*
banner

British Open Countdown — 3 days to go

Ian Porthouse reveals his highs and lows of the British Open

Porthouse
 

Ian will be conducting Hepworth (Cookson Homes) Band at the contest this year. He played with a number of bands at the contest, winning the Stanley Wainwright Solo Award with YBS in 1997.”

Highlight

"My only Open win as a player with YBS in 1997 was special.

The contest had been postponed due to the death of Princess Diana and so the band had to wait until the January to play at Symphony Hall. We were on brilliant form that day and David King brought a real touch of magic to his interpretation of ‘Whitsun Wakes.’

It seemed so easy – everything fell into place and I remember thinking just how enjoyable it was – after we finished of course!

I was awarded the Stanley Wainwright Trophy as ‘Best Soloist’ and nobody seemed to even hint that we didn’t deserve it.

You don’t get many days like that in your career."

We were all so happy, until it was announced that Marple as the last band on the day, had pipped us and won the OpenIan Porthouse

The flip side

"Coming second with Tredegar in 1996 on ‘Severn Suite’.

I had come to the band under Nicholas Childs and they just worked their socks off for the contest. We played so well on the day – although I know that Iwan Fox (4BR Editor) was disappointed because he thought he had a personal mare on soprano!

After we played we were a bit stunned and so many people came up to me to say that they felt we were right in the frame.

When the results were announced we had come second – a brilliant achievement for the band at the time. We were all so happy, until it was announced that Marple as the last band on the day, had pipped us and won the Open.

Nothing against Marple, but to have been winning the British Open from band number 9, right up until they played as number 22 seemed to deflate us all. To come that close.

That’s what makes contesting so brilliant when you win and so awful when you lose."

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    


Amersham

Jackson joins Amersham for free swing in London

October 24 • If you are anywhere near Regent Hall in London this evening and want to enjoy a free night of swing and big band bangers then make sure you get along...


Marshall

Marshall to step down as principal cornet at Black Dyke Band

October 24 • Richard Marshall's outstanding 20 year tenure as principal cornet of Black Dyke Band will come to an end later this year.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section West of England Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd