*
banner

New band in the Borders

There is a new brass band being set up in the Scottish Borders — at Bonchester Bridge.

Bonchester
 

In spite of the difficulties involved in setting up a new brass band, a group of keen players in the Scottish Borders have decided to test the waters to see if there is room to set up a brand new kind of band in the fairly out of the way location of Bonchester Bridge.

Philosophy

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The philosophy is to have a band for all — young and old. The idea is to engage members in their own musical adventures using brass instruments as the foundation on which to layer and develop their own ideas."

The idea is to engage members in their own musical adventures using brass instruments as the foundation on which to layer and develop their own ideasBand spokesperson

Vibrant

A vibrant website www.bonchesterbrass.com has been launched in order to keep interested parties up to date with the band’s progress and there has already been support and sponsorship from local firms as well as from individuals from the neighbouring towns of Hawick and Jedburgh.

Not easy

The spokesperson added: "This will not be an easy undertaking but if the initial enthusiasm and response can continue then success will at least have a chance of following. The band hopes to grow from its humble beginnings and to add to its existing list of events as it continues forward in this, its exciting maiden year."

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    


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

September 3 • Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.


Music

Spheres starting to align across the UK

September 3 • Keep an eye out for a chance to hear a preview of 'Music of the Spheres' ahead of the British Open at Symphony Hall.


Youth

Youth Champs registration to open next week

September 3 • It is first come first served for the spots to take part in the National Youth Championship of Great Britain.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd