*
banner

Neish leads Tubulations day

Tuba star leads all things low brass at Staines Salvation Army.

Neish
 

Tubalations was a day of musical celebration recently for low brass players at Staines Salvation Army.

Day long

Roy Scott of Stotfold Salvation Army Band celebrated 50 years of tuba playing by organising the Tubalation day workshop and an evening concert back in January.

Well known euphonium performer Charley Brighton and the Staines Band directed by Tim Parker took up the idea as a fund raising event, and 18 guest players from as far as Ipswich and Warwick arrived at 9.30am for registration and the first massed blow.

Treated

During the day, the players were fed and watered by the Corps catering staff and treated to illustrated talks on the Alexander Technique (for correct posture when playing brass instruments) by Jeanie Wood and the various weird and wonderful ‘Enharmonic’ and ‘5 valve’ systems used on vintage euphoniums and tubas from Charley Brighton’s amazing collection.

Les Neish

Tuba virtuoso Les Neish led the day and presented masterclasses and solos in the evening concert, where he performed the traditional Salvation Army solo, 'Higher Plain' by Stephen Bulla, originally scored for soprano cornet, the 'Serenade' from 'The Student Prince' and the violin solo 'Czardas' by Monti and his encore, 'Fnugg'.

Tuba virtuoso Les Neish led the day and presented masterclasses and solos in the evening concert4BR

Composers

Tubalations was also a shop window for rising composers and arrangers with works by Terry Treherne, whilst Robin Langdon conducted the premiere of his 'Pace' for low brass ensemble alongside a new composition by trumpet player Esther Hopkins, 'Periton Revisited', based on an ancient sacred tune with no key signature.

David E. Jones arranged 'Musing Moments from the Masters' as a fun piece featuring E flat & B flat basses stealing through the classics.

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    


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd