*
banner

Gloucester youth enjoy a real blast

A Blast Off training event led by Flower MD Paul Holland was full of fun and games recently.

Blast off
 

The Gloucestershire Brass Band Association working with Gloucestershire Music recently held its Blast Off! event for complete beginners to Grade 5 students during half term.

Less than 4 weeks

Some of the youngsters who took part had only been playing for as little as 4 weeks, but as part of the Training Band under course director and Flowers MD Paul Holland, they had great fun on two movements of ‘Things that go Bump’, as well as improving their long notes and dynamics before performing to parents and friends.

Youth Band

The Gloucestershire Youth Band also worked hard on a three day course before their joint concert with Tredegar Band, took time out to perform with the youngsters before performing the exciting ‘Best of Bond’ music with them.

Some of the youngsters who took part had only been playing for as little as 4 weeks4BR

Massed bands

Paul Holland also rehearsed the Intermediate Band in the popular melodies of ‘Disney Matter’ and the more challenging, ‘Last Rose’, with the band joining their senior counterparts for a massed band performance of the piece, whilst many talented young soloists were featured in items throughout the day.

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    


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd