*
banner

Smithills returns after triumphant US tour

The young players of Smithills School Senior Band has certainly been packing them in on their latest US tour.

us TOUR
 

Smithills School Senior Band has just returned to the UK following their triumphant tour to North Carolina (above) under the direction of MD Chris Wormald.

Sell out

During their short stay the band performed in eight sell-out concerts to over 6,000 people — many of who made return trips to hear the band in action.

From the opening concert in Shelby to the final evening in Gastonia, the band was showered with superlatives for their performances of over 50 different pieces of repertoire.

Overspill

The peak of their popularity certainly came in Winston-Salem, when the concert was so over-subscribed that a second, adjacent hall was prepared so that over 200 people could see the concert ‘live’ through a four camera video link.

The exceptional support throughout our whole 2014 tour has been more staggering than everMD Chris Wormald

Never before

A delighted Chris Wormald told 4BR: "In 31 years as a teacher and conductor, I have never been in a situation where I was not only conducting and introducing a concert to a most knowledgeable and enthusiastic packed hall, but also doing it while being watched and cheered in a second auditorium."

He added: "The exceptional support throughout our whole 2014 tour has been more staggering than ever."

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    


Spring Festival

Rehearsal slots available for Spring Festival

April 2 • Blackpool Salvation Army has a trio of rehearsal slots available for bands to fill on the Spring Festival contest day.


Youth Championships

2026 Youth Championships to head to Birmingham

April 2 • Brass Bands England confirm that the 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain will be held in Birmingham.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 7 & 8

April 2 • Joanne Behan catches up with more inspirational female musicians for her podcast series- with Coco Chan and Lauren Chinn from Flowers Band and the players from Brazen Brass.


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd