*
banner

Smithills hit American target

A remarkable fund raising effort will enable Smithills School Senior Band to undertake their latest American tour this summer.

US flag
 

Smithills School Senior Band has announced that they have reached the imposing financial target to enable them to undertake their latest tour to the USA this summer.

Ambitious

By setting themselves the ambitious figure of raising £60,000 in just ten months, MD Chris Wormald told 4BR that he was delighted to report that everyone associated with the band had once again worked incredibly hard in achieving its goal.

Daunting

"Having to raising £1,500 every week of the school year, or put another way, over £200 every day for the whole ten months, puts this latest fundraising achievement in perspective," he said.

"The figures were daunting to say the least, but without the drive of our fundraising chairman Gerry Russell, we would undoubtedly have fallen short this time."

The figures were daunting to say the least, but without the drive of our fundraising chairman Gerry Russell, we would undoubtedly have fallen short this timeMD Chris Wormald

Challenge

He added: "Numerous concerts, fundraising initiatives, generous donations and sales of the band’s new CD have got us across the line, although fundraising this year has been a real challenge."

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    


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We currently have vacancies for 2 tenor trombones. As a 4th section contesting Band, we have a diary filling up with various engagements to keep us busy, and therefore keen to fill the positions.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable. Our diary is filling up with various engagements, so we are keen to fill the position.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd