*
banner

Dobson's 2 grand snip

Composer has had the snip — and rasied over £2,000 for his new found light headedness.

Dobson
 

Composer Simon Dobson had the snip on the weekend — and raised a cool £2,200 for the OCD charity in the process.

Dread

Over 40 people turned out to see him loss his 2 meter long locks and those with shears in their hands got the opportunity to cut off a 'dread' or two.

Simon's pain was eased almost at the exact moment that the last of his dreadlocks hit the floor, as the total raised for the OCD charity ticked over £2,000.

Simon's pain was eased almost at the exact moment that the last of his dreadlocks hit the floor, as the total raised for the OCD charity ticked over £2,0004BR

Strange feeling

Simon told 4BR: "It was a strange old feeling losing my hair — although it was made easy by seeing how much people had pledged to the charity."

The new look Dobson is taking a little time getting used to his new hairstyle though. "I have to admit that I feel pretty odd at the moment — certainly very 'light headed'! The next time I take to the contest stage people aren't going to have a clue who I am!"

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    


Trivergence

Trivergence set for Albert Hall appearance

August 8 • Trombone stars Peter Moore, Mark Nightingale and Andy Wood plus friends will provide the pre-results entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall National Final in October.


IBBSS

Barringer delight at IBBSS success

August 8 • A week of hard work, great music making and friendship in Swansea was a fitting celebration of the leading course's ethos.


Mark Vause

Vause takes baton at Pilling Silver

August 8 • Mark Vause is the new MD of Pilling Silver Band as he returns to the North West.


Smith

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

August 8 • The duo discuss the benefits of an infusion of classical music in the banding veins in rehearsals and concerts.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd