*
banner

Winds of Change blow through Europe...

Not quite inspired by Harold Macmillan, but a serious attempt to get Lithuania at the heart of a future brass banding Europe...

Flags
 

Under the title ‘Winds bring Changes’ the Lithuania Brass Band Association recently organised a successful three day event in which representatives from 12 countries took part.

The event was hosted to showcase youth and educational programmes from different countries from Western and Eastern Europe, with a number of EBBA member countries in attendance.

Enthusiastic response

Sweden, The Netherlands and Lithuania gave presentations on their innovative programmes, Mini Brass (Sweden), the Yamaha Class ‘Band Method’ and repertoire development, whilst former Scottish BBA President, George Burt, gained an enthusiastic response to his presentation showing how SBBA had helped to create 60 new youth bands in a period of just six years.

The audience was also very impressed to learn about the system of music education in Belgium where children get three lessons a week, whilst parents only pay €62 per year.

80 participants

In total 80 participants from the Baltic countries, Poland, Kaliningrad as well as the USA came to the well organised event where the key speakers were also invited to the Academy of Music in Vilnius where they were welcomed by the Government Minister of Culture.

After the introductions the delegates discussed the theme; “Are 21st Century Kids still interested in Band Music?”

For the LBBA it was a very important weekend, as agreements were signed with the Music Academy and the City of PalangaLBBA

Important weekend

A spokesperson told 4BR: "For the LBBA it was a very important weekend, as agreements were signed with the Music Academy and the City of Palanga. The Lord Mayor of Palanga visited the conference and some of the concerts which were given in the famous Kurhaus.

In his speech he also gave the kick-off of a five year banding programme called ‘Amber Brass’ which should lead to the hosting of the 2019 European Brass Band Championships in Palanga."

2019 European Championship

During the visit, the delegates were able to see the work that is underway on the construction of the new Palanga Concert Hall which will have a capacity of 2200 seats.

It is hoped that the hall will be finished in 2015, with the board of the European Brass Band Association visiting in early 2016.

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


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


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd