*
banner

Testing time in York

The young players of Test Valley Brass have just enjoyed a great time of it in York.

Test Valley Brass
 

The young members of Test Valley Brass have just returned from a successful tour of York.

Shivers

The band performed at the iconic York Minster, with Izzy Rutherford, principal cornet telling 4BR: "It was just amazing, the acoustics were just magical. It’s an experience I shall never forget, it really did send shivers down your spine."

Following their performance in the Minster the band played for two hours entertaining the crowd of tourists and locals.

Great crowds

MD Chris Sharp, commented: "It’s such a cosmopolitan city and draws in visitors from all over the world that we were permanently surrounded by a very appreciative crowd while we performed."

The band also performed an evening concert at the local All Saints Pavement Church, whilst to round off their trip the band made a detour to Alton Towers where they performed at the end of the main street in front of the lake.

It’s such a cosmopolitan city and draws in visitors from all over the world that we were permanently surrounded by a very appreciative crowd while we performedMD, Chris Sharp

Positive feedback

Laura Gerrard of Alton Towers told 4BR: "I have had great reports and guest’s feedback was positive."

In fact Alton Towers were so pleased with Test Valley Brass they have already contacted them and are looking at arranging future performances over their Christmas period.

And after a packed weekend of music making, there was just enough time for the young players to enjoy a few thrills on some of the amazing rides at the huge attraction, before heading home.

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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd