*
banner

Wessex 40 years young

2009 sees the 40th anniversary of the Wessex Band Summer School.

 

2009 sees the 40th anniversary of the Wessex Band Summer School.

The course was originally the idea of two 16-year-old Blandford schoolboys, John Grinnell and Andrew Pitts, who, disappointed at not being able to take part in their county youth orchestra’s residential course due to financial cutbacks, set about organising their own 4-day course.

Youngsters

It grew to involve youngsters from local bands under the direction of Courtney Bosanko, then of John and Margaret Grinnell and in recent years by a committee of dedicated people.

Anyone who has been on the course will always remember the unique atmophere created with real warmth.

Anyone who has been on the course will always remember the unique atmophere created with real warmth4BR

Atmosphere

The 40th Wessex Band Summer School will be host to a festive atmosphere celebrating the ruby anniversary of the course.

Everyone welcome

All past and present members of the Wessex Band Summer School and the Wessex Youth Band Course are invited to join in with the celebrations.

The Oakmead College of Technology School will be host to the event on Friday 31st July, and everyone is invited to be part of the audience for the concert on Saturday 1st August.

Information

For more information, contact to: Howard Bland, Honorary Secretary at Email: secretary@wessexband.com

Tel: 0116 2395752

Postal Address:
5 Barton Close
Ratby
Leicester
LE6 0HL

For anymore information, visit: www.wessexband.com

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    


Philip Sparke

Dutch National Championship headed by Sparke

March 25 • 'Perihelion: Closer to the Sun' will test the top section bands at this year's Dutch National Championships.


Mark Glover

Glover fits Sterling relaunch

March 25 • Sterling Musical Instruments has welcomed euphonium player Mark Glover to its roster of Performance Artists, following the relaunch of the brand.


Morton

Morton takes Desford baton

March 25 • David Morton is set to strengthen ties with National Champion by becoming Musical Director.


ConsTest

Enjoy ConsTest action on NXTOD

March 25 • You can enjoy a packed day of own-choice test-piece action from the ConsTest contest thanks to NXTOD.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd