*
banner

Spitfire fugue for Arboretum performance

The West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Band recently performed at the National Arboretum accompanied by the sound of a wonderful Spitfire plane.

West Midlands Fellowship in action
 

The West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Band of the Salvation Army recently visited the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire to perform a concert for COFE POWS, the organisation that represents Second World War Prisoners of War from the Far East conflicts and their dependants.

Spitfire

After a moving remembrance service, the band gave a concert which was accompanied by a fly past by a magnificent Spitfire fighter plane.

Under Bandmaster Charles King, the band presented a varied programme including the marches ‘Minneapolis IV’ and ‘Star Lake’ and also featured a number of soloists including rising euphonium star Micah Parsons who played ‘Song of the Brother’, whilst solo cornet Eddie Toon and soprano player John Shepherd performed, ‘The Cleansing Stream’.

he Memorial Arboretum is a very moving and spiritual place. The band hoped that they contributed in some small way to the whole variety of thoughts memories and emotions which such a gathering will always generateDavid Birch

Moving

David Birch told 4BR: "The Memorial Arboretum is a very moving and spiritual place. The band hoped that they contributed in some small way to the whole variety of thoughts memories and emotions which such a gathering will always generate."

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd