*
banner

Norwegian plankers...

There is a new brass phenomenon heading our way — thanks to some plankers in Norway...

planking
 

It seems that a new craze is sweeping the orchestral world – and it could only be a matter of time before it’s seen on a brass band concert stage in the UK.

Planking

'Planking' – the spontaneous decision of people to lie face down, head first against each other is catching on – as the picture opposite from a recent concert by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Bergen shows.

The trumpet section, which comprises Gary Peterson, Martin Winter, Allan Withington and Jon Benhcke decided to leave their seats just before the start of Prokofiev's ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for their display of ‘planking’.

The ‘game’ phenomenon, which originated in Australia, sees participants take the decision to lie in an unusual or incongruous location and then to be photographed4BR

Phenomenon

The ‘game’ phenomenon, which originated in Australia, sees participants take the decision to lie in an unusual or incongruous location and then to be photographed. The location should also be as public as possible, and as many people as possible should be involved.

Amusement

On this occasion the player’s plonked their trumpets on their seats, walked to the front of the Grieg Hall stage and proceeded to indulge in their ‘planking’, much to the amusement of the packed audience.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "As befits the Norwegians, we believe it to be the first classical bit of planking ever performed."

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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


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


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 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.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd