Further foundation blocks put in place for Welsh banding
September 23
Progress is being made to create a national representative body for the benefit of Welsh banding.
Latest COVID-19 update from BBE
September 22 • Brass Bands England has released the latest clarification received from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport that will affect English bands.
BBE offers broad picture of success at AGM
September 22 • The facts and figures of a year of resilience and stability were looked at in detail at the recent Brass Bands England Annual General Meeting.
Radio: Sunday Bandstand
September 22 • Chris Helme continues to reach out across the world with his selection of brass band favourites.
Death of Pete Tanner
September 22 • The death has been announced of Peter Tanner, the much respected stalwart member of the Downton Band.
Judges announced for Foden's Solo & Ensemble competition
September 21 • There is an impressive line-up of judges to be impressed at the 10th anniversary Foden's Solo & Ensemble Competition — so make sure you get your entries in.
Top pro prize image help from Boarshurst principal
September 20 • An image of Boarshurst Band's principal cornet player Ryan Ashley will be seen travellers throughout the region after inspiring an award winning photographer.
Radio: Top Brass
September 20 • John Maines makes a welcome return to the airwaves with his new programme packed with great music.
Exceptional contributions recognised with BBE Awards
September 20 • The outstanding work of Paul Hindmarsh, Tabby Kerwin, Glenis Smith, Sam Wyne and Nigel Birch has been recognised with Brass Band England Awards.
Heavy Bottom Caps
£39.00
Majestic Timpani Covers
£77.15
Humes & Berg Cornet Cup Mute
£42.00
b# Instrument Soak
£15.00
Classic test-pieces revisited No 5: Connotations
July 16 • Prof Stephen Allen takes an in depth look at Edward Gregson's seminal 1977 National test piece.
Classic test-pieces revisited No 4: On Ratcliff Highway
July 1 • Prof Stephen Allen takes an in depth look at one of the classic works for the brass band medium - Ray Steadman Allen's 1978 work, 'Victorian Snapshots - On Ratcliff Highway
Interview with Ian Bousfield
June 25 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks exclusively to one of the world's great brass players - trombonist Ian Bousfield.
5 minute masterclass with David Childs
June 20 • The Besson artist reveals some brilliant tips of how to learn and benefit from playing from memory...
Crumbs of comfort and understanding: 2020 BBE Conference keynote speech
September 22 • Arts Council England's CEO Darren Henley's address at Brass Bands England's 2020 Conference was well meaning but uninspired — offering crumbs of comfort at a time when banding needs much more than aphorisms and sound bite cliches.
Take 5: A quintet of great Spectrum recordings
August 25 • Five of the very best recordings of Gilbert Vinter's iconic test-piece.
Coronavirus rehearsal return?: No need to be Amber Gamblers
August 18 • The latest guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has not given a realistic green light for a return to rehearsals — even if the option is now there...
COVID-19 latest: Brass Bands England pandemic guidelines
August 15 • Brass Bands England has published in full its sector support advice for bands in England. If you are thinking of making a return to rehearsal, then they ask that you read this in full and understand its implications.
LP review: The Virtuosi Brass Band of Great Britain - Vol IX
September 2 • Conductor: Stanley Boddington. Soloists: Gordon Higginbottom; Colin Aspinall. Virtuosi Recordings: VR 7609 Stereo
Concert: Eikanger Bjorsvik & Manger Musikklag
August 29 • Conductors: Reid Gilje & Martin Winter. Soloists: Jonas Puntervoll (tuba); Vidar Nordli (trombone). Knarvik Kyrkje. Bergen. Saturday 29th August
CD review: Experimental Brass
August 26 • The Amsterdam Brass Quintet. Thomas Piet, Thomas Geerts, Misha Sporck, Rolf Hoogenberg, John William Banther. Featuring: David Thornton, Ilja Reijngoud . CD: ABQ:001
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cory | 2,339.80 |
| 2 | Black Dyke | 810.73 |
| 3 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 670.48 |
| 4 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 612.50 |
| 5 | Valaisia Brass Band | 542.45 |
| 6 | Foden's | 527.75 |
| 7 | Flowers | 461.22 |
| 8 | Tredegar | 389.93 |
| 9 | Paris Brass Band | 389.84 |
| 10 | Carlton Main Frickley Colliery | 365.35 |
The Marple Band - Marple Band Autumn Concert
Friday 16 October • Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple SK6 6AY
The Marple Band - Marple and Hawk Green Bands Concert Compstall
Saturday 7 November • St Pauls Church, Compstall Rd, Compstall, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 5HU
The Marple Band - Marple Band Family Christmas Concert
Friday 18 December • Marple Conservative Club, church Lane, Marple, SK6 6AY
Contest: Butlins Mineworkers Festival
Saturday 9 January • Roman Bank, Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1NJ
Contest: Butlins Mineworkers Festival
Sunday 10 January • Roman Bank, Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1NJ
Chadderton Band
September 16 • Chadderton Band is a non-contesting band playing at various events throughout the year. We are a friendly band looking for players of all ages and abilities on all sections + EUPH and percussion. Most welcome to come along and have a blow give us a try.
Amesbury Town Band
September 16 • Players and beginners of any standard are always warmly welcomed especially some more solo cornets and a spare percussionists to help out existing players. Feel free to drop in even if you just fancy a blow or want to try another instrument. After Covid!
Bollington Brass Band
September 14 • To complete our band line up once COVID restrictions are lifted we require a Bass Trombone, Percussionist (Kit) and 2nd Baritone player. We practice Mon and Thurs 8-10pm at Bollington Arts Centre. (Nr Macclesfield/Stockport) Currently NW 1st Section.
Mike Sheppard
B.A. (Hons) Music
Composer, conductor, teacher, author