*
banner

Smithills delight at RAH appeaance

Smithills School Senior Band delight a packed Albert Hall audience on a night to remember.

Smithills
 

Last Wednesday evening, Smithills School Senior Band under their MD Chris Wormald, took to the Royal Albert Hall stage for their eighth Schools Prom appearance since 1995.

Collaboration

Smithills opened the final night of this year’s three night event with a new, joint composition called 'Stepping Stones in Brass' written by Oliver Kirby of Bristol University and Chris Wormald.

It was performed in collaboration with Kagemusha Taiko from Exeter to open the celebratory evening with huge audio and visual impact — the band performing the entire composition from memory.

Thomas switched from his usual soprano cornet to stand stage front to perform the solo trumpet part faultlessly from memory4BR

Best

Shortly afterwards, Smithills returned to the stage to perform 'Birdland' and 'Cry Me A River', which featured soloist Thomas Hurst.

Thomas switched from his usual soprano cornet to stand stage front to perform the solo trumpet part faultlessly from memory — a performance and night he later described as being the best of his life and one he would never forget.

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 review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


North of England

Judges confirmed for North of England Regional Championships

February 1 • The adjudication teams for the North of England Regional Championships have been announced.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd