*
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    


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Rex Richardson

What links Peter Graham, Rex Richardson, Alfred Hitchcock and Beyonce?

September 18 • Composer Peter Graham's music has been reaching a truly global audience of late...


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd