*
banner

Dobson enjoys Kew backlash

Composer Simon Dobson is certainly enjoying his Aussie adventure.

Simon Dobson
 

The Kew Band Melbourne recently welcomed composer and conductor Simon Dobson at their rehearsal.

Backlash

Simon, who is enjoying a working break downunder led the band through warm up hymns, before rehearsing ‘Biltz’, and three of his own compositions, ‘Lock Horns/Rage On’, ‘Little Hymn’ and ‘Backlash’.

Impressed

He told 4BR: "I was so impressed with the band's enthusiasm for my music. They really worked hard in getting the feel of it."

The composer was also impressed by how quickly the band improved under his leadership during the rehearsal – the last before they took a well earned 4 week break before its new season leading up to the Victorian State Brass Band Championships.

I was so impressed with the band's enthusiasm for my music. They really worked hard in getting the feel of itSimon Dobson

Visits

Simon plans to spend another few weeks in Melbourne before flying to visit Brisbane Excelsior, then Sydney to catch up with Jason Katsikaris and onto Gunnedah in rural New South Wales and Byron Bay before spending his final few weeks back in Melbourne where he hopes to reunite with Kew.

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    


Imogen Whitehead

Interview with Imogen Whitehead

June 11 • 4BR catches up with the trumpet and flugel soloist ahead of her appearances at the Ryedale Festival — which includes the world premiere of a new flugel concerto with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.


Open

Demand high for British Open tickets

June 11 • Tickets for the 2026 British Open are being snapped up well ahead of the event in September.


Fodens

Jeffers takes horn lead at Foden's

June 11 • Grace Jeffers makes the solo horn seat her own at the North West champion.


Cory

Cory add Hutcherson experience to cornet section

June 11 • The experienced Jeff Hutcherson has joined the Welsh champion from BTM Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are currently looking for a flugel horn player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting band, with a busy schedule of contests and engagements coming up throughout the year.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with a vacancy for a front row cornet player. Our diary is filling up with various engagements and contests for the year, so we are keen to fill the position.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd