*
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    


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Elgar International Festival

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire set to welcome Elgar International Festival of Brass

February 28 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke Band, Flowers, Foden's and David Childs headline the musical attractions for a day of the very best brass band music making in June.


First Old Boys

Youth fly musical flag for Old Boys

February 28 • A trio of talented young players from 1st Old Boys Band will be making their mark with different representative ensembles later this year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd