*
banner

Advert: Big Shiny Brass

'Fair' winds of change in Africa — thanks to Big Shiny Brass and a fantastic project.

Big Shiny Brass
 

Young brass players in Uganda are being given a helping hand by new brass band publisher Big Shiny Brass. Each month, Big Shiny Brass will be choosing one of their most popular arrangements, and donating £5 from every purchase to the Mbale District Schools Band.

Help

The Mbale band was founded a year ago, and provides a musical education for 30 youngsters. Many of them have lost at least one parent to Aids or Malaria.

Belonging

"People in Uganda almost expect to be poor," said Philip Monk, whose charity ugive2uganda is funding the band. "We’re giving the children a feeling of belonging to something, and letting them know that they matter to each other."

The latest piece of music for the Mbale band appeal is Matt Kingston’s arrangement of the Irish folk song, 'She moved through the Fair'Big Shiny Brass

Fair

The latest piece of music for the Mbale band appeal is Matt Kingston’s arrangement of the Irish folk song, 'She moved through the Fair'.

Popular

"It’s probably been our most popular arrangement so far," said Matt. "We’ve been getting loads of emails from bands saying how much they’ve enjoyed playing this piece in particular, and it’s had a couple of outings at entertainment contests this summer too.

"And we’ve been getting a fantastic response to our Mbale appeal. Just last month, our donation covered the cost of three cornets for the band, giving three more kids a chance to play."

Download and print

As with all the arrangements in the Big Shiny Brass catalogue, you download and print the music yourself, as well as buying printed sets. It’s a fantastic way to buy quality brass band music at a very affordable price.

Hear more

You can hear a recording of She moved through the Fair at the Big Shiny Brass website — www.BigShinyBrass.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    


Tredegar

Buckley celebrations at heart of Tredegar concert

March 25 • The musical lives of Brian Buckley and his son Richard will be marked at a special concert this weekend in Swansea.


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.


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


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd