*
banner

Marathon success for Smithills

The young stars of Smithills School Senior Band have been pounding out the big hits on their latest 10 hour marathon.

Smithills in action
 

Last weekend, the 44 strong Smithills School Senior Brass Band under MD Chris Wormald completed their latest 10 hour non-stop rehearsal — their first since moving to their new bandroom facilities.

Repertoire

With 100% attendance and a fantastic atmosphere from 9.00am through to 7.00pm, the players rehearsed a range of repertoire including exclusive arrangements of ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Sinatra’ for a forthcoming Victoria Hall charity concert in aid of Bolton Hospice and a European tour this July.

The hours genuinely fly by and are hugely rewarding for everyone involvedMD, Chris Wormald

Stamina

Chris Wormald commented to 4BR: "The marathon Sundays have become an annual feature over the past two decades and raise over £3,000 for band funds. In addition there are huge musical and stamina improvements, fantastic bonding and plenty of fun.

The hours genuinely fly by and are hugely rewarding for everyone involved."

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    


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Sounds

Two new releases to enjoy from World of Brass

October 7 • The Regionals CD and a major new release from British Open inners Foden's are now available from World of Brass and wobplay.


Music

University of Nottingham ends undergraduate music degree course

October 7 • A change in student demand, delivery costs and competition from other institutions is said to be behind the decision to axe music degree course at the University of Nottingham.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

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


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • A tenor trombone position has become vacant following the relocation of the previous player.


Alder Valley Brass

October 6 • Seeking a Bb Bass player to join our friendly ambitious second section band under the direction of new MD Oliver Hallstead - Brooks. Featuring a good variety of concerts and contests. . We rehearse each Monday and Thursday 8pm to 10pm in Farnham Surrey


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd