*
banner

New instruments put to the Test

Town supports young musicians of Test Valley Brass.

Test Valley get their new instruments
 

Test Valley Brass Youth Band held a relaxed and fun presentation evening in their bandroom recently to present their talented young players with brand new instruments.

Grants

Thanks to grants from the Co-op, Andover Town Council and fundraising by many individuals including former Mayor Dorothy and husband Brian Page, a total of £3,500 was raised.

This enabled the band to purchase seven Eb horns and a cornet — enough for every player in the Youth Band to receive a brand new instrument.

Learning and growing

MD Alec Grimsey,told 4BR: "We wanted to involve the young players at every stage of the process, so they can respect their new instruments and look after them. It was decided to purchase Eb horns from John Packer based in Taunton, as their products and service has was excellent.”

The new instruments are great, they sound really nice and make such a difference to all of us. I haven’t stopped practicing since I got mine Connor McMullan

Outstanding value

Alec continued: "They offered excellent quality and outstanding value for money, giving the young players the very best possible opportunity to reach their full potential.”

An excited solo horn player Connor McMullan added: "The new instruments are great, they sound really nice and make such a difference to all of us. I haven’t stopped practicing since I got mine!"

Thanks

Test Valley Brass Youth Band told 4BR that they would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved in helping them raise funds to be able to purchase these new instruments.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Imogen Whitehead

Interview with Imogen Whitehead

June 11 • 4BR catches up with the trumpet and flugel soloist ahead of her appearances at the Ryedale Festival — which includes the world premiere of a new flugel concerto with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.


Open

Demand high for British Open tickets

June 11 • Tickets for the 2026 British Open are being snapped up well ahead of the event in September.


Fodens

Jeffers takes horn lead at Foden's

June 11 • Grace Jeffers makes the solo horn seat her own at the North West champion.


Cory

Cory add Hutcherson experience to cornet section

June 11 • The experienced Jeff Hutcherson has joined the Welsh champion from BTM Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are currently looking for a flugel horn player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting band, with a busy schedule of contests and engagements coming up throughout the year.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with a vacancy for a front row cornet player. Our diary is filling up with various engagements and contests for the year, so we are keen to fill the position.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd