*
banner

Disney delight for Smithills

Talented youngsters give performances to rank up with the best Mickey and his friends can muster in Disneyland.

Smithills in action
 

The Head of Disneyland Paris Entertainment Operations has hailed Smithills School Senior Brass Band as, ‘far the best band or ensemble we have ever had’ following their twin concert appearances at the venue’s Videopolis Theatre last weekend.

By far the best

Sue Arondel, Development Manager of Disneyland Paris Performing Arts, spoke to School Governor Stuart Bowman and conductor Chris Wormald to tell them that in her opinion, ‘Smithills is by far the best band or ensemble we have ever had at Disneyland Paris.’

Quality

She stated: "Having seen the performance at first hand, it was sensational from start to finish and so professional in every last detail.

We receive literally hundreds of recordings all year round but, from the moment we heard Smithills, their quality, precision and sound stood out beyond anything we had heard.

We invited the band over without hesitation and, having now seen a concert it was even better than we could ever have imagined."

I just had to forward clips to colleagues around the world as they have to see and hear the Smithills band for themselvesSue Arondel, Development Manager of Disneyland Paris Performing Arts

Executive performances

Ms Arondel was so taken by the band’s performance from that she filmed pieces individually to send to Disneyland executives in Florida, California and Japan for instant feedback.

She went on to say, "The programme the band chose to play was absolute perfection, and it held the audience spellbound in its quality of playing and musicianship, its delivery, stage presence, deportment, visual attention to every last detail.

I just had to forward clips to colleagues around the world as they have to see and hear the Smithills band for themselves. I hope Smithills will return to Disneyland very soon and, if possible, as early as next Summer."

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    


Rodney Newton

80th birthday concert celebration for Newton

July 19 • Rodney Newton will enjoy a musical celebration of his birthday this weekend in Cambridge.


jhs instruments

JHS Ltd set to close

July 19 • The leading independent distributor and suppliers of Odyssey instrument brand set to close after 60 years of trading.


FodensLovatt

Lovatt joins Foden's for Regent Hall pre-National concert

July 19 • Trumpet star Mike Lovatt will reconnect with Foden's Band for their pre-National preview concert at Regent Hall.


Rooms for groups

Sold out signs up in Cheltenham

July 19 • Hotel demand from National qualifiers mean sold out signs are posted in Cheltenham.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


NORTH LAKES BRASS

July 20 • North Lakes Brass are seeking a CONDUCTOR with the drive to take our friendly band into the 2nd section. . We are different from most contesting bands as we rehearse just once a week (Wed), have 2 full band concerts & 4-5 contests per year.


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd