*
banner

Low tones for high hopes for Lions Youth

Some great inspirational low tone work aims to help Lions Junior Brass reach the heights at Leicester.

Low Tones
 

Lions Junior Brass recently welcomed the virtuoso quartet ‘Low Tones 'n' Baritones’ for a masterclass and workshop day in preparation for the forthcoming Leicestershire Open Contest.

Performing with the quartet were fourth year students from the Royal Northern College of Music; Matthew Watling, George Bruce, Sarah Lenton and Nicholas Birch

Pizza tea

After sectional and full band rehearsals with 'Low Tones' Harry Bent and Lions' own tutor Steve Barwick, the day culminated with a pizza tea followed by an hour's recital at Sandbach School.

Lions Junior Brass previewed their forthcoming contest programme under MD Tom Hancock, before ‘Low Tones’ took to the stage to wow with repertoire ranging from 'Stingray' and their own arrangement of 'Happy', to Monti's 'Czardas' and the finale from 'William Tell’.

Delighted

George Bruce of Low Tones 'n' Baritones told 4BR: "We were delighted to be given the opportunity to work with such a dedicated organisation.

With ‘Low Tones’ all stemming from their own local community youth bands, it was a great pleasure to be able to lead a workshop and master-class with the Junior Band."

The members were keen to learn and we also had a lot of fun whilst working hardLow Tones, George Bruce

Keen to learn

George added: "The members were keen to learn and we also had a lot of fun whilst working hard. It was a pleasure to conclude the day sharing the stage with Lions Junior Brass in a recital, with them showcasing their programme.

They are sounding fantastic and we wish them the best of luck for their performance in two weeks time."

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


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd