*
banner

German Poll success at Midlands Area

A wonderful German enthusiast for all things British brass banding has helped a Midlands band to the National Finals.

Katrin Poll and friends
 

Following her visit to the UK last year to support the Jaguar Land Rover Band at the National Finals, German brass band enthusiast and tuba player Katrin Poll now believes she has a rather unique achievement of her own to celebrate!!

Return trip

During her autumn visit Katrin had the opportunity to rehearse with Stour Concert Brass, and remarked that she may return again to play at the Midland Regional Contest for their sister set up, Shipston Town Band.

After a hurried registration process Katrin arrived in the UK last Thursday ready for her first and only full rehearsal with Shipston, where she played on a traditional British tuba for the very first time on the Third Section set work, ‘Hollywood’.

National Anthem

At the contest Katrin even got to play the ‘National Anthem’, as Shipston drew number 1 before going on to help the band to gain a podium finish and qualification to the National Finals in Cheltenham later this year.

Reflections

Reflecting on the significant differences of the approach to contesting between the UK and Germany, Katrin noted the formality and regulation of the British system:

"In the UK, registration cards and players signatures are required. In Germany, a bandsman could play for as many bands in all sections that they want. And bands can use more players—in fact there is no limit how many players could play for a band on the contest stage."

In the UK, registration cards and players signatures are required. In Germany, a bandsman could play for as many bands in all sections that they wantKatrin Poll

National Finals

Following the success, Katrin has now been invited to play with the band at the National Finals – perhaps the first ever German born National to do so.

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    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd