*
banner

Lawrence gets the bird

Composer Phil Lawrence has enjoyed something of a coop with his latest bit of musical animation..

Lawrence
 

The animated cornet playing talents of composer Phil Lawrence will be both seen and heard on television in the next few weeks — in a film all about pigeon racing...

Animation

The 6 minute animation film is a short take on the world of northern pigeon racing, and as such the producers decided to opt for the now traditional stereotype 'Hovis cornet' background music.

Phil was therefore asked to hunt out his old cornet (last seeing action over 15 years ago) and play along to the on screen story.

It’s about a pigeon called 'Slow Joe' which has become over weight and has slipped down the ranks of winning rosettes. His owner decides to take drastic action to get his bird back to winning ways — with epic results...!Phil Lawrence

Slow Joe

Phil told 4BR: "It’s about a pigeon called 'Slow Joe' which has become over weight and has slipped down the ranks of winning rosettes. His owner decides to take drastic action to get his bird back to winning ways — with epic results...!"

So tune in on September 23rd on Channel 4 at 2.35am — yes, half-two Thursday morning and find out what happens.

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    


Tommy Tynan

4BR Thursday interview with Tommy Tynan

January 15 • We catch up with Black Dyke Band's Tommy Tynan as he prepares to take up the baton as a finalist in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition this weekend in Tidworth.


RAF

RAF Ensembles continue to fly high and wide

January 15 • The variant ensembles that are part of the Band of the RAF Regiment continue to reach out in their musical performances.


Ingbjord

Duality of expansion and recognition for Vilhelmsen

January 15 • Norwegian composer gains recognition for the popularity and critical acclaim of her brass band works with publisher award nomination.


Skunkworks

A brass band camp with a difference...

January 15 • The latest Skunkworks Community Bright Brass & Percussion Summer Intensive in Australia came with snake bites, heat stress gastroenteritis and bushfires, as well as plenty of great music making...


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd