard from Swansea
There is always a welcome in the hillsides in Wales - although not always for their own brethren...
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Championship Section - retrospective
It was all about reaching the 8th step in Swansea on the weekend - and for David Read, only Cory managed to make it...
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - First Section - retrospective
Never has a pack of Paracetemol been used to better effect here on the weekend - for celebrating bands with bad heads to helping with quintuplet rhythms...
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Second Section - retrospective
From Cardiff to Harrogate via America - a good job some Welsh bands are good travellers then...
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Third Section - retrospective
The Once and Future King - no, not Barry John, but there were a few cracking performances here the greatest of them all would have been proud to have called his own.
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Fourth Section - retrospective
Forget the awards for the winners, they should have been handing out VCs for Valour in the Fourth Section...
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
They are still packing them in at Stevenage - 76 bands and counting this year. A great two days of battle is in store then for a region on the contesting up.
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders - Championship Sect
They tend to give a decent Salute in the capital to victors, so will the big guns do the business on a classic bit of Vinter to win through to the Albert Hall?
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders - First Section
Do you know a 16 sided shape is called a hexadecagon? These 16 bands should have no trouble with a Pentacle then
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders - Second Section
Which of these 17 bands will strike up a special relationship with this piece of musical Americana?
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders - Third Section
Pearly Kings and Queens are more the London thing but lets see what these bands make of a bit of King Arthur
2009 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Runners & Riders - Fourth Section
The Talisman has been causing all sorts of problems all over the country, so how will the 16 bands here fare with it?
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
Domestic pride or national success? Its a hard balancing act when Celtic pride is at stake in Scotland.
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Championship Section - Runners & Riders
How will the bands north of the border tackle Gilbert Vinters masterful work?
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - First Section - Runners & Riders
Pentacle is all fives and threes a bit like one of those drunken Highland flings on Burns Night. Someone must be good at that here then
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Second Section - Runners & Riders
The Scots have made their mark in the New World over the years, so which band will be able to celebrate with a bottle of Bud come the weekend.
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Third Section - Runners & Riders
They know a thing or two about mystic Kings and all that up here, so no troubles with this bit of make believe then for the Scots
2009 Scottish Regional Championship - Fourth Section - Runners & Riders
Just five bands make it to the starting blocks here and it cant be much fun with such a stern test piece to be played either.
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
There is always a great sense of spirit and banding adventure in the North East, and they are starting to get a bit of national contesting success to go with it too.
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Championship Section - Runners & Riders
With Reg Vardy aiming for eight in a row, is there anyone who can stop them raising another victory Salute?
2009 North of England Regional Championship - First Section - Runners & Riders
A closely matched group of bands will be trying to make musical sense of the fives of Pentacle to gain two qualifcation spots for Harrogate.
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Second Section - Runners & Riders
Just six bands looking to seek a trip to Harrogate courtesy of Dan Prices musical journey through the USA
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Third Section -Runners & Riders
Nine bands will seek Arthurian inspiration to get them to Harrogate on the weekend, Which two will pull the qualification swords out of the stone then?
2009 North of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section - Runners & Riders
Its a tough old test of musical character in the Fourth, but who will find their way thought the minefield that is The Talisman to get to Harrogate?
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Yorkshire MD Gallery - Portraits of pure emotion
If you ever wondered just what it takes to try and conduct a top section band to glory at a high pressure regional contest...
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Postcard from Bradford
Sometimes banding isn't enough. What you really need is to rub shoulders with true greats...
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
The perennial dark horse of Yorkshire banding took the title on Sunday night. No one will under estimate Rothwell now then...
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
There was a sense of Law and order about Wakefield Metropolitan's win in the First Section...
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
It was a happy return to Holme territory for Duncan Beckley on the weekend, as he led his band to another regional victory. He has plenty to his name now...
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
An enjoyable affair in the Third Section, where a young band from Garforth became once and possibly future champions...
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
A decade is a long time in banding - but well worth the wait for Maltby Miners Welfare.
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
The days of over crowding, bad backs and dodgy burger vans are now long gone in the Midlands
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
Which of the 13 well matched bands here will be giving a victory Salute come Sunday night?
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
16 bands hoping to gain two qualification places for Harrogate as long as they can master the fives of Pentacle.
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
A well matched field of bands in the Second Section all keen to see if they can find western inspiration to take them north up the M1 come September...
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
A big old field of bands ready to find out if they are made of the right stuff to get to Harrogate via a bit of Merlin and Co
2009 Midlands Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
Its like a return to the good old days a Fourth Section packed with bands!
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
As always there is always a warm and friendly atmosphere down in Torquay - now all it needs a bit more headline contesting success...
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
Can Mount Charles overcome the dreaded curse of the defending champion and become the first band in well over a decade to retain their West of England title?
2009 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 set work and gain a trip to Harrogate. High fives for someone on Pentacle then on Saturday?
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
Another 14 band field will set their musical sights westwards to find the musical inspiration to head north to Harrogate in September.
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
This should be a test piece right up the street of most of the bands down this neck of the woods Arthurian legend and all that. Cant ask for anything more can they now?
2009 West of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
A strong field of bands here, all looking for a place at Harrogate courtesy of The Talisman and a favourable decision from Paul Norley and Simone Rebello.
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Introduction and preview
There is an argument for quality over quantity, but Wales is getting short on numbers…
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
Can Tredegar hold onto its title or will normal Cory contesting service be resumed on Sunday?
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
Pentacle is all about fives and threes by all accounts in Wales thats a prop forward and a second row then.
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
West is best they say in certain parts of Wales, and by all accounts America is named after a bloke from the Principality too. The bands should feel at home then
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
The Welsh can lay claim to King Arthur being one of their own, so the bands shouldnt have a problem with separating fact from fiction on the weekend
2009 Welsh Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
Not even a scrum full of bands this year to tackle The Talisman. At least it will be all over in time for the rugby then
2009 North West Regional Championship - Postcard from Blackpool
From Albert and the Lion to Hitler, via banding history and the Welsh diaspora. Blackpool has it all...
2009 North West Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Fodens created their own bit of history on the weekend, but the contesting Gods didn't smile on everyone...
2009 North West Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
High fives for Wardle Anderson Brass as they work out the way to Harrogate via musical Pentacle route.
2009 North West Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
Cracking piece, cracking playing, but New World Sketches did catch a few out. Not Oldham (Lees) though who delivered a performance that Barack Obama would have been proud.
2009 North West Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
A contest that had something for everyone - from plenty of cracking playing to the odd crackpot bit of percussion work. No problems for Dobcross though as they took the title in fine style.
2009 North West Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
It may have been a piece of cake for Eccles and a few others on the Sunday morning, but The Talisman certainly didn't do the majority any favours as a piece to get them to Harrogate.
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Introduction & Preview
Yorkshire provides brass band contesting with its emotional heart beat, so is it still pumping away strongly or is it in need of a bit of pacemaker help?
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
A great contest in prospect as Black Dyke look to defend their title on Salute to Youth.
2009 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 tricky test from Graham Cole and his Pentacle. Who will be giving it high fives then?
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Second Section: Runners & Riders
Which of the 12 bands here will seek inspiration from the New World of Dan Price?
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Third Section: Runners & Riders
12 bands will look for a bit of Merlin inspired magic on the Arthurian legend on Staurday which could spell success or disaster?
2009 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
Just the 9 bands take to the stage on Sunday morning looking to see if they can master The Talisman and book a ticket to Harrogate.
BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist Final 2009 - retrospective
Malcolm Wood was at the RNCM in Manchester on the weekend where Stephen Sykes took a white knuckle ride to become the Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year.
35th Ern Keller Memorial International Soloist of the Year - Gallery
A collection of photographs from the 2009 Ern Keller International Soloist and Band of the Year
2009 Regional Championships - Salute to what Youth?
4BR wonders what Gilbert Vinter would have thought if he had been asked to 'Salute' today's youth instead of that of the early 1960s...
2009 Regional Championships - A year older, a year closer to the grave?
4BR looks at the latest facts and figures as the brass band movement prepares for its annual health check around the country. Are we in good shape this year?
2009 Regional Championships - Introduction and preview
4BR lloks forward to the thrills and spills, controversy and classic music making over the next few weeks as the Regional championships kick off.
2009 Regional Championships - Test piece reviews
Paul Hindmarsh delves into the musical detail of the test pieces that will be performed during the Regional contests in March.
2009 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
2009 North West Regional Championship - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
Can Fodens retain their title and create even more history of their own at the Winter Gardens?
2009 North West Regional Championship - First Section: Runners & Riders
Will any of the bands here really get to grips with a fearsome test piece. Or will it be last man standing to get to Harrogate?
2009 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 dozen will win through on Sunday?
2009 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 the King Arthur legend.
2009 North West Regional Championship - Fourth Section: Runners & Riders
A great line up of bands on the Sunday all set for a battle royal on The Talisman. Whoever wins has a great record to uphold in Harrogate.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Gallery: Elite division own choice
Selection of pictures from this year's Norwegian National Championships, Elite division own choice.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Gallery: Elite division set work
Selection of pictures from this year's Norwegian National Championships, Elite division set work.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Gallery: Postcard
Selection of postcard pictures from this year's Norwegian National Championships
Gizmos & Gadgets - February
4BR looks at the little and large must haves for February...
2009 Queensland Band Association Youth Brass Band Camp - McGregor Summer School
Richard Evans returns to the 2009 Queensland Brass Association Youth Brass Band Camp held in conjunction with the McGregor Summer School in Toowoomba January 7 - 17, 2009.
2009 BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist Semi Final - retrospective
Malcolm Wood made it through the snow to Manchester on Sunday and was rewarded by an excellent night's brass competition at the BBC.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Postcard from Bergen
Its all about the generation game in Norway - and they haven't thought of getting Bruce Forsyth involved either...
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Elite Section - Own choice retrospective
It was still up for grabs on the Saturday in Bergen - but an Eikanger 'Make Over' settled things once again.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Elite Section - Set work retrospective
The foundation of Eikanger's 11th National victory came with a bit rococo Arthur Negus would have been proud of...
2009 Norwegian National Championships - First Section retrospective
Tertnes have had more promotions recently than a local branch of MFI, but they won't worry about that after they recorded a stylish win.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Second Division retrospective
There was a clear cut victory for Kleppe on the Friday - all done in time for a few celebratory drinks with MD Russell Gray.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Third Division retrospective
No lack of ambition in the Third Division - great from the winners Tromso, but not so realistic for some others...
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Fourth Division retrospective
Plenty to enjoy, but plenty of questions to be asked too in a Fourth Division that was in fact two contests in one.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - The Champions (1979 - 2008)
Who has won what and when since the Norwegian Nationals started in 1979.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Fourth Division preview and prediction
The foundation base of Norwegian banding continues to grow - both new and old.
2009 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.
2009 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.
2009 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.
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Test Piece review
Paul Hindmarsh recently talked to Edward Gregson prior to his work being used at the 2088 British Open Championships
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Elite Division preview
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 2010 European Championships. Can Eikanger retain their title?
2009 Norwegian National Championships - Preview
4BR will be in Bergen this weekend to bring you a flavour of one of the most exciting brass band championships in the world - the Norwegian Nationals.
2009 Yeovil Entertainment Contest - Preview
4BR looks ahead to the 32nd Yeovil Entertainment Contest this weekend - with not a spare seat to be had for the first open contest in its history.
4BR Band under the spotlight - Redbridge Brass
4BR puts the Butlins Mineworkers Champions under the spotlight to find out a bit more about them, their aims and objectives for the next twelve months.
2009 Action Medical Research Championship - retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back on a day of brilliant entertainment in Blackpool that is still need of a bit of marking research from the organisers.
4BR Scouting Report - Andrew Ashworth - Oldham (Lees) Band
4BR casts its eye on another talented young performer who is making a name for himself in the banding world - Andrew Ashworth of the Oldham (Lees) Band.
4BR Time Team - The Daily Herald National Years
Tim Mutum looks back at the coverage given by The Daily Herald newspaper, one time owners of the Nationals, to the most famous of all brass band competitions. If only it was like this today...
4BR Interview - Ian Bousfield
Black Dyke's Brett Baker has been in conversation for 4BR with Ian Bousfield of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
4BR Dinner Guests - Morvern Gilchrist and Lesley Howie's ultimate dinner guest list
Two of the best players in the banding world tell us who they would like to share a curry with...
2009 RNCM Festival of Brass - retrospective
The 2009 RNCM Festival of Brass really was an inspirational three days of high class brass playing on the weekend - all topped off by a Canadian violinist dancing his way from Ilford to Norwich...
Quiet brilliance - Teddy Gray remembered
Allan Littlemore recalls the life and brass band times of Teddy Gray - the former principal cornet of the Fodens Band.
Credit Crunch banding - Can bands survive the latest economic downturn?
With the effects of Credit Crunch and the recession starting to tell, what position are our leading UK bands in to ride out the financial downturn? 4BR investigates.
2009 Action Medical Research Championships - Preview
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the Action Medical Research Youth Championship in Blackpool this Sunday, as the best young brass entertainers showcase all their talents.
2009 RNCM Festival of Brass - Preview
4BR's Chris Thomas look forward to the RNCM Festival of Brass in Manchester this weekend.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Gallery: Set Work
Selection of photos from the Championship Section Set Work contest at this year's 2009 Butlins Championships.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Gallery: Entertainment
Selection of photos from the Championship Section Entertainment contest at this year's 2009 Butlins Championships.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Postcard from Skegness
Butlins is growing in importance, but is still having to overcome a few teething problems in the process - from a cold hall to confusing results.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Championship Section set work retrospective
Harrison's Dream turned to a Harrison's nightmare for some bands on the Saturday, but the best bands took their chance to try and lay at least one hand on the famous Warwick Vase Trophy.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Championship Section entertainment retrospective
It was still all up for grabs on Sunday morning as it all came down to the entertainment stakes - and the chance of claiming the 7,000 top prize.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - First Section retrospective
Innovation and inventiveness from the organisers, hard graft and a play off final for the top six bands in the First Section as Blackburn & Darwen finally took the 'hostile' honours.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Second Section retrospective
21 bands battled it out in true Crusade fashion in the Second Section, but it was East London Brass that finally flew the victors standard come the announcement of the results.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Third Section retrospective
It may have been cold enough to freeze the wotsits off a brass monkey but Shirebrook MW Unison produced a red hot performance to take the Third Section title again.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Fourth Section retrospective
There were Four Noble Truths to overcome in the Fourth Section, but only one over the moon winner in Eccles Borough - and all for a second time in a row.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Youth Band Championship retrospective
There was plenty to enjoy on the Sunday morning as the three youth bands produced some wonderful entertainment in the Butlins Youth Championship.
Byron Brass Summer School - A momentous occasion
Jack Hornsby, as a member of the group from Toronto Brass, writes on Australia's inaugural 2009 Byron Brass Summer School.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championship - The Adjudicators
There is a very experienced mix of musical knowledge in the box on the weekend from Frank Renton to Simone Rebello.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Lower Section test piece reviews
There are a quartet of fine works being used at Skegness on the weekend in the lower sections - from the Crusades to the noble Dukkha truth via Haydock and Hostile Skies...
2009 Butlins Youth Championships - Preview
4BR looks forward to the return of the Butlins Youth Championships - a contest coming full circle 35 years after it started at the Royal Albert Hall.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Fourth Section preview & prediction
18 bands line up to see if they can master The Four Noble Truths of brass band contesting play the notes, in the right place, at the right time and in the right key? A nice fat cheque for the winners of 1,500 is up for grabs for the band that can.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Third Section preview & prediction
We have a look at the 12 bands that will be trying to get to grips with a lovely reminder of a fine composer Stuart Pullins Haydock Variations.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Second Section preview & prediction
Once more into the breach so to speak as 21 bands don their chain mail and head for a bit of Crusading glory at the Lakeside.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - First Section preview & prediction
We cast our eye over the massive entry of 26 bands that will be trying to master the musical element of Richard Granthams Hostile Skies on the weekend. Who will be the sunshine boys then?
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Test Piece Review - Harrison's Dream
4BR Editor Iwan Fox has a look at 'Harrisons Dream a classic tale of someone looking for a time and place in the world of seafaring.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Championship Section runners & riders
12 bands take to the stage on Saturday and Sunday hoping that their mix of seafaring time keeping and fair entertainment will gain them the £7,000 top prize.
2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships - Introduction and Championship prediction
Forget the credit crunch, Skegness will be full to the rafters this weekend as all the bands, players and supporters pile in to enjoy the test pieces and the entertainment once more.
4BR Scouting Report - Sam Chapman - Wantage Silver
4BR puts the scouting spotlight on 14 year old Sam Chapman - one of the star performers of 2008, and a player with an exciting future ahead of himself.
Gizmos & Gadgets - January
4BR looks at some credit crunch buster deals for those looking for something in the January Sales...
Dinner Guests - Kevin Crockford's ultimate brass band dinner guest list
Soprano superstar Kevin Crockford tells us who he would like to invite to come to dinner...dead or alive.
4BR Interview - Derek Bourgeois
4BR's Chris Thomas talks to the man who brought us one of the most iconic works for brass band and finds out that he is still busy composing, but not for brass - at the moment...
Frozen in Time - Four Little Maids
Frozen in time in 1969. What ever became of John Carr's 'Four Little Maids'?
Time Team - January 2009
40 years ago a seismic change occurred in the banding world - Spectrum had arrived by the man who changed all our thinking on test pieces for brass bands.
Mystic Megs 2009 predictions - It's all in the stars.... (or her pint glass...)
What will 2009 hold for the banding movement? 4BR asked the Welsh version of Mystic Meg to see if she could see how it will all pan out....
The Music Bands play - Part 1
In a major new series of articles for 4BR, Paul Hindmarsh examines aspects of the brass band repertoire of the past 100 years.
4barsrest Classifieds
Vacancies
Aveley and Newham Band
The Aveley & Newham band currently have a vacancy for a first class Solo Trombone player.
Contests
Teesdale Brass Band Contest
Date: 5-Jul-2009
Venue: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham
Concerts
St Helens Youth Brass Band Special Guest Soloist, Les Neish on Tuba
Date: 4-Jul-2009
Venue: De La Salle High School. Mill Brow. Eccleston. St Helens. WA10 4QH
Professional Cards
Alwyn Green
LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, teacher and soloist
