*
banner

Skelmanthorpe Slow Melody & Ensemble

There is the chance to play the Djibouti National Anthem at Skelmanthorpe this year if youfancy your chances of success!

Skelmanthorpe
 

The annual Skelmanthorpe Band Slow Melody & Ensemble Competition will take place on Saturday 13th November at Pilling Lane Methodist Church in Skelmanthorpe.

The competition will follow the same format as last year’s succesful event which saw 58 competitors from 15 bands from across the North of England, playing in 8 sections.

This year the adjudicator is Alan Morrison.

Even better

Organiser Graham Bates told 4BR: "Last year proved to be a fantastic experience, and we hope this year will be even better."

The 'Ensemble' format will be open to 2 to 8 players this year, rather than quartets, to allow more flexibility whilst the Junior Section age limit is 18 & under to attract more entries too.

Random

Meanwhile, the 'random' Section returns, where competitors draw an instrument other than their own and sight-read a verse of their chosen National Anthem (music provided!) on what could be anything from a 100-year old tuba to a swanee whistle!

Leigh Baker enjoyed his day so much last year he asked to take part in the Random Section and produced an 'interesting’ rendition of the Djibouti National Anthem on the cornet!4BR

Djibouti

Last year’s adjudicator, Leigh Baker enjoyed his day in the box so much so that he asked to take part in the section himself and produced an ‘interesting’ rendition of the Djibouti National Anthem on the cornet!

Separate indoor warming-up facilities have been arranged again and hot and cold food and drinks will again be available throughout the day.

Interested

If you’re interested in taking part, plaese contact Graham on 07999 751988, gb@pennine.org, or jonnythehorn@hotmail.com or via the facebook site dedicated to the event:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237457405289&ref=ts.

Sections:

11 years and under Slow Melody
14 years and under Slow Melody
16 years and under Slow Melody
Open age Slow Melody
Veterans (40 years & over) Slow Melody
Junior (18 & under) Ensemble
Open Ensemble
Random

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    


ConsTest

Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Michael Bennett

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd