Articles /2011
2011 4BR Awards — Introduction & Categories
December 30, 2011
A little later this year, but it gives you a full year to look back on before you vote in the categories to see who you think has been the best of the best in 2011.
2011 4BR Awards — Band of the Year
December 30, 2011
Who do you think should be awarded the accolade of 2011 Band of the Year, after a season in which the major prizes found themselves spread out once again?
2011 4BR Awards — Conductor of the Year
December 30, 2011
Which conductor made the biggest impression on the collective consciousness in 2011? There were hundreds of them plying their trade for certain.
2011 4BR Awards — Player of the Year
December 30, 2011
Which individual performer showed us their brilliance to best effect in 2011?
2011 4BR Awards — CD/DVD of the Year
December 30, 2011
Which recordings made you want to replace Adele on your ipod with a brass band recording during 2011?
2011 4BR Awards — Solo CD of the Year
December 30, 2011
Which solo performer tickled your fancy in 2011 with their latest release?
2011 4BR Awards — Lower Section Band of the Year
December 30, 2011
So many bands had a 2011 to remember - so which one deserves the accolade as Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year?
2011 4BR Awards — Newcomer of the Year
December 30, 2011
There was plenty of new talent on show in 2011 from players, conductors and bands, to composers, instruments and even new ways of presenting brass band contests.
2011 4BR Awards — Test Piece of the Year
December 30, 2011
Lots and lots of test pieces were performed in 2011 - some better than others it must be said. So which one was the best of the bunch though?
2011 4BR Awards — Contest Performance of the Year
December 30, 2011
Perhaps the most difficult of all the categories to choose the best from? Which contest performance stood out for you in 2011 - and it may not have been a winner?
2011 4BR Awards — 4BR Special Award - Philip Sparke
December 30, 2011
In 2011 the 4BR Special Award goes to a musician who has provided the brass band movement with a treasure trove of quite brilliant compositions.
4BR Interview — Graham O'Connor
December 21, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to a man who certainly knows how to put the importance of brass banding into perspective.
4BR Time Team — Peel Park, Bradford, 1858
December 18, 2011
4BR digs into the past to find a quite remarkable report on the first brass band contest held at Peel Park in Bradford in September 1858. It could have been held yesterday....
4BR Scouting Report — William Druiett
December 18, 2011
4BR talks to a remarkable young tuba player who enjoys Wagner, Wisden and all things wonderful with Brighouse & Rastrick...
4BR Band under the spotlight — Tongwynlais Temperance
December 16, 2011
4BR puts the 2011 Scottish Open champion under the spotlight to find out more about them and whether or not 2012 holds the promise of even more success.
We Didn't Play Like That in My Day — Brass Bands and Musical Aesthetics
December 14, 2011
Chris Davies explores why composers sometimes seem at odds with conductors, listeners, performers - and even each other.
A Banding Life remembered — A tribute to Ken Hayward
December 14, 2011
C Brian Buckley remembers a true gentleman of brass bands.
Gizmos & Gadgets — 4BR looks at five ideal little Xmas prezzies
December 13, 2011
The sound of a sherry soaked Santa is drink driving his reindeer to a chimney near you, so why not laden down his sack with some great little prezzies for the ones you love.
2011 Scottish Youth Brass Band Festival — Youth in pictures
December 4, 2011
Ian Clowes was out and about in Perth to capture the best shots...
2011 Scottish Open Championship — Retrospective
December 3, 2011
Tongwynlais make the long journey north to claim Scottish Open title in style.
2011 Scottish Youth Brass Band Festival — Retrospective
December 3, 2011
Chris Thomas and Iwan Fox look back on a memorable Scottish Youth Festival in Perth.
2011 Scottish Open & Youth Brass Band Festival — Postcard from Perth
December 3, 2011
4BR looks back at the battle for honours in Perth - from the contest stage to the hotel foyer...
2011 Scottish Open & Youth Brass Band Festival — On Stage
November 27, 2011
4BR captures some of the action from the 2011 Scottish Open
2011 Scottish Open & Youth Brass Band Festival — Preperation
November 27, 2011
4BR captures the back stage atmosphere at the 2011 Scottish Open
2011 Scottish Open & Youth Brass Band Festival — Gallery
November 26, 2011
4BR captures the action as it unfolds in Perth
2011 Scottish Open & Youth Brass Band Festival — Introduction
November 24, 2011
4BR looks forward to a one of the most vibrant contesting weekends of the year.
2011 Scottish Open Championship — Preview & Prediction
November 24, 2011
4BR takes a closer look at the bands lining up to do 'Battle' in Perth on the weekend - and has a guess as to who will be crowned champion.
4BR Interview — Mnozil Brass - Touched by unique genius
November 17, 2011
4BR's Chris Thomas meets up with two members of the truly unique Mnozil Brass.
Sunderland's musical bequest — Roger Webster helps lead unique celebration
November 17, 2011
Steve Jack reports from an uplifting musical experience at Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps of the Salvation Army.
2011 Brass in Concert Championship — Retrospective
November 23, 2011
Dr Richard Evans writes out his ninth prescription note for Brass in Concert well being for Leyland and the audience at The Sage...
2011 Brass in Concert Championship — Postcard from The Sage
November 23, 2011
Brass in Concert still has the ability to confound your expectations....
2011 Brass in Concert Championship — Sage stuffing...
November 23, 2011
4BR's Malcolm Wood looks back at the additional attractions that packed The Sage on the weekend.
2011 Brass in Concert Championship — Gallery - The bands in action
November 23, 2011
Steve Jack captured the action as it unfolded at Brass in Concert - from Redbridge to Leyland...
2011 Brass in Concert Championship — Introduction
November 16, 2011
4BR looks forward to a full weekend of music making on the banks of the River Tyne.
2011 Brass in Concert Championship — Preview & Prediction
November 16, 2011
4BR looks at the 11 competitors seeking to top the bill as the new entertainment kings at Brass in Concert on the weekend.
2011 Brass in Concert Championship — Is prescription better than the cure?
November 16, 2011
Is the current Brass in Concert winning prescription better for its long term health than an innovative cure?
4BR Dinner Guests — Mark Harrison
November 9, 2011
This month we have been invited by Mark Harrison for an evening's entertainment around the dinner table with his guests...
2011 U.S. Open Brass Band Championship — Retrospective
November 9, 2011
Michael Boo looks back on a memorable US Open - where Fountain City claimed their fourth title in impressive fashion.
2011 U.S. Open Brass Band Championship — Introduction & Preview
November 5, 2011
Michael Boo previews the US Open Championships this weekend in Illinois.
2011 New Zealand National Secondary School Band — Music Making and Fun
November 4, 2011
On Thursday October 20th some of New Zealand's brightest brass talents gathered together at Nelson's Teapot Valley Camp.
Passion, Premieres, Pain and Postheroics — 2011 BrassWind Festival
October 31, 2011
Composer Paul McGhee looks back on another pioneering BrassWind Festival in Bergen.
If only the walls could talk? — Backstage at the Albert
October 26, 2011
Malcolm Wood soaked up the unique atmosphere at the Albert Hall on National Finals day - and was left wondering if there is a place waiting there to record banding history...
Scots seek long term rewards for realism — 2011 SBBA Conference & AGM
October 25, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports from a Scottish Brass Band Association AGM & Annual Conference run on a mix of purposefulness and pragmatism.
2012 RNCM Festival of Brass — Musical Gold
October 25, 2011
Paul Hindmarsh looks forward to next year's Festival of Brass - something of a musical prelude to the Olympic Games.
Banding pays tribute to a modest great — Dr Roy Newsome
October 18, 2011
The banding world paid tribute to one of its greatest men of brass, as the funeral of Doctor Roy Newsome took place in his home town of Bury.
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Retrospective
October 19, 2011
The public and private face of David King was on show at the Albert Hall as he led Brighouse & Rastrick to retain their National title.
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Postcard from Kensington
October 19, 2011
What an opportunity missed. Just think what the 100th Nationals would have been like with Nick Clegg and Ron Jeremy to add to the mix...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Cadenza conumdrums
October 19, 2011
What were the right answers to the multiple choice options to the cadenza conumdrums?
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Band Gallery
October 19, 2011
4BR had its camera trained on all the action as it unfolded at the Albert Hall...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — MD Gallery
October 19, 2011
20 conductors took to the stage to try and lead their bands to victory at the Royal Albert Hall...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Postcard Gallery
October 19, 2011
4BR was around and about the Albert Hall on the weekend enjoying what went on behind the scenes...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Introduction
October 12, 2011
Memories and emotions will be on display at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend as the 100th National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain takes place...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Preview & Prediction
October 12, 2011
History beckons for one band at the Albert Hall...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Test Piece review
October 12, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox checks out 'Breath of Souls' - a work of the here and now....
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — The Runners & Riders
October 12, 2011
4BR looks at the records of the 20 bands that will take to the stage trying to win the title this weekend.
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — The Conductors
October 12, 2011
4BR looks at the records of the 20 conductors trying to add a National title to their CV this year to see if they are really as good as their record suggests.
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — The Composer
October 12, 2011
Paul Lovatt-Cooper is the composer of the set work this year.
A visit to a banding great — 4BR talks to Dr Roy Newsome
October 9, 2011
4BR Editor pays a visit to one of the great men of brass - Dr Roy Newsome - and his magical maiden, Muriel...
4BR Time Team — 1971 - When brass bands ruled the world...
October 4, 2011
Tim Mutum looks back to 1971, when brass bands may not have been as popular as Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, but there was a distinct aura of importance about the movement.
4BR Dinner Guests — Jeremy Wise
October 4, 2011
This month we have been invited by Jeremy Wise for an evening's entertainment around the dinner table with his guests...
4BR Interview — Thomas Doss
October 4, 2011
4BR talks to the man from Nowhere....
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Images of Cheltenham
October 2, 2011
There was plenty to enjoy at Cheltenham - and plenty of people did as 4BR found out when we went snapping...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section retrospective
October 2, 2011
A story of fickle fate and fantastic fortune saw Aldbourne claim their destiny...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section retrospective
October 2, 2011
Brunel Brass steam to victory in the Second Section with ambitions to secure yet more titles on their remarkable journey...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section retrospective
October 2, 2011
There was plenty of class on show in the Third Section, with Yorkshire providing the very best of it to fly the White Rose flag in triumph...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section retrospective
October 2, 2011
M2 come out on top in a battle that led to too many casualties in the Fourth Section on Henry V...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section Gallery
September 25, 2011
4BR has been out and about pointing our camera in different places...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section Gallery
September 25, 2011
4BR has been out and about capturing the images of the Third Section at Cheltenham...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section Gallery
September 24, 2011
4BR has been out and about capturing the images of the Fourth Section at Cheltenham...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section Gallery
September 24, 2011
4BR has been out and about capturing the action at the National Finals in Cheltenham.
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section preview & prediction
September 23, 2011
It's once more unto the breach in the Fourth Section with 19 bands hoping to take inspiration from Henry Vs win over the French...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section runners & riders
September 23, 2011
4BR takes a closer look at the 19 bands all hoping to claim the national title
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section preview & prediction
September 22, 2011
It's all about visible darkness in the Third Section - so an early morning start for the 16 contenders seems appropriate then....
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section runners & riders
September 22, 2011
4BR takes a closer look at the 16 bands all hoping to claim the national title
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section preview & prediction
September 21, 2011
Cheltenham may not have the riotous bustle or nightlife of London, but it should provide a neat backdrop to bands searching for 'Kapitol' inspiration...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section runners & riders
September 21, 2011
4BR finds out more about the 17 bands battling it out for glory in the Second Section.
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section preview & prediction
September 20, 2011
The force of destiny will see one band crowned a national champion on Sunday evening...
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section runners & riders
September 20, 2011
4BR finds out more about the 18 bands battling it out for glory in the First Section.
2011 Miners Welfare Brass Band Entertainment Contest — Retrospective
September 19, 2011
It may now be a different age in the mining industry, but some age old themes of joy as well as sadness remain - as the inaugural Miners Welfare Contest in Porthcawl showed...
2011 Miners Welfare Brass Band Entertainment Contest — Gallery from Porthcawl
September 19, 2011
Despite the sad backdrop to the contest there was still plenty of great entertainment on show in Porthcawl provided by the mining bands of South Wales.
2011 British Open Championships — Postcard from Birmingham
September 7, 2011
The 159th British Open showed that hopefully there was plenty of life left in the grand old duchess of the contesting world
2011 British Open Championships — Retrospective
September 7, 2011
As major wins go for Cory, this was as lucky as any golfer Gary Player managed to achieve...
2011 British Open Championships — Red Priest confessions
September 7, 2011
From Nero to Busby Berkeley - Philip Wilby's 'Red Priest' had it all...
2011 British Open Championships — Backstage at Symphony Hall
September 7, 2011
Malcolm Wood was backstage at Symphony Hall to witness just what its like to be a part of the British Open...
2011 British Open Championships — Top three adjudications
September 7, 2011
The adjudications from the top three finishers at the 159th British Open.
2011 British Open Championships — Gallery - The bands in action
September 7, 2011
Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions captures the competing bands in action at Symphony Hall.
2011 British Open Championships — Gallery - The MDs in action
September 7, 2011
Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions captures the British Open conductors in action at Symphony Hall
2011 British Open Championships — Introduction to the 159th contest
September 1, 2011
There has been plenty to talk about before a note has been blown this year - and the action promises to be even tastier...
2011 British Open Championship — Preview & Predictions
September 1, 2011
Who will leave Symphony Hall on Saturday evening to celebrate victory with a Four Seasons pizza and a glass of Valpolicella wine?
2011 British Open Championship — A contest in denial?
September 1, 2011
Now or never? The British Open and the need for change. 4BR looks at the need for the world's most famous contest to reinvent itself once more.
2011 British Open Championship — Runners & Riders
September 1, 2011
17 of the very best domestic bands will battle it out to become the 2011 British Open Champion.
2011 British Open Championship — Test piece - Red Priest
September 1, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at Philip Wilby's portrait of Antonio Vivaldi.
4BR Interview — Phil Lawrence
August 17, 2011
4BR meets up with a composer determined to leave a musical bite mark on the brass band repertoire...
Brass Explosion — Desford enjoy Singapore delights
August 17, 2011
Cynthia Pules reports on Desford's unique contribution to the Singapore Brass Festival
Community spirit — Skegness Festival of Brass Bands
August 17, 2011
Brian Eggleshaw reports from an uplifting community festival based on a foundation of brass in Skegness.
I can see a Rainbow — The amazing world of Synaesthesia
August 12, 2011
Jessica Ruth Morris explores and explains the amazing condition of synaesthesia...
Good nights in Vienna — A Day in the Life of Ian Bousfield
July 30, 2011
Ian Bousfield reveals just what a day on and a day off is like for the principal trombone of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra...
The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival — Mighty oaks from little acorns grow
July 29, 2011
4BR reports from a festival that has grown from humble beginnings to become a mighty treat for brass band enthusiasts.
Surround Sound — British artist creates a new long take on a short old musical icon
July 16, 2011
British artist Scanner talks exclusively to 4BR about his latest, controversial work inspired by the Floral Dance at the Durham International Festival....
Midsummer Brass — The Pershore Music Festival
July 16, 2011
Val Trim reports from the unique atmosphere of the Pershore Music Festival.
The first Breath of Souls — Queensbury preview of National test piece
July 12, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports from the innovative preview of this year's National Finals test piece - Breath of Souls by Paul Lovatt-Cooper
4BR Interview — Hannes Buchegger
July 12, 2011
4BR's Chris Thomas talks at length with the inspirational Hannes Buchegger.
4BR Dinner Guests — Tom Hutchinson
July 12, 2011
Cory's principal cornet player tells 4BR just who he would invite around to his gaff for a meal and a chin wag...
American trombone trip — Brett Baker tours USA
July 10, 2011
4BR reports on Brett Baker's latest USA tour to Ohio.
Allan Withington Conducting Course — Ready, Steady, Design...
July 5, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports from Allan Withington's highly enjoyable Conducting Course in Holland, where brass band innovation met high fashion invention.
Allan Withington Conducting Course — Gallery from Leeuwarden
July 5, 2011
There was plenty to catch the eye as well as the ear at Allan Withington's innovative Conductor's Course in Holland.
2011 English National Championship — Postcard from Preston
July 2, 2011
It wasn't just Black Dyke who left Preston with smug smiles of satisfaction on their faces...
2011 English National Championship — Contest retrospective
July 2, 2011
Black Dyke is back in the contest winning business - although it may be true that they have never quite been away...
2011 English National Championship — Gallery - The bands in action
July 2, 2011
Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions captured the action as it happened in Preston...
2011 English National Championship — The secrets of twin success revealed
July 2, 2011
Malcolm Wood provides a follow up to his intriguing article on how the conductors and players coped with the twin musical disciplines of the English National Championship.
2011 English National Championship — Gallery - Conductors portraits
July 2, 2011
Goldy Solutions Ian Clowes provides 4BR with a selection of close up portraits of the competing conductors at the English National Championship.
2011 English National Championship — Gallery - Images of the day
July 2, 2011
Goldy Solutions Ian Clowes was on hand to capture some stunning images of the English National Championships in Preston.
2011 English National Championship — Introduction to Preston
June 22, 2011
No more Little England syndrome as the BFBB looks towards European integration for the future...
2011 English National Championship — Preview & Predictions
June 22, 2011
Who will be able to master the twin disciplines of Elgar and AN Other to claim their place in Rotterdam next May?
2011 English National Championship — The secret to twin success
June 22, 2011
What is the secret to winning a two legged contest on a single day? Malcolm Wood asked some famous people how they did it...
2011 English National Championship — Test piece review
June 22, 2011
Martin Ellerby's wonderful look at all things Elgarian will be a severe test of the bands - as it was when it was used at the Europeans in 2007.
2011 English National Championship — Own choice selections
June 22, 2011
Nine bands and eight different choices. It should be a great afternoon's musical entertainment for the judges and audience at Preston.
Brass — 2011 Durham International Festival
June 21, 2011
All things brass to enjoy in Durham in July with a fantastic line up of talent on display all over the county.
2011 Whit Friday — Retrospective
June 23, 2011
Malcolm Wood looks back on a Whit and a bit wet Friday in Saddleworth and Tameside...
2011 Whit Friday — Contest gallery
June 21, 2011
Goldy Solutions Ian Clowes was out and about on Whit Friday to catch some memorable images of the day...
2011 Whit Friday — 4BR previews the greatest free show on earth
June 15, 2011
Malcolm Wood previews this year's Whit Friday contests as the bands look to fill their coffers with marching cash.
4BR Time Team — Cory return to Festival of Britain
June 15, 2011
Cory set to revive memories of 60 years ago as they perform at the Southbank's celebration of the 1951 Festival of Britain.
Cardiff New Brass Festival — Festival preview
June 8, 2011
4BR looks forward to this weekend's innovative and highly intriguing Cardiff New Brass Festival - right in the heart of the Welsh capital city
Inside the Crypt — Cathedral Brass II
June 3, 2011
Alan Jenkins talks to Black Dyke's MD Dr Nicholas Childs about the band's latest CD release - Cathedral Brass II.
French Open — Retrospective
June 3, 2011
Roy Terry looks back on a memorable weekend at the French Open in the idyllic surroundings of Amboise.
2011 All England Masters International — Retrospective
May 31, 2011
Tredegar are the Masters of all they survey and conquer at Kettering...
2011 All England Masters International — Postcard from Kettering
May 31, 2011
Has the Masters run its course or can it once more become the fifth major?
2011 All England Masters International — Gallery from Kettering
May 31, 2011
4BR was at Kettering to catch the on stage action at the Masters.
2011 All England Masters International — Introduction to Kettering
May 27, 2011
4BR looks forward to the Masters and what is in store for the competing bands at Kettering.
2011 All England Masters International Championship — Preview & Prediction
May 27, 2011
4BR looks at propsects for the competing bands at Kettering on the weekend.
Boobs & Brass in Birmingham — Pink & Purple Concert gallery
May 19, 2011
4BR recently caught up with the girls of Boobs & Brass in Birmingham for a concert with National Champions Brighosue & Rastrick. Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions caught all the action on camera...
2011 Spring Festival — Postcard from Blackpool
May 20, 2011
And you think 4BR knows how to pick a winner at the Grand Shield...
2011 Spring Festival — Grand Shield retrospective
May 20, 2011
There will be no more hard luck stories for Reg Vardy and Kirkintilloch thanks to their Titanic escape from Blackpool.
2011 Spring Festival — Senior Cup retrospective
May 20, 2011
There was clear cut winner in the Senior Cup as Marsden claimed victory on an under estimated set work.
2011 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy retrospective
May 20, 2011
Aldbourne take the honours in the Senior Trophy but there was only one winner at the end of the day - a Tuscan metal worker called Benvenuto Cellini...
2011 Spring Festival — Blackpool awaits
May 12, 2011
Money can't buy you everything. Blackpool still offers something Montreux can never hope to match.
2011 Spring Festival — The Grand Shield: Contest preview and prediction
May 12, 2011
20 bands are just one step away from the big time and Symphony Hall. But which two will overcome Hermann Pallhuber's magnificent 'Titan's Progress'?
2011 Spring Festival — The Senior Cup: Contest preview and prediction
May 12, 2011
Which bands will find the light of glory reflecting on them on Peter Graham's 'Prisms' this year?
2011 Spring Festival — The Senior Trophy: Contest preview and prediction
May 12, 2011
A new take on a classic test piece will test the 20 bands hoping to gain promotion to the Senior Cup.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Postcard from Montreux
May 6, 2011
4BR looks back at the 2011 Europeans and an event that certainly showed where the money was spent...
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Section retrospective
May 6, 2011
4BR looks back at Manger's Montreux victory and wonders if we should have all taken note of David King all along...
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Musical impressions
May 6, 2011
Could we have seen a shift away from musical cynicism in Montreux? 4BR Editor Iwan Fox wonders if things are about to change for good...
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Norway's second coming
May 6, 2011
Could Manger's victory in Montreux signal the start of a new era of Norwegian dominance at the European Championship?
2011 European Brass Band Championships — What now for the English?
May 6, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox wonders what the future holds for English bands at the European.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — B Section retrospective
May 6, 2011
John James looks back on the problems created by an enjoyable but incoherent mess that was the B Section in Montreux.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Gala Concert Gallery
May 5, 2011
Images from the European Championships Gala Concert in Montreux
2011 European Brass Band Championships — B Section gallery
May 5, 2011
Images from the B Section competition in Montreux
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Presentation & Awards gallery
May 1, 2011
Gallery images from the EBBC 2011 Awards Ceremony
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Section Own Choice Gallery
April 30, 2011
Gallery of images from the Own Choice Contest
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Section Set Work Gallery
April 29, 2011
Images from the set work section of the Championship Section
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Friday Gallery
April 29, 2011
Images from the EBBA forum, opening ceremony and draw in Montreux.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — 5th Conductors Competition & Gala Concert - Gallery
April 28, 2011
Images from the 5th European Conductor's Competition and Gala Concert in Montreux.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — 5th Conductors Competition & Gala Concert
May 6, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks back on the first title to be decided at the European Championships in Montreux.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Thursday Gallery
April 28, 2011
Thursday images from the European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Montreux Blog
April 28, 2011
4BR gives you a daily taste of the 34th European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Welcome to Montreux
April 26, 2011
There is plenty to enjoy in Montreux - even if it comes at a price that would even make Wayne Rooney think twice about opening his mouth with a rude word...
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Introduction
April 26, 2011
The European Brass Band Championships return to Switzerland for a fourth time - and with the promise that it is not just the backdrop to the hall that will be spectacular.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Timetable of events
April 26, 2011
There is plenty going on this week in Montreux...
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Section: Preview & Prediction
April 26, 2011
A year is a long time in banding. How things have changed since Linz 12 months ago...
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Championship Section: Runners & Riders
April 26, 2011
10 top class bands battle for Montreux glory on the weekend - but who will leave Switzerland as champions?
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Test Piece review
April 26, 2011
4BR has a closer look at Oliver Waespi's stunning new work.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — Own Choice selections
April 26, 2011
4BR has a look at the selections made by the bands to showcase their abilities to try and become European Champions.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — B Section: Preview & Predictions
April 26, 2011
The second tier European competition may be short on numbers but certainly not on musical ambition this year.
2011 European Brass Band Championships — The Composers
April 26, 2011
Two very interesting composers have produced the set works to be played in Montreux this weekend.
2011 Euroepan Brass Band Championships — Statistical Heaven
April 26, 2011
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...
Jim'll Fix It! — We ask Normans top boffin to sort out your instrument problems...
April 20, 2011
We ask Jim Prior, Normans top technician and all round repair boffin, to come up with the solutions to the usual set of troublesome questions that seem to effect brass players and their beloved instruments...
4BR Dinner Guests — Lewis Musson
April 20, 2011
The 2011 Young Brass Soloist of the Year tells us who he would want to invite around his dinner table...
2011 Ohio Brass Arts Festival — Retrospective
April 6, 2011
Richard Huw Cole was at Ohio State University Campus last weekend to experience first hand a very American Brass Arts Festival.
4BR Scouting Report — Ceri Parry Morgan
April 5, 2011
4BR talks to a rare breed of young BBb tuba player - one who has his particular career choices well accounted for.
4BR Interview — Paul McGhee
April 4, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to the quiet man of the new wave of talented compositional voices for brass - Paul McGhee.
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — Postcard from Manchester
April 20, 2011
A fine venue and a great atmosphere still brings its headaches for the National Youth Championships.
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — RNCM Theatre retrospective
April 20, 2011
Malcolm Wood looks back on a marathon day in the RNCM Theatre with the bands in the Intermediate and Premier Sections.
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — RNCM Concert Hall retrospective
April 20, 2011
There was plenty of great music making to enjoy in the Training, Junior and Advanced Section in the RNCM Concert Hall - as 4BR Editor Iwan Fox reports...
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — Intermediate and Premier Galllery
April 20, 2011
4BR was on hand to capture the action in the Intermediate and Premier Sections of the National Youth Championships in Manchester recently.
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — Advanced Section Gallery
April 20, 2011
4BR was on hand to capture the action in the Advanced Section of the National Youth Band Championships in Manchester recently.
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — Junior Section Gallery
April 20, 2011
4BR was on hand to capture the action in the Junior Section of the National Youth Band Championships in Manchester recently.
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — Training Section Gallery
April 20, 2011
4BR was on hand to capture the action during the Training Section at the National Youth Championships in Manchester recently.
2011 National Youth Band Championships of Great Britain — Preview
April 2, 2011
4BR looks ahead to the National Youth Championships in Manchester.
UKBBA — The time to have your say
April 1, 2011
The proposals for an United Kingdom Brass Band Alliance have taken another step forward. Now they need to know what you think...
2011 Tameside Open — Retrospective
April 3, 2011
Andrew Warriner was at Dukinfield Town Hall to enjoy a keen day's contesting at the 15th Tameside Open...
2011 Regionals Championships — The points of no return?
March 31, 2011
4BR Editor Iwan Fox argues that the time has come to change aspects of the regional formats and provides a 10 point plan to consider before possible terminal decline sets in.
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Postcard from Stevenage
March 27, 2011
London may be last in declaring its champions, but that may be about the only thing that it is now lagging behind with...
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
A class act won the day at Stevenage - but one that is being chased by a hungry pack of rivals...
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
No clear winner but three qualifiers that managed to give Duncan Beckley the basics he was looking for.
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
Technically the bands today may have been better than the 1950s, but still 'Resurgam' proved to be an ageless test of musicianship.
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
'A Little Light Music' may have been a stern test, but two dark horses may well be worth a bet come Cheltenham as a result of a their classy qualification.
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
The Fourth Section in London is alive and kicking - and full of cracking qualifying bands.
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Stevenage preview
March 16, 2011
Banding south of the Watford gap is bucking the trend it seems - numbers are up and there are successes to boast about too.
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
March 16, 2011
Redbridge has reigned supreme in Stevenage of late - so is it time for a coup d'etat?
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — First Section preview
March 16, 2011
It's a big field waiting to tackle Berlioz on the weekend - but can any of them truly master it to claim their Cheltenham berths?
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Second Section preview
March 16, 2011
Which bands will be able to master an old master's masterpiece to head to Cheltenham on Saturday?
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Third Section preview
March 16, 2011
14 bands will try to make light work of a little light music to get to Cheltenham.
2011 London & Southern Counties Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
March 16, 2011
Although the days of mammoth musical marathons at this level are gone, there is still plenty to make a song and dance about on the weekend.
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Postcard from Swansea
March 27, 2011
Despite the quality the quantity remains the problem in Wales...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
Possibly the finest ever performance of Paganini gave Cory the Welsh title, but will it send a shiver down the spines of the doubters over Offa's Dyke?
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
Thankfully there were some Welsh teams who could hand the French a beating on the weekend in Swansea - led by Pontardulais...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
The local chapel ministers in Llwydcoed and Lewis Merthyr had plenty to be proud of in the Second Section...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
Wales could be celebrating a double investiture in Cheltenham now we have found the new 'King'...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
It was quality and not quantity that won through in the Fourth Section at Swansea - with a template to follow to save Welsh banding...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Gallery from the Brangwyn Hall
March 27, 2011
There were plenty of sights as well as sounds at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Swansea preview
March 16, 2011
You may have to rub you eyes in disbelief in Swansea - as there may be something of an illusion going on...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
March 16, 2011
Just seven contenders, but plenty to aim for: with trips to Kensington and Rotterdam for those who master Wilby's iconic work.
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — First Section preview
March 16, 2011
The Welsh used to love a good carnival - all flat back coal lorries and fancy dress contests every May Day Bank Holiday. The Berlioz should be no problem then...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Second Section preview
March 16, 2011
They do love a good old bit of bible bashing in these parts - especially if its blood and thunder stuff from the pulpit and a chance to rise again...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Third Section preview
March 16, 2011
There should be no excuse about not understanding the musical inspiration behind this one on Saturday...
2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
March 16, 2011
With just the five bands making it to the starting line up there's not much of a song and dance to enjoy on Sunday morning...
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Postcard from Darlington
March 27, 2011
'To be or not to be in Darlington?' The slings and arrows of good fortune were aimed at the Doplhin Centre for certain...
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
Reg Vardy retained its title in a contest that was decided by the one opinion that counts.
2011 North of England Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
Short but not really sweet as Berlioz tested five bands to the limit in the First Section.
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
As debuts go Brenden Wheeler must think this conducting lark is a breeze with Catterick Brass...
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
There was some exceptionally good lightweight playing on show in the Third Section - all topped off by the winning band, York Railway Institute
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 27, 2011
A corker of a contest provided a corker of a winner...
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Darlington preview
March 16, 2011
Numbers are down in the North of England - but the appetitive for banding remains as strong as ever.
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
March 16, 2011
Reg Vardy returned to winning ways last year, so can anyone stop them starting on a roll of victories here again?
2011 North of England Regional Championship — First Section preview
March 16, 2011
Just the six bands will have to overcome a very stern test of character thanks to Hector Berlioz if they want to get to Cheltenham.
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Second Section preview
March 16, 2011
Plenty of ambitious bands on show on Saturday, but which of them can rise to the challenge of Eric Ball's masterpiece to get to Cheltenham?
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Third Section preview
March 16, 2011
A Little Light Music for a section a little light of bands - but hopefully not of quality.
2011 North of England Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
March 16, 2011
Which of these nine runners and riders will be making a celebratory song and dance of it at the Dolphin Centre on the weekend?
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Postcard from Bedworth
March 18, 2011
Bedworth has come of age - it's no longer Midland banding's version of the Emirates Stadium.
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
Musician, womaniser, serial gambler - all those attributes and more were on show with a cracking winning Paganini from John Berryman and Virtuosi GUS...
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
There was a real Phoenix from the flames in the First Section - it was just a pity so many others ended with third degree burns.
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
A good standard in the Midlands showed that bands could play 'Resurgam' - with Leicestershire Co-op taking the honours from two the Mr Benn's behind the curtain...
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
The clue was in the title - and both Daventry and Amington picked up on it to head to Cheltenham in fine style.
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
There was plenty to sit back and enjoy in the Fourth Section - with three crackers finding their way to Cheltenham.
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Bedworth preview
March 8, 2011
The new Bedworth experience is producing solid results but perhaps the bands here need something of the old Burton on Trent to get them really 'going'?
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
March 8, 2011
Just two Paganini qualification places up for grabs and plenty of contenders fancying their chances...
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — First Section preview
March 8, 2011
Plenty of carnivals to enjoy up in this neck of the woods, but which bands will be inspired to get to Cheltenham on Berlioz's version?
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Second Section preview
March 8, 2011
Eric Ball's iconic work is the test to overcome to make it to Cheltenham for 11 well matched bands.
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Third Section preview
March 8, 2011
A little taste of Wales to overcome for the 15 contenders. So who will be dancing a tarantella in celebration of a trip to Cheltenham we wonder?
2011 Midlands Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
March 8, 2011
A healthy line up of contenders will Hope to impress the two men in the box and gain a qualification place for Cheltenham in the process.
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Postcard from Torquay
March 18, 2011
It's all about the sights and sounds in Torquay...
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
The Sun Life curse remains, but that won't worry Woodfalls - not for another 11 months or so anyway...
2011 West of England Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
Apperances may be deceptive at times, but there was no mistaking the stamp of class with Aldbourne's winning performance.
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
Eric Ball very nearly rose again in Torquay - and he would have been proud of the way Brunel Brass played his iconic work if he had.
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
The clearest winner of the weekend came in the Third Section - although the MD of Sidmouth missed the chance to celebrate on stage...
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 18, 2011
A fine man enjoyed his proudest moment with victory in the Fourth Section. He almost broke into a song and dance himself - but not quite.
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Torquay preview
March 8, 2011
As always there is always a warm and friendly atmosphere down in Torquay despite a slight chill of late at the Nationals.
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
March 8, 2011
Can Flowers overcome the never ending curse of the defending champion? It would stop us having to write the same introduction each year...
2011 West of England Regional Championship — First Section preview
March 8, 2011
A strong line up of contenders are set to face an even stronger test of musical character - thanks to Hector Berlioz and Frank Wright..
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Second Section preview
March 8, 2011
14 bands line up on Sunday to see who can master a masterpiece...
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Third Section preview
March 8, 2011
A little taste of Wales awaits the bands on Saturday - but they appreciate all things Celtic and ice cream down these parts.
2011 West of England Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
March 8, 2011
As always there is a healthy field of contenders battling it out for the qualifications and a bit of a celebratory song and dance afterwards. .
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Postcard from Bradford
March 9, 2011
It's like a trip to Royston Vasey at Bradford each year - with Harold Shipman and Rose West for company...
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 9, 2011
Forget The Rolling Stones and Harry Houdini - Brighouse & Rastrick and David King took the star billing at St George's Hall.
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 9, 2011
A year is a long time in banding and so is a country mile. Just ask Hammonds Saltaire....
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 9, 2011
12 varied performances from the bands to get to Cheltenham, but the two most interesting ones possibly came from the judges.
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 9, 2011
Two very fine performances made light music of Philip Wilby's test piece to gain their place at Cheltemham.
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 9, 2011
The Fourth Section provided a blueprint for the rest of the Bradford weekend - with two cracking qualifiers.
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Gallery from Bradford
March 9, 2011
4BR was around recording the sights as well as the sounds of the two days of competition at St George's Hall.
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Bradford preview
March 1, 2011
Yorkshire is the beating heart of the UK Banding movement but it's blood supply needs a bit of thickening...
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
March 1, 2011
A great contest is in prospect on Sunday - even if it could end late into the night before the champion is announced.
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — First Section preview
March 1, 2011
Can 2011 provide something more memorable, but less controversial? We will have to wait and see...
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Second Section preview
March 1, 2011
Time for a Yorkshire band to rise again and win a National title at this level. So can one of these 12 contenders be inspired to greater glory on Eric Ball's classic?
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Third Section preview
March 1, 2011
Which of these 12 bands will be inspired by a little bit of Welshness to claim their Cheltenham qualification places?
2011 Yorkshire Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
March 1, 2011
There is an encouraging line up of 12 bands in the Fourth Section this year, but which one will be singing and dancing in the St George'S Hall bar on Saturday?
2011 North West Regional Championship — Postcard from Blackpool
March 3, 2011
A sense of relief hung over Blackpool on the weekend even if a sparkling new venue revealed the same old problems.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 3, 2011
Foden's hegemony continued at Blackpool with a winning habit that will take some ending.
2011 North West Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 3, 2011
There may not have been many bands battling for the qualification places in the Pavilion Theatre, but there was no lack of quality.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 3, 2011
Plenty of debate and opinion, but only one result mattered in the Second Section - and that was the one that sent Morecambe and Haydock to Cheltenham.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 3, 2011
A fine composition proved not to be a great choice in the Third Section, although two well deserving bands made it through to Cheltenham.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 3, 2011
The North West will be sending four very strong challengers down to Cheltenham later this year - headed by a pair with a real chance of glory if they repeat their Ballroom form again.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Gallery from the Opera House
March 3, 2011
Photographer Steve Jack was on hand to capture the trials and tribulations of the competing bands and players in the top section at Blackpool on the weekend.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Blackpool preview
February 22, 2011
Despite losing a few bands this year, the North West continues to be the powerhouse of UK banding.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
February 22, 2011
Can Foden's retain their title and create even more history of their own at the Winter Gardens?
2011 North West Regional Championship — First Section preview
February 22, 2011
A stern test awaits, but this could be the a contest to savour on the weekend.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Second Section preview
February 22, 2011
There are plenty of bands that have risen again and again to the challenge at this contest - so Resurgam should be a doddle then?
2011 North West Regional Championship — Third Section preview
February 22, 2011
Whoever get the nod this year will travel to Cheltenham with a proud record to maintain.
2011 North West Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
February 22, 2011
A great line up of bands to tackle John Golland's set work, but which one will be making a song and dance in celebration?
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Postcard from Perth
March 1, 2011
The Scots do everything so well - not that anyone would dare to grumble...
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Championship Section retrospective
March 1, 2011
They were dancing in the streets of Whitburn on Sunday night as they regained the Scottish title thanks to a collective confidence boost.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — First Section retrospective
March 1, 2011
A classy performance from Kirkintilloch Kelvin took the honours in the First Section - but Berlioz was still perhaps the real winner...
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Second Section retrospective
March 1, 2011
City of Discovery rose to the stern challenge of Eric Ball's masterpiece to head to Cheltenham in September as Scottish champions.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Third Section retrospective
March 1, 2011
A team effort leads Brass Sounds Inverclyde to the Scottish title - led by an intelligent bit of ice cream work by Lynda Nicholson
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
March 1, 2011
An investment in youth paid huge dividends for MacTaggart Scott Loanhead in Perth on the weekend.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Gallery from Perth
March 1, 2011
4BR was busy making sure all the action was caught on camera at the Scottish Championships in Perth.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Perth preview
February 22, 2011
Plenty to celebrate in the past and plenty to look forward to in the future. But what about the here and now in Scotland?
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Championship Section preview
February 22, 2011
A classic set work from the pen of Philip Wilby should provide plenty of thrills and spills as 10 bands seek two Albert Hall qualification places.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — First Section preview
February 22, 2011
An immensely difficult test awaits the nine bands on Sunday morning thanks to Hector Berlioz and Frank Wright.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Second Section preview
February 22, 2011
Who shall rise again to make it to Cheltenham later this year? Eric Ball certainly hasn't made it an easy task.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Third Section preview
February 22, 2011
A little Welsh inspired lightness of touch may be required if a band is to make it to Cheltenham this year.
2011 Scottish Regional Championship — Fourth Section preview
February 22, 2011
Seven bands make it to the starting blocks here looking to improve their Swiss inspired variations to get to Harrogate.
2011 National Championships of Great Britain — Preview to the qualifiers
February 22, 2011
Numbers may be down this year, but there may be more contesting excitement than ever to enjoy.
2011 BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist — retrospective
February 24, 2011
Malcolm Wood looks back on a thrilling BBC Final, when a new euphonium talent made his mark.
2011 Welsh Open Championship — Gallery - Contest images
February 20, 2011
11 bands each played their part in providing the entertainment at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl on Saturday...
2011 Welsh Open Championship — Gallery - Images of Porthcawl
February 20, 2011
4BR was at the 14th Welsh Open Entertainment Championship in Porthcawl to capture the action as it happened...
2011 Welsh Open Championship — Contest preview
February 17, 2011
4BR previews Welsh banding's season opener at Porthcawl, where 11 cross border bands battle it out for entertainment glory and a cracking big silver pot.
2011 Action Medical Research Youth Championship — Retrospective from Blackpool
February 18, 2011
There was a buzz about Rochdale Borough Youth in Blackpool on Sunday - but there was a sting in the tail for Youth Brass 2000.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Postcard from Bergen
February 17, 2011
Forget tradition and heritage - its about providing the best National Championship in the world in Norway.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Elite Division retrospective
February 17, 2011
Eikanger takes a record 12th National title, but it is David King who reigns supreme in Norway.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Lower Sections retrospective
February 17, 2011
There was plenty of great playing to enjoy in the lower sections at the Grieghallen in Bergen on the weekend, as 4BR found out.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Gallery - Contest images from the Grieghallen
February 17, 2011
Images of the 2011 Norwegian National Championships held at the Grieghallen in Bergen.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Gallery - Postcard images from Bergen
February 17, 2011
Images of the 2011 Norwegian Championships held in Bergen.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Introduction to Bergen
February 10, 2011
The first major National Championship takes place this weekend in Norway. 4BR will be there to find out who comes top in Bergen.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Elite Division preview and prediction
February 10, 2011
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 2012 European Championships in Rotterdam. Can Manger defend its title?
2011 Norwegian National Championships — First Division preview and prediction
February 10, 2011
4BR casts its eye over the 12 bands hoping to make the step up and join the Elite bands in Norway this weekend.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Second Division preview and prediction
February 10, 2011
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.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Third Division preview and prediction
February 10, 2011
There is plenty to look forward to in the Third Division - especially as it may be so difficult to separate the bands out.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — Fourth Division preview and prediction
February 10, 2011
The foundation base of Norwegian banding continues to grow - and with musical ambition too.
2011 Norwegian National Championships — The Champions (1979 - 2010)
February 10, 2011
Who has won what and when since the Norwegian Nationals started in 1979.
2011 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship — Preview
February 9, 2011
Malcolm Wood looks forward to the entertainment in Blackpool this weekend, especially at the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship.
Making our own choices — A new way forward for the traditional contest format
February 8, 2011
Sandy Smith puts forward his radical approach to widen the musical horizons of traditional brass band contests.
How we entertain? — A view from the adjudicator
February 8, 2011
David Read gives his views on the need for musical innovation and inventiveness in the current entertainment contest format.
Brass Factor — A new way forward for brass band entertainment?
February 8, 2011
4BR looks at an exciting new entertainment format that has already proved itself a big success.
A future Alliance? — A national body comes a step closer in Manchester
February 5, 2011
Is a UK Brass Band Alliance the future for brass bands in the UK? 4BR was at the RNCM in Manchester to find out more...
Vivi Venezuela! — Latin magic lights up RNCM Festival
February 5, 2011
4BR looks back at the 2011 RNCM Festival of Brass - an event that will last long in the memory banks thanks to a certain Venezuelan export.
A rock and a hard place — Did Steven Mead win his case for Criteria Based Adjudication?
February 5, 2011
4BR looks back at a sparky but ultimately frustrating debate on Criteria Based Adjudication at the RNCM Festival hosted by Steven Mead.
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Championship Section retrospective
January 27, 2011
Flowers take the Butlins title on a weekend when really satisfying variety was to be found elsewhere...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — What's new pussycat?
January 27, 2011
David Read and Peter Parkes let the entertainment cat out of the bag here a few years ago - and now its gone feral...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — First Section retrospective
January 27, 2011
Things were rock hard in the First Section, but City of Sheffield still ground down the opposition to take victory...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Second Section retrospective
January 27, 2011
It ws a game of two halves in the Second Section, but by the final whistle it was Mossley who were declared the winners.
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Third Section retrospective
January 27, 2011
A top class performance on a very enjoyable test piece gave Pemberton DW B the Butlins title...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Fourth Section retrospective
January 27, 2011
A dozen excellent performances led to a close fought battle for honours, but it was defending champions Dronfield that still kept a tight grip on their title.
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Junior Ensemble & Youth Section retrospective
January 27, 2011
If it was wonderful entertainment you were looking for at Butlins then it was certainly provided by the bands in the Junior Ensemble and Youth Contests on the Sunday.
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Benson and wedges
January 27, 2011
Martin Benson was an intrigued competitor as well as spectator at Butlins on the weekend...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Photo gallery of Saturday at Skegness
January 27, 2011
There was plenty of fun and games at Skegness on the Saturday as photographer Steve Jack found out
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Photo gallery of Sunday at Skegness
January 27, 2011
There was plenty of fun and games at Skegness on the Sunday as photographer Steve Jack found out...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Introduction to the Skegness Festival
January 18, 2011
There is plenty to look forward to at Skegness this year - from bands young and old to Frank Renton and the Bad Ass Brass Band...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Championship Section preview & prediction
January 18, 2011
Which band will get off to a financial flyer at Butlins by combining their Requiems to their X Factor skills?
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Championship Section runners & riders
January 18, 2011
10 bands take to the stage on Saturday and Sunday hoping that their Requiem performances won't hammer a nail in their X Factor entertainment coffins...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — First Section preview & prediction
January 18, 2011
Jackfield Elcock Reisen look to retain their Butlins title but they will have to overcome some granite hard rivals.
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Second Section preview & prediction
January 18, 2011
Which band will rise from the competitive flames to be crowned phoenix night champions at Butlins this year?
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Third Section preview & prediction
January 18, 2011
Two experienced church and pub men will be looking for plenty of musical character out of their potential winners on the weekend.
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Fourth Section preview & prediction
January 18, 2011
Dronfield look to repel their contrasting challengers to retain theit Fourth Section title...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — Junior Ensemble & Youth Contest preview
January 18, 2011
Butlins investment in little acorns is starting to pay off...
2011 Butlins Mineworkers Championship — 4BR interview with Darrol Barry
January 18, 2011
4BR's Chris Thomas talks in depth to composer Darrol Barry.
4BR Time Team — The first Butlins Brass Band Competition
January 18, 2011
What have Adolf Hitler, King Kong and a Butlins brass band competition got in common?
4BR Dinner Guests — The Bad Ass Brass Band
January 18, 2011
The members of Bad Ass Brass tell 4BR who they would want to invite around their very large dinner table...
2010 4BR Awards — The Results
January 1, 2011
The ballot boxes have been emptied and the votes counted - and the winners for 2010 are as follows. Drum roll please...
4BR End of Term Reports — The top 20 pupils at the 4BR School
January 1, 2011
The 4BR Headmaster has been writing his 2010 end of term reports on the 20 top ranked pupils in the 4BR school.
