*
banner

Florida sunshine set for UK

The exciting talents of Brass Band of Central Florida will be bringing plenty of musical warmth to the UK this November.

Central Florida
 

Brass Band of Central Florida is putting the final touches to its preparations ahead of its second tour to the UK next month.

Jet set

The band is set to perform at the US Open Championships on November 5th, before jetting across the Atlantic to touch down in Britain for a string of concerts culminating with their appearance at the Brass in Concert Championships in Gateshead.

As a pioneering force, the band has been instrumental in flying the flag for the British style brass band in the Unites States, raising awareness of the genre as a result of its highly successful concert and contest appearances throughout the country.

Wowed

On their previous trip to the UK, they wowed audiences with their mix of high class playing and spectacular presentation skills.

This time should be no different, with expert arrangers such as Rick Mizell and Jim Derrick, both of whom hold key musical positions with Walt Disney World in Orlando, providing a steady stream of glittering arrangements that bring more than a touch of glitz and pizzazz to the band’s concerts.

My desire is to give audiences amazing performances of music and styles they might never expect to hear in the brass band worldChad Shoopman

Sell outs

Led by professional trumpet player Chad Shoopman the band recently provided a series of sell out concerts in Orlando.

Speaking of his first visit to the UK with the band, Chad Shoopman told 4BR: "The opportunity to perform in the birth place of brass banding is something I have wanted to do ever since I joined the band. What better way is there to make BBCF an infinitely better ensemble?"

Pizzazz

Chad also promised that Florida would bring with them plenty of their trademark showmanship and pizzazz.

"Our programme brings a uniquely American twist to the concert stage. My desire is to give audiences amazing performances of music and styles they might never expect to hear in the brass band world. I want British audiences to see and hear what we do best and I believe they will find the BBCF to be passionate, refreshing, unique, and a lot of fun!"

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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd