*
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    


Fodens Band

World Rankings — End of year update

January 3 • A year in review as Foden's cling to the top spot for a second year in a row whilst Treize Etoiles and Flowers power up the rankings list in a remarkable 2024 contesting season.


thecooperation band

coop players held comedy hostage for New Year...

January 2 • Six players from the cooperation band enjoyed playing their hostage role in the BBC 1 sit-com 'Mrs Brown's Boys'.


kERKRADE

Youth additions to WMC

January 2 • The World Music Contest in Kerkrade will include a new Youth band competition and a return of its World Youth Brass Band.


Brighouse

Brighouse and Tredegar join for concert brace

January 2 • Brighouse & Rastrick and Tredegar will join forces for concerts in Huddersfield and Newtown in the Spring.


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Saturday 1 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Sunday 2 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Epping Forest Band

January 3 • We are a friendly 3rd section band that have a vacancy for a solo horn to complete our line up. We perform in a variety of gigs and contests throughout the year. Our band hut is located close to Epping tube station and easy access for the M11.


The Cobham Band

January 2 • After 12 years absence, The Cobham Band (crowned most entertaining band at SCABA 2024) will return to the Regional contest in March 2025. We seek players to join us in this challenge and our regular concert and bandstand programme through the year.


Chinnor Silver

January 1 • Requires Bass player (Eb or Bb) and percussion. Can you help us fill our last 2 seats? We are a friendly, welcoming and ambitious 2nd section band, currently at the top of our area grading table. Why not pop along to our next rehearsal and have a look?


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd