Articles & features: 2012 / International
The Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band - A hub success story
In the second part of his series, Jeremy Dibb finds out more about the hub success of Grimethorpe's partnership with its local music services.
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes or so with Jessica Tredrea
4BR's Malcolm Wood catches up with Salford University student Jessica Tredrea to find out about where her passion to be a conductor came from.
4BR Dinner Guests - Howard Snell
Howard Snell tells 4BR just who he would like to have around the dinner table this Christmas.
Baton polish - Russell Gray's Conducting Seminar & Workshop
John Whittle reports from Russell Gray's recent Conducting Seminar & Workshop.
Battle lines and battle scars in Barnsley - The Registry Open Forum
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports from a passionate, fevered and at times chaotic conflict at the registry open forum in Barnsley.
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes or so with Matthew White
4BR's Malcolm Wood talks to Matthew White to find out how he is finding life in Wales as principal euphonium at Cory
2012 Scottish Open Championships - Runners & Riders
4BR looks a bit closer at the 18 runners & riders taking to the stage in Perth hoping to claim the Scottish Open title this year.
2012 Scottish Open Championships - Preview & Prediction
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to a season ending contest with the selection box of goodies at the Scottish Open in Perth.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - Retrospective
New eras couldn't have started better for Philip Harper at Brass in Concert.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - Five things we got to know
Five things we got to know from Brass in Concert at The Sage Gatehead on the weekend.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - Sage Postcard
There was plenty to listen to at The Sage last weekend - and not just from the bands.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - The programmes
These are the programmes of the 11 competing bands at The Sage on the weekend.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - Gallery of the bands in action
Steve Jack captures the action from the 11 bands at Brass in Concert this year.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - Postcard Gallery from The Sage
Steve Jack was out and about recording the action over the weekend at Brass in Concert
2012 Northern Open - Contest Gallery
Selection of images from 2012 Northern Open Championships.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - Runners & Riders
4BR looks at the form and personnel of the 11 contenders hoping to be crowned Brass in Concert Champions this weekend.
2012 Brass in Concert Championship - Preview & Prediction
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to a health concious Brass in Concert Championship.
4BR Talking Point: - The Hubs of the matter
Jeremy Dibb looks at the new Music Education Hubs and what they could mean for the future development of young players in brass bands in England.
Joined up thinking - Making the most of brass and voice
Geraint Davies looks at the logistical problems and the possible musical solutions when bringing together the massed ranks of brass and voice.
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes or so with Richard Poole
4BR's Malcolm Wood catches up with Foden's prize winning soprano player, Richard Poole to find out what it's like to be a 'Double' champion, how hard was 'Daphnis et Chloe' and what big date is still to come in 2012...
4BR Dinner Guests - Allan Withington
One of the most brilliant list of dinner guests you are ever likely to meet - from Joan of Arc to William Halliwell. A great night is guarenteed then...
2012 National Championships - Retrospective
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at a contest where the secret to success was no secret at all for Foden's and Allan Withington.
2012 National Championships - Postcard from Kensington
A combination of many different X Factors made for a truly memorable National Finals this year.
2012 National Championships - Five things we got to know from the Albert Hall
4BR picks up on five things we got know from the 2012 National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.
2012 National Championships - Gallery: Editor's choice
4BR Editor Iwan Fox picks his favourites images from the host of brilliant pictures taken by Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions at the Albert Hall.
2012 National Championships - Gallery: Images of the National Finals
Images of the National Finals day by Ian Clowes
2012 National Championships - Gallery: The Conductors in action
Images of the 20 conductors in action at the Royal Albert Hall by Ian Clowes
2012 National Championships - Preview & Prediction
Which band can bring one of the most colourful ballet scores to life at the Albert Hall on the weekend?
2012 National Championships - Runners & Riders
4BR looks at the records of the 20 bands that will take to the stage trying to win the title this weekend.
2012 National Championships - Test Piece review
4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at Howard Snell's masterful arrangement.
2012 National Championships - Albert Hall Gallery
Lots of fantastic images of the Albert Hall from Ian Clowes at Goldy Solutions.
2012 National Championships - A Bluffers Guide to Daphnis & Chloe
A few ways important things to know if you want to bluff your way through a conversation about Ravel's masterpiece at the Albert Hall.
4BR Dinner Guests - Craig Patterson
This month we have been invited by Craig Patterson for an evening's entertainment around the dinner table with his guests...
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes or so with Andrew Craze
4BR's Malcolm Wood catches up Norfolk Wherry MD Andrew Craze, to find out a bit more about the man and his Fourth Section National Champion band.
4BR Interview - Paul Mealor
4BR's Chris Thomas talks all things musical to the superstar composer of the classical music world, who just happens to have a background in brass bands.
2012 Fleetwood Open Championship - Gallery
A great day of contesting at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Fourth Section retrospective
Iwan Fox looks back on a victory for Nofolk Wherry that couldn't have been scripted by a Hollywood film maker.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Third Section retrospective
Chris Thomas looks back at a closely fought contest won by a band that can fall back on its own 150 years of ancient customs.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Second Section retrospective
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at a contest which produced a long odds winner - not that the still celebrating South Milford will mind that.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - First Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back on a First Section National Final that provided an emphatic winner in Unite the Union (City of Sheffield)
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Gallery of the 1st Section
Images from the First Section National Finals.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Gallery of the Third Section
Images from the Third Section National Finals.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Gallery of the Fourth Section
Images from the Fourth Section National Finals at Cheltenham
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Gallery of the Second Section
4BR images of the action and awards ceremonies in the 2nd Section at Cheltenham.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Gallery of Images from Cheltenham
4BR images from the National Championships held at Cheltenham.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - First Section Runners & Riders
List of the competing bands in the First Section at Cheltenham
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Second Section Runners & Riders
List of the competing bands in the Second Section at Cheltenham
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Venue - Gallery
4BR looks in and around the Cheltenham Centaur Arena venue for the 2012 National Championships of Great Britain
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Third Section Runners & Riders
The list of the competing bands in the Third Section at Cheltenham.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Fourth Section Runners & Riders
The list of competing bands in the Fourth Section this weekend.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - First Section Preview & Prediction
4BR looks forward to the musical celebrations both before and after the announcement of the results in the First Section.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Second Section Preview & Prediction
4BR looks forward to finding out which bands can pass an old academic exam paper with flying colours on Saturday morning.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Third Section Preview & Prediction
4BR looks forward to seeing who will come out on top with their understanding of some wonderful ancient customs.
2012 National Championships of Great Britain - Fourth Section Preview & Prediction
4BR looks forward to the battle for greatness in the Fourth Section on Saturday afternoon in Cheltenham.
2012 Miner's Welfare Entertainment Contest - Gallery of the prize winners
There was a great day of contesting and plenty of prizes won at Porthcawl.
A happy endangered species - The last of the brass banding miners
4BR talks to Nick Harris, one of only two brass band players still working in a deep mine in the UK.
Dr Martin Trust Contest - Preview & Prediction
4BR looks forward to the unique and lucrative Dr Martin Contest in Middlesbrough this weekend to see who may walk away with the ?4,000 top prize.
Back to School - How to make the most of your A Level Music studies
Geraint Davies provides students with a guide to get their A Level Music studies off to a flying start in the new term.
Back to School - How to make the most of your GCSE Music studies
Geraint Davies provides students with a guide to get their GCSE Music studies off to a flying start in the new term.
2012 Great Northern Brass Arts Festival - Gallery
Photographer Steve Jack captures the highlights of the music making from the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
4BR Interview - Tom Davoren
Chris Thomas talks at length with one of the banding movement's young polymaths - composer Tom Davoren.
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes or so with John Doyle
4BR's Malcolm Wood manages to catch up with the one and only John Doyle.
4BR Scouting Report - Charlotte Horsfield
Malcolm Wood catches up with a talented trombonist from a famous Yorkshire banding family.
2012 British Open Championship - Postcard from Birmingham
There is plenty of life left in the old bones of the British Open thanks to an intriguing contest day at Symphony Hall.
2012 British Open Championship - Retrospective
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at how Allan Withington inspired Foden's to victory at the British Open with a little bit of help from Alfred Hitchcock.
2012 British Open Championship - Five things we got to know from the Open
4BR looks at five things that came to light at the end of the 160th British Open in Birmingham on the weekend.
2012 British Open Championship - What the adjudicators said
This is what Derek Broadbent, Stephen Roberts and Steve Sykes wrote in their adjudications for the podium finishers at Symphony Hall.
Peace, Friendship and the Future - The New Zealand Youth Band in China
Evan T Sayer reports on the National Youth Band of New Zealand's ground breaking trip to the 2012 International Children's Art and Culture Festival in Tianjin, China.
2012 British Open Championship - Gallery from the 160th Open
Ian Clowes captures the action in and around Symphony Hall for the 160th British Open.
2012 British Open Championship - Conductors gallery
Images by Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions of the competing conductors at the 160th British Open at Symphony Hall.
2012 British Open Championship - Introduction to the 160th contest
There has been plenty to talk about before a note has been blown in anger this year - and the action promises to be even tastier...
2012 British Open Championship - Preview & Prediction
Bands should be wary of a free gift from a Greek source on Saturday - otherwise a there could be blood on the carpet at Symphony Hall.
2012 British Open Championship - Runners & Riders
17 bands take to the stage at Symphony Hall on Saturday all hoping to be crowned the Kings of the banding world.
2012 British Open Championship - It's All Greek to Me
4BR gives you a quick crash course into understanding what the the storyline of Electra is all about...
2012 British Open Championship - Test Piece Review
Iwan Fox looks in more detail at Martin Ellerby's balletic take on the Greek tragedy of Electra.
4BR Spotlight Interview - Mark Bousie
Malcolm Wood talks to Mark Bousie, who will be presented with the Mortimer Medal at the British Open Championships in Birmingham.
4BR Dinner Guests - Mark Wilkinson
This month we have been invited by Mark Wilkinson for an evening's entertainment around the dinner table with his guests...
4BR Scouting Report - Emily Evans
4BR's Malcolm Wood finds out more about rising tenor horn star Emily Evans.
Under the spotlight - BFBB opens the doors to press questions
The British Federation of Brass Bands gives a robust defence to the banding press of its approach to the difficulties it is currently facing.
To be or not to be - The BFBB faces up to a battalion of potential sorrows
A storyline inspired by Prince Hamlet could see the BFBB fall headlong into terminal obscurity.
Sweet Carolina - Smithills sizzle in American heatwave
Chris Wormald looks back at the highlights of Smithills School's recent return tour to America.
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes with Huw Cole
4BR's Malcolm Wood catches up with National Final composer Huw Cole.
Sunshine entertainment - 2012 Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival
4BR Editor Iwan Fox enjoys a day out in the sun at one of the most picturesque brass band festivals in th world.
Brass Explosion! - Desford on Tour
Brenden Wheeler looks back at the highlights of Desford's recent return trip to Singapore.
4BR Talking Point - A Question of Uniformity
Chris Thomas takes a provocative look at the immediate impression we create on the occasionally interested general public...
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes with Tom Davoren
4BR's Malcolm Wood catches up for a quick chat with composer Tom Davoren.
4BR Spotlight Interview - 5 minutes with Jonathan Bates
4BR's Malcolm Wood spends five minutes interviewing composer, conductor and Black Dyke horn player Jonathan Bates.
4BR Dinner Guests - Ian Brownbill
This month we have been invited by Ian Brownbill for an evening's entertainment around the dinner table with his guests...
2012 English National Championship - Retrospective
Something that was once rare may become commonplace in the UK if Black Dyke continue to thump their rivals like this.
2012 English National Championship - Postcard from Preston
If the optimists really think the English National has a future, then it must be away from Preston.
2012 English National Championship - Gallery from Preston
Images of the day at the English Nationals in Preston.
2012 English National Championships - Introduction to Preston
The English National Championship continues to try and hog the limelight - even in Preston.
2012 English National Championships - Preview & Prediction
Whoever wants to go to Oslo next year may not quite have the last laugh in Preston this weekend.
2012 English National Championships - Runners & Riders
Eight bands will battle it out to be crowned English champion - and to book their place in Oslo in 2013.
4BR Time Team - Brass Band Contests and the Law of the Land
How a Dickensian inspired case between two bands and Section 4 of the 1889 Arbitration Act defined the way in which all brass band contests are run...
2012 Whit Friday Contests - retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back on a Whit Friday full of flag waving and cash winning performances.
4BR Interview: Lucy Pankhurst - Revealing the composer's soul
British Composer Award winner talks in depth to 4BR's Chris Thomas to explore why composing is such a solitary existence and having a new piece played is like revealing a part of the soul.
2012 Whit Friday - Gallery
Malcolm Wood captures some of the mood from the 2012 Whit Friday Saddleworth event
2012 Whit Friday Contests - 4BR previews the greatest free show on earth
Malcolm Wood looks forward to what promises to be a great day of Whit Friday contesting - especially if the sun keeps shining!
2012 All England Masters International - retrospective
Old comedy values sees Tredegar retain the Masters title with a touch of Les Dawson polished elan.
2012 All England Masters International - Contest Gallery
Images of the 2012 All England Masters International Contest.
2012 All England Masters International - Runners & Riders
4BR looks at the 20 runners and riders for this weekend's All England Masters International Championship in Kettering.
2012 All England Masters International - Introduction
It's no laughing matter at the Masters on the weekend as 20 bands tackle a classic comedy from a misanthropic composer.
2012 Spring Festival - Grand Shield retrospective
4BR's Chris Thomas looks back at a contest won by Hepworth standing head and shoulders above their rivals.
2012 Spring Festival - Senior Cup retrospective
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back at a Senior Cup contest where the best bands were led by MDs who brought traditional virtues to the fore.
2012 Spring Festival - Senior Trophy retrospective
4BR's John James looks back at the Senior Trophy, where an understanding of integral calculas came in handy if you wanted to claim a qualification place on Chivalry.
2012 European Championships - Championship retrospective
A contest winning behemoth may have been created in Rotterdam - and it will take more than burning torches and pitchforks to stop it now...
2012 European Championships - B Section retrospective
It may need an overhaul, but the B Section continues to provide wonderful entertainment - and great shoes...
2012 European Championships - Side events and features
Away from the main contests, the European Championships revealed plenty of things to keep you interested...
2012 European Championships - Postcard from Rotterdam
Rotterdam may have cut its cloth accordingly, but it still provided a memorable championships.
2012 Spring Festival - Gallery from the Winter Gardens
Images from the 2012 Spring Festival at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
2012 Spring Festival - Blackpool and Brimingham beckon
There is banding fantasy and there is banding reality. Guess which one happens at Blackpool this weekend?
2012 Spring Festival - The Grand Shield: Contest preview & prediction
20 bands are just one step away from the big time and Symphony Hall. But which two will take the Giant inspired musical leaps to make it there?
2012 Spring Festival - The Senior Cup: Contest preview & prediction
Blackpool is the land of hope and glory. At least for one band come Saturday evening on Elgar Variations.
2012 Spring Festival - The Senior Trophy: Contest preview & prediction
Is the art of chivalry dead in Blackpool we wonder? Perhaps not if the 20 bands here treat Martin Ellerby's test piece with the respect it deserves.
Brass in Concert - Change in the air for 2012
There will be major changes to the way the Brass in Concert title is decided this year.
2012 NABBC Conference - Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports from the recent National Association of Brass Band Conductors Conference in Woking.
2012 European Championships - Championship Own Choice Gallery
Selection of pictures from Saturday Championship Own Choice in the De Doelen Concert Hall, Rotterdam.
2012 European Championships - B Section Gallery
Selection of pictures from 2012 European Championships B Section in the De Doelen Concert Hall, Rotterdam
2012 European Championships - Opening Ceremony Gallery
Selection of pictures from the opening Ceremony and draw for the EBBC
2012 European Championships - EYBB Gallery
Selection of pictures of the European Youth Brass Band (EYBB)
2012 European Championships - Championship Set Work Gallery
Selection of pictures from Friday Championship Set Work in the De Doelen Concert Hall, Rotterdam.
2012 European Championships - Around The Venue Gallery
Selection of pictures from the venue of the De Doelen Concert Hall, Rotterdam.
2012 European Championships - Build-Up Gallery
Images in preparation for the 5th European Composers Competition
2012 European Championships - Composers Competition Gallery
Images from the 5th European Composers Competition
2012 European Championships - Editor's Rotterdam Blog
The daily thoughts and opinions of 4BR Editor Iwan Fox at the European Championships in Rotterdam.
2012 European Championships - Venue Gallery
Selection of pictures from the venue of the 2012 European Championships. De Doelen, Rotterdam.
2012 European Championships - Introduction to Rotterdam
Much has changed since the European Championships were last in Rotterdam - but there is just as much excitement in store 21 years later it seems.
2012 European Championships - Championship Section: Preview & Prediction
This year it's a heavyweight scrap between some of the biggest and best brawlers in the business.
2012 European Championships - Championship Section: Runners & Riders
11 of the very best bands will lock horns to see who can be crowned the 2012 Champion Band of Europe.
2012 European Championships - B Section: Preview & Predictions
Details of the runners, riders, preview and prediction to come...
2012 European 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.
2012 National Youth Brass Band Championships - Gallery from the RNCM
Images from the National Youth Championships of Great Britain held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
2012 National Youth Brass Band Championships - Contest preview
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks forward to a great day of music making at the National Youth Brass Band Championships in Manchester on Sunday.
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Peter Bale looks back at the Championship Section contest in Stevenage.
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
Peter Bale looks back at the First Section contest at Stevenage.
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
Matthew Ruel looks back at the Second Section contest at Stevenage.
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
Martin Benson looks back at the Third Section contest at Stevenage.
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
Rob Richardson looks back at the Fourth Section contest in Stevenage.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Postcard from Darlington
Malcolm Wood looks back at a memorable musical weekend at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington - 30 years after it all started.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at the Championship Area contest in Darlington.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at the First Section Area contest in Darlington.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at the Second Section Area contest in Darlington.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at the Third Section Area contest at Darlington.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at the Fourth Section Area contest at Darlington.
4BR Dinner Guests - Brett Baker
This month we have been invited by Brett Baker for an evening's entertainment around the dinner table with his guests...
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Postcard from Swansea
Iwan Fox looks back at the event's in and around a memorable weekend in Wales.
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Chris Thomas looks back at the Championship Section Area contest at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
Chris Thomas looks back at the First Section Area contest at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
Iwan Fox looks back at the Second Section Area contest at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
Iwan Fox looks back at the Third Section Area contest at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
Iwan Fox looks back at the Fourth Section Area contest at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Postcard from Torquay
Was there something in the tea at Torquay?
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at the Championship Section area contest in Torquay.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
Malcolm Wood looks back at the First Section Area contest in Torquay.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at the Second Section Area contest in Torquay.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
Malcolm Wood looks back at the Third Section Area contest in Torquay.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at the Fourth Section Area contest at Torquay.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Postcard from Bedworth
Chris Thomas looks back on an intriguing Midlands Area contest in Bedworth.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
Chris Thomas looks back at the Championship Section Area contest at Bedworth.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
Chris Thomas looks back at the First Section Area contest at Bedworth.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
Chris Thomas looks back at the Second Section Regional contest at Bewdworth.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
Martin Benson looks back at the Third Section Area contest at Bedworth.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
Dave Tinker looks back at the Midlands Fourth Section Area contest in Bedworth.
End of an era - Dr Robert Childs and Cory
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at the 12 year tenure of Dr Robert Childs at Cory.
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Swansea preview
Welsh banding has its own very particular problems this weekend...
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Championship Section preview & prediction
The Devil himself should enjoy this battle for supremacy in the Principality.
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
Getting inspiration from mountain views shouldn't pose a problem for these Welsh contenders...
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
The Welsh love a bit of fire and brimstone biblical story telling. This isn't it then...
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
The Olympics may be in London this year but all eyes will be on Cheltenham in Swansea...
2012 Welsh Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
There is quality and now quantity in the Fourth Section - so plenty of room to park an English chariot or two...
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Darlington preview
There is so much to enjoy about the banding scene in these parts that it's a pity they haven't had much to fly the flag about of late.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Championship Section preview & prediction
The Devil will seek two disciples in Darlington on the weekend...
2012 North of England Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
Five intrepid musical mountaineers know they have come off pretty well this weekend as they seek their places at Cheltenham.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
A great test piece deserves a great winning performance, so can any of these eight band's provide David Horsfield with it on the weekend?
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
Whoever claims the gold and silver medals on Philip Harper's test piece will head to Cheltenham.
2012 North of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
Grass roots banding is taking hold in the North East and they have brought in an English Folk Song expert to sort them out...
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Stevenage preview
The bands of the Southern Confederacy are starting to make more of a mark north as well as west of the Watford Gap...
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Championship Section preview
There is one burning question to be answered in Stevenage on Sunday - and it's not whether Redbridge will win again...
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
Who will fly away to Cheltenham on the back of a qualifying performance on Betrand Moren's big blowing test piece?
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
A very stern test of character awaits the bands looking carry the cross of qualification to Cheltenham...
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
A well fitted pair of sandals and a snug jockstrap could by the Olympic equipment needed to make it to Cheltenham for these well matched contenders...
2012 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
A big field and a great test piece should keep everyone happy in the Fourth Section.
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Postcard from Bradford
4BR looks back at an engrossing weekend at Bradford, when it appeared the Devil himself stirred things up a bit...
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
4BR looks back at the Championship contest in Bradford, where Black Dyke gained a deeply satisfying victory for their MD.
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back at the First Section contest which showed that Yorkshire has some impressive musical mountaineers...
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back at the Second Section contest at Bradford, where the test piece proved to be a heavy cross to bear...
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at the Third Section contest at Bradford where an impressive Elland Silver took the Olympic qualification laurels.
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back at a cracking Fourth Section contest in Bradford, full of great playing and impressive upholstery work.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Gallery from Torquay
4BR images from two days of competition from the Riviera Centre in Torquay
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Torquay preview
West of England banding is on the up - and now its lead is coming from the top down...
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Championship Section preview & prediction
Someone will have to find the devil from within if they are to claim the top prize on the Sabbath...
2012 West of England Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
Plenty of good bands with plenty to try and emulate in the First Section.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
A very special composer has left 16 bands with a very special piece of music to play this weekend if they are to reach Cheltenham.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
A local lad has given the local bands an Olympic high bar to jump if they are to get the Cheltenham.
2012 West of England Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
A massive field of 25 bands - but each of them knows they have a proud record to maintain if they get the nod for Cheltenham.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Bedworth preview
The price of banding may be rising faster than a gallon of 4 star, but the Midlands keeps topping up the tank...
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Championship Section preview & prediction
Just two Devil qualification places up for grabs and plenty of contenders fancying their chances...
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
The Midlands may boast the highest football ground above sea level in the UK, but it's a bit short on towering mountain tops.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
The smallest section of the weekend has perhaps the hardest test piece to overcome to get to the Finals..
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
The Midlands provides a field of 17 would be Olympians trying to reach Cheltenham this year.
2012 Midlands Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
A healthy line up of contenders all from the very heart of England shouldn't have a problem being inspired by this music then?
2012 Scottish Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
What will those proud Scots make of a very English test of character?
2012 Scottish Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
Scotland can boast one heck of a lot of Olympic champions, but can any of these bands go on and claim a medal at Cheltenham?
2012 Scottish Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
The Scots know a bit about religion, so who can be inspired by this particular Cross?
2012 Scottish Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
There are plenty of mountains in this part of the world, so it shouldn't be hard for these competitors to know what to make of these Mountain Views.
2012 Scottish Regional Championship - Championship Section preview & prediction
Which bands will master the the Devil and claim those priceless away day tickets to the Albert Hall?
2012 Scottish Regional Championship - Preview to Glenrothes
A move to full independence, devo max or just an enlightened new way of doing things at the Scottish Championship?
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Gallery from Championship Section at Bradford
Images from the action in the Championship Section at Bradford.
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Gallery from First Section at Bradford
Images from the First Section action at Bradford
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Gallery from Third Section at Bradford
Images from the Third Section at St George's Hall in Bradford
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Gallery from Fourth Section at Bradford
Images from the Fourth Section contest at St George's Hall.
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Gallery from Second Section at Bradford
Images from the action as it unfolded at St George's Hall in Bradford.
2012 North West Regional Championship - Postcard from Blackpool
Some things are changing in Blackpool - and some things are not...
2012 North West Regional Championship - Championship Section retrospective
The boys are Bach in town, as Leyland make a pact with the Devil to win in Blackpool...
2012 North West Regional Championship - First Section retrospective
Two very competitive bands will enjoy the trip to Cheltenham after enjoying a Blackpool mountain top view.
2012 North West Regional Championship - Second Section retrospective
No Blackpool cross to bear for Mossley as they claim a second seaside title of the year.
2012 North West Regional Championship - Third Section retrospective
The medal winners head to Cheltenham but the debate still raged about who was higher, stronger and faster in the Empress Ballroom...
2012 North West Regional Championship - Fourth Section retrospective
The North West can boast four very good qualifiers for Cheltenham thanks to their understanding of what it takes to be good English folk...
4BR Time Team - When Meltham ruled the world
4BR has unearthed a remarkable account of Meltham Mills at the peak of their powers - and enjoying the fruits of their labour at their annual dinner - in 1877.
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Bradford preview
Yorkshire does things its way... and it's hard to disagree that it doesn't work
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Championship Section preview & prediction
A great contest is in prospect on Sunday - even if it could end late into the night before the champion is announced.
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
Not the toughest of mountain climbs awaits in Bradford, but a number of these challengers have already been in high altitude training...
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
A touch of delicate French cross dressing lies in store for 13 powerful contenders...
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
Which of these 12 bands will be inspired by the history of the Olympics to gain a place at Cheltenham?
2012 Yorkshire Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
There is an encouraging line up of 12 bands in the Fourth Section this year, but which one will be singing their English Folk songs in celebration on Saturday?
2012 North West Regional Championship - Gallery from Devil & the Deep Blue Sea
4BR images from the top section contest in Blackpool where bands tackle 'The Devil' head on...
2012 North West Regional Championship - Gallery from the Winter Gardens
4BR has been out and about with the camera at the Winter Gardens to catch the action as it unfolds...
4BR Interview - Paul McGhee: Episodes, Occurrences and Interludes
Chris Thomas talks to composer Paul McGhee ahead of the launch of his ground breaking musical celebration of 20 years of Derwent Brass.
2012 North West Regional Championship - Blackpool preview
Numbers are up, but is the North West in need of a bit of trickle down success?
2012 North West Regional Championship - Championship Section preview & prediction
Foden's are unbeaten at the Winter Gardens since 2005. Has the time come for their reign to come to a diabolical end?
2012 North West Regional Championship - First Section preview & prediction
Nice mountain views but not many great peaks to conquer for the First Section bands wishing to get to Cheltenham.
2012 North West Regional Championship - Second Section preview & prediction
At least two bands won't have a cross to bear on Sunday night...
2012 North West Regional Championship - Third Section preview & prediction
A huge field of Olympic hopefuls line up will try and claim a place on the winner's rostrum on Sunday...
2012 North West Regional Championship - Fourth Section preview & prediction
A massive line up of bands means that listeners will enjoy both quantity and quality on a great old test piece?
Senedd launch - Wales takes official step to dynamic future
The new national body of Welsh banding has been officially launched with a high profile political endorsement in Cardiff.
2012 Welsh Open - Gallery of prize winners
Images of the presentations at the Welsh Open Championship in Porthcawl.
2012 Welsh Open - Gallery from Porthcawl
4BR has been capturing some of the images from the competing bands at the Welsh Open contest in Porthcawl.
2012 Welsh Open - Preview & Prediction
The domestic Welsh contesting season opens by the seaside in Porthcawl on Saturday. 4BR looks to see who will make the biggest splash...
2012 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship - Retrospective
Malcolm Wood reports from Blackpool where the entertainment on offer from the best youth bands around certainly kept you warm...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Postcard from Bergen
Are the first signs of an audience recession in Norwegian banding starting to be felt?
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Elite Division retrospective
A new era of Eikanger dominance has started to appear - freed by a desire for a holy grail...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - The two legged King
No other conductor knows how to win a contest of two halves quite like Professor David King...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - First Division retrospective
The Elite Division gains the headlines, but there was equally startling playing to be found in the First Division - especially with the podium finishers.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Second Division retrospective
There was the first taste of National success for Askoy Brass in the Second Division.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Third, Fourth & Fifth Division retrospectives
There was plenty of great playing going on at the Peer Gynt Hall on the Nationals weekend.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Gallery from the Grieghallen...
There was plenty to see as well as hear at the Grieghallen in Bergen...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Elite Division Gallery
The top 10 bands in Norway battled it out for glory on their own choice selections in Bergen...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Gallery from Bergen
Some of the images from the Norwegian National Championship in Bergen.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Bergen Blog
From Moby Dick to Bach and the Brekker Brothers - the 4BR Daily Blog covers it all in Bergen...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Introduction to Bergen
The first major National Championship of the year takes place this weekend in Norway. 4BR will be there to find out who comes top in Bergen.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Elite Division preview & 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 2013 European Championships in Oslo.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - First Division preview & prediction
4BR casts its eye over the 12 bands hoping to make the step up and join the Elite bands in Norway this weekend.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Second Division preview & prediction
Another cracking contest in store in the Second Division with 13 well matched bands all hoping to gain another step up the Norwegian promotion ladder.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Third Division preview & prediction
There is plenty to look forward to in the Third Division - especially as it may be so difficult to separate the bands out.
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Fourth Division preview & prediction
The foundation base of Norwegian banding continues to grow - thanks to a simple answer...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - Fifth Division preview & prediction
Another chapter in the history of Norwegian brass banding is being created on Friday morning...
2012 Norwegian National Championship - The Winners: 1979 - 2011
Who has won what and when since the Norwegian Nationals started in 1979.
2012 Yeovil Contest - Octagon preview & prediction
Iwan Fox looks forward to the tasty cross border skirmish on offer in Yeovil on the weekend.
2012 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship - Preview & Prediction
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the entertainment of offer at the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship in Blackpool on the weekend.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Postcard from Skegness
Two faces of 21st century banding were on display at Butlins - but guess which one the BBC was interested in?
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Championship Section retrospective
Despite a second successive Butlins title, the real litmus test for Flowers is still to come...
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - First Section retrospective
Eric Ball's test piece certainly proved to be a high peak in more ways than one at Butlins - although not for the winners.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Second Section retrospective
The Frogs may have been written as a comedy in 405 BC, but it was no laughing matter in Skegness on the weekend.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Third Section retrospective
A highly enjoyable contest was won by a highly enjoyable winning performance thanks to an MD with a big smile and deep pockets...
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Fourth Section retrospective
A well chosen test piece was the key to a impressive Fourth Section contest - and a fine winner.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Youth & Ensemble retrospective
There was plenty of brilliant youth inspired entertainment on show on the Sunday at Skegness - led by the brilliant Youth Brass 1000 & 2000 bands.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Championship Section Entertainment
Images of the entertainment action from the Championship bands at Butlins on Sunday.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - More gallery images from Skegness
More images from Butlins on the weekend.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Gallery from Skegness
Images from the Butlins Mineworkers Championship.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Introduction to Skegness
There will be the usual mix of great music and great entertainment on offer at Butlins this weekend.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Championship Section preview and prediction
A mix of 16th century French colonial life and 21st century X Factor entertainment will decide the 2012 Butlins winner.
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Championship Section runners & riders
12 bands take to the stage on the weekend to balance their nautical exploits with their X Factor entertainment...
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - First Section preview and prediction
Who will reach the summit first on Eric Ball's mountainous test of musical character?
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Second Section preview and prediction
It's all going to be ancient herpetologically Greek in the Second Section - old frogs to you and me...
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Third Section preview and prediction
Who will be cracking open the champagne miniatures on Saturday evening?
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Fourth Section preview and prediction
There is more than just one season to enjoy at Butlins - despite the winter cold...
2012 Butlins Mineworkers Festival - Junior Ensemble and Youth Section preview
4BR looks forward to the two exciting youth competitions on the Sunday at Butlins.
2011 4BR Awards - The Results
The ballot boxes have been emptied and the votes counted - and the winners for 2011 are as follows. Thanks to everyone for taking the time (we had a huge response this year). Drum roll please...
4BR End of Year Reports - The top 20 pupils at the 4BR School
The 4BR Headmaster has finished writing his 2011 end of year reports on the 20 top ranked pupils in the 4BR school...
4BR Band in the Spotlight - The 2011 4BR Band of the Year
4BR reveals the list of conductors and players who have made it into our 2011 Band of the Year.
The Champions - Who won what in 2011
There were a lot of brass band contests in 2011. 4BR provides the definitive list of the bands that took away the victors laurels all over the world.
4barsrest Classifieds
Vacancies
Cheshire Constabulary Band
We are looking for a good cornet player who can make a real difference to our otherwise full band. Our smart friendly band ha...
Contests
Greenfield Whit Friday Contest
Date: 24-May-2013
Venue: Greenfield, Saddleworth, Oldham. OL3 7DB
Concerts
Regent Hall Concerts Sam Rapley Jazz Ensemble
Date: 31-May-2013
Venue: Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street - opposite BHS. London . W1C 2DJ
Professional Cards
David Daws
Cornet tutor, Conductor
