*
banner

On a wing and a prayer for Foresters Brass

This is a Brass the Baton relay like no other...

Foresters
 

A bird of prey will take centre stage at a 'Brass the Baton' relay event this weekend.

Leicester based Foresters Brass 2000 will be playing their part in the grounds Oakham Castle on Sunday, where the idea of having the bird of prey swoop down, grasp the baton in its talons, and then fly off over the audience will take place.

Nervous

Foresters’ MD Peter Collins is understandably a bit nervous as he told 4BR:

"Too right I’m rather nervous! However experts from the Rutland Falconry Centre will be on stage to look after me and luckily I have another baton to conduct the rest of the concert. We’re really delighted to be involved in this project though – it’ll be part of what promises to be a fantastic evening of live music."

Too right I’m rather nervous! However experts from the Rutland Falconry Centre will be on stage to look after me and luckily I have another baton to conduct the rest of the concertMD, Peter Collins

Passed on

The baton is being brought to the event by players from Coleshill Town Band, with the next port at Andover Town Band.

Chairman Dan Baker told 4BR: "We’re also playing a specially commissioned piece of music as the baton vanishes into the distance.

Rutland Falconry Centre will of course return the baton to us, and we’ll then transport it via more conventional means to Andover! We’re not expecting the falcon to actually fly with the baton all the way there!"

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    


Albert

New National Final proposal rejected by Regional Forum

December 10 • A proposal that would have seen a radical change in the qualification process for the Royal Albert Hall National Final has been rejected by regional representatives.


Purcell

Purcell students shine in BBC Composing Competition

December 9 • Young compositional talent from The Purcell School has made its mark in the BBC Young Composer Competition.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

December 9 • The second part of the duo's chat with Derek Broadbent.


Knapton

Knapton takes Towcester lead

December 9 • The experienced Ian Knapton is to become the new Musical Director at Towcester Studio Band.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd