*
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    


A4 Quartet

A4 Brass Quartet set for start of London recital series

October 28 • The award winning A4 Brass Quartet will start new collaboration with National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London this Friday.


Invercargill

Cosmic challenge at New Zealand Championships

October 28 • The test pieces for the 2027 New Zealand National Championships have been announced — led by 'The Cosmographic Mystery' by Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen.


Flowers

Flowers mark Euro triumph with special presentations

October 28 • The European Champion has marked its memorable victory in Linz with special commemorative awards to its players.


Whit Friday

Uppermill warning of Whit Friday last chord

October 28 • The organisers of the Uppermill Whit Friday contest are asking for urgent volunteer help to continue 120 years of history.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 30 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd