*
banner

You only sing when you're winning...

Sir Alex leads the singing as the Manchester United Supporters Band provide the festive entertainment at Old Trafford.

United we stand
 

The prospect of playing Christmas carols couldn't come around quick enough for some players this festive season — especially as Paul Andrews took a small ensemble onto the stage at Old Trafford to provide the musical accompaniment to the Manchester United staff Christmas carol service.

No problems

As Paul told 4BR: "This is one gig I never have problems filling seats for..."

Paul’s lifelong friend Alan Bird instigated the association whilst working as Facilities Manager at the club and since 1995 the Manchester United Supporters Band has played their part in celebrating Christmas with the famous club’s huge retinue of staff.

Sir Alex on hand

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is always in hand to enjoy the event too, as Paul explained.

"It’s clear Sir Alex considers everybody at the club to be equally as important — from the tea lady right through to the first team players. He treats everyone with respect and holds family values close to his heart."

Top players and famous fans take part in the event too, such as opera star Russell Watson, whilst the music is also enhanced by the Manchester United Foundation Youth Choir and the addition of the singing talents of many of the 17 and 18 year old Academy and reserve team players in the Manchester United Academy Choir.

It’s clear Sir Alex considers everybody at the club to be equally as important — from the tea lady right through to the first team playersPaul Andrews

Band quip

Many of the current first team squad have sung at the event over the years too and Club Chaplain Reverend John Boyers even quipped that it wasn’t until the band came along in the fifth year of Sir Alec’s tenure as manager that the team started to win trophies!

As Paul added, "It is the season of goodwill but I'm not sure that Sir Alex Ferguson would attribute the clubs success to a bunch of musicians – although he always enjoys our contribution and was delighted to come and have his photograph taken with us."

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    


3BA Concert Brass

Report & Results: 2024 German National Championships

October 10 • 3BA Concert Brass impressively defends its top flight title as German banding displays its impressive communal progress in Goppingen


prizes

Report & Results: 2024 Elland Slow Melody, Duet & Quartet

October 10 • All ages and abilities enjoyed friendly competition in Elland as popular event returns in musical style.


aWARDS

Ivors announce sponsorship link

October 9 • Dorico, the music notation and composition software will sponsor the Best Orchestral Composition award at The Ivors Classical Awards 2024 — although there remains no brass band category.


Nethan

Rising baritone star gains Cornish Baching

October 9 • 12 year old baritone player Neythen Powell-Jones has gained scholarship backing from the East Cornwall Bach Choir.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment

Wednesday 9 October • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of The Irish Guards

Thursday 10 October • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Brass Ensemble

Friday 11 October • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Symphonic Brass Ensemble

Friday 11 October • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 11 October • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Stalybridge Old Band

October 10 • Could you be one of the missing pieces of our band? We are looking for SOLO TROMBONE & BASS TROMBONE to join us. . Current 4th section Area Champions with a top 6 place at the finals, we are due to be promoted to 3rd section in January 2025


Hathersage Band

October 10 • Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving community band. We enjoy making music and have a good gig schedule. An opportunity has arisen for the right person to join our Principal Cornet Ed as co-principal. Are you up for the challenge? This is our only vacancy.


Uppermill Band

October 10 • EXCITING TIMES AHEAD. If you are a BBb BASS PLAYER looking for a change, look no further, UPPERMILL IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE! We are a friendly yet ambitious team with a strong work ethic. We play a varied genre of music, directed by our MD James Garlick


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd