*
banner

Pocket sized skills

Innovative approach to getting youngster to play a brass instrument sees a pocket sized answer work wonders.

 

Northumberland brass tutor Michael Franey recently taught no less than 140 young pupils the delights of playing a brass instrument — all helped by them picking up pocket cornets.

Mike went to four schools in Ponteland on a project run by the Northumberland Schools Music Service.

Mike went to four schools in Ponteland on a project run by the Northumberland Schools Music Service4BR

Skills

To mark the end of the course all the young cornet stars presented their new skills to their parents at an evening concert.

Michael, who hails from Spennymoor, has just returned to play with the Fishbun Band after gaining a BMus in Wales, where he played tenor horn for Tredegar and Cory.

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    


Ask daisy

New campaign launched to support women in banding

March 8 • International Womens' Day sees the launch of 'Ask Daisy', an initiative that aims to support women in UK brass bands experiencing harassment and abuse.


Perth Concert Hall

Results: 2025 Scottish Championships

March 8 • Whitburn leads the way in Perth with section wins for Granite City, Perthshire Brass, Renfrew Burgh and Arbroath & Carnoustie.


Bedworth

Results: 2025 Midlands Regional Championships

March 8 • GUS lead the prizes winners in Bedworth with section victories to Foss Dyke, Ibstock Brick Brass and Syston.


Torquay

Results: 2025 West of England Regional Championships

March 8 • Aldbourne lead the way in Torquay with section titles going to Roche Brass, Porthleven, Bratton Silver and Illogan Sparnon Silver.


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Saturday 8 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Upton Vale Baptist Church, St Marychurch Road, Caste Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High St, Bedworth CV12 8NF


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Sunday 9 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Chinnor Silver

March 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet every other monday morning(nxt one this monday) and we are looking for CORNET PLAYERS to join us.. you do not need to change your affiliation as we just offer free fun music making with cake and coffee thrown in.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

March 8 • Wakefield Metropolitan are looking for Bass player and percussionist to help the band move forward after a promising area performance


Ilkeston Brass

March 7 • Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band based in the SE of Derbyshire. We are looking for cornet players to continue our long heritage of brass banding. Cornet seat negotiable!


David Frame


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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd