*
banner

Young and now old at Test Valley

It's not just the youngsters who will be benefiting from brass tuition at Test Valley Brass in future.

TVB Academy
 

It’s not just youngsters who will be given the opportunity to learn with the Andover based Test Valley Band organisation.

The band has started a great new venture called the TVB Senior Academy, with the objective of teaching adults to play brass instruments.

Huge enthusiasm

It has been greeted with huge enthusiasm, and in only its second week welcomed 15 new members to enjoy tuition on a range of instruments from cornet to bass.

Delight

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Most of these were new to playing musical instruments of any kind, yet in the hugely positive atmosphere, musical chords were soon being played, to the obvious delight of those taking part."

Test Valley Brass has three vibrant bands – Frostys Band for young beginners, a Youth Band for players up to 19 years, and a Senior Band. It is expected that in time players from the new Academy will be able to move on into the Senior Band.

As soon as we announced that we would be starting this Academy people were immediately saying they wanted to be part of it, and more are still saying they want to comeTest Valley Brass

Response

Test Valley’s Ken West added: "We have been delighted and a bit surprised by the response we have seen.

As soon as we announced that we would be starting this Academy people were immediately saying they wanted to be part of it, and more are still saying they want to come. The atmosphere has been so exciting and enthusiastic."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd