2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with David Bremner
January 24
We chat to the New Zealand trombone star and conductor about his appearance at the festival as a soloist and at the helm with Brighouse & Rastrick.
2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Mark Bousie
January 24 • We talk to Mark Bousie who will be leading the talented students of the Junior RNCM Brass Band in an ambitious programme — including two world premieres on Saturday afternoon.
Superbrass Saturday: Leviathan (Paul Denegri arr. Tom Barton)
January 24 • A great concert work brings a big beast of the ocean to life in a fantastic arrangement.
New year resolutions to meet for Doodles Mouthpiece replating
January 24 • If you made a New Year's resolution to get your mouthpiece fixed for the Areas this year then get in touch with Dave Houghton pronto...
2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Louise Renshaw
January 23 • We speak to the inspirational driving force behind the Macclesfield Youth Band as they look forward to performing at the RNCM in Manchester on the weekend.
Job opportunity with Brass Bands England
January 23 • BBE is looking for the right person to join their team
BrookWright Music: Hooked on Gospel (Thomas Hulten)
January 23 • Get a small sextet hooked on gospel classics...
Hammonds to lead new Showcase series at Dobcross Band Club
January 23 • A new series of Sunday afternoon concerts has been launched at one of the most famous band clubs in the world,
Finding the next generation of brass band composers
January 23 • Brass Bands England will host the important discussion at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival.
Odyssey Debut Flugelhorn
£449.00
Odyssey Debut Cornet
£359.00
Odyssey Premiere Tenor Horn
£849.00
Interview with Dr David Thornton
February 4 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton at the end of the 2024 event in Manchester.
Interview with James Gourlay and Emily Nicolas
February 3 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to conductor James Gourlay and presenter Emily Nicolas after the performance of the RNCM Brass Band at the recent RNCM International Brass Band Festival
Interview with Ian Porthouse and Matthias Hofs
January 31 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse and soloist Matthias Hofs at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival
Interview with Simone Rebello
January 31 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Simone Rebello about this weekend's RNCM Day of Percussion
The Howarth Legacy: 2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival
January 23 • Whilst the banding movement says it owes Elgar Howarth a debt of gratitude, it is a good job the RNCM Festival has been run by people who actually shared his vision.
Wilfred Heaton: His Life - His Music (Part 1)
January 18 • In the first of a series of exclusive extracts from his much anticipated biography to be released at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival, author Paul Hindmarsh explores the early life of the enigmatic composer.
Athena Brass: A unique beacon of excellence
January 10 • The all female brass band will make their much anticipated debut at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival under the direction of Jessica Sneeringer.
Take 5: Five early season events not to miss
January 6 • Five highlights to try and get to if you can in January and February.
Music review: Little Suite (Trevor Duncan arr. Phil Lawrence)
January 12 • Trevor Duncan's perfect example of light music craftsmanship recalls an age and style of composition that deserves to be brought back into the concert spotlight.
CD review: Resurget Cineribus
January 4 • Five Lakes Silver build on contesting success with a release of bold confidence under MD, Christopher Ward.
LP review: Concerto
January 2 • John Foster Black Dyke Mills Band. Conductor: Major Peter Parkes. Soloists: Robert Childs, Norman Law, Philip Shaw, Sandy Smith, Roger Webster. Chandos Recordings: BBRD 1037
| # | Band | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foden's | 1,265.59 |
| 2 | Brass Band Treize Etoiles | 1,202.20 |
| 3 | Cory | 1,135.50 |
| 4 | Flowers | 989.86 |
| 5 | Black Dyke | 861.38 |
| 6 | Eikanger-Bjørsvik | 750.86 |
| 7 | Brighouse and Rastrick | 652.77 |
| 8 | Tredegar | 633.57 |
| 9 | Valaisia Brass Band | 533.32 |
| 10 | Brass Band Willebroek | 288.84 |
The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert
Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER
Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band
Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD
Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships
Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015
Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships
Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015
Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church
Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY
Haverhill Silver Band
January 23 • Haverhill Silver Band (champ section) seeks PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band to the area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond. Applications to join after the area contest also considered.
HYDE BAND
January 22 • WE HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES (POSITIONS NEGOTIABLE) Come and join our friendly First Section Band based in the New forest, and enjoy working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contest.
Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band
January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.
Dr Brett Baker
BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments