*
banner

Notts students ready for UniBrass debut

The musical alumni of the University of Nottingham are confident of making a mark on their first appearance at the UniBrass Championships later this month.

Nottingham logo
 

The University of Nottingham Brass Band is gearing up for its first ever appearance at the UniBrass contest, which will be held on 14th February at Warwick Arts Centre.

Positive

Comprised of a mixture of undergraduate, post graduate and alumni who studied in the city, it will be the first time they have been in a position to enter, although Band Manager Andrew Claydon felt positive about their debut chances:

“It’s been an exciting start to the academic year, with an influx of new players moving to the city from all over the country,” he told 4BR.

“We have some real talent in the band, with a number of students also playing for some of Nottinghamshire’s best brass bands. It’s taken a lot of organising, but everyone is really excited about representing the university on stage for the first time."

Compositional help

The band also revealed it had teamed up with two local composers, whose work they will feature on the contest stage.

Chris Knapp, who recently graduated from the university and is also a former conductor of the band, has provided an original composition, whilst Foden’s cornet player Andrew Stevenson, who is also the Composer in Residence at Thoresby Colliery Band and Foden’s Youth Band has also provided a work.

Andrew hails from the North Nottinghamshire village of Blyth and despite studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, still maintains a keen interest in bands in the area.

It’s taken a lot of organising, but everyone is really excited about representing the university on stage for the first timeUniversity of Nottingham

Thoresby link

University of Nottingham Brass has also developed a close relationship with Thoresby Colliery Band, and was delighted to host an open rehearsal with them last year as part of their Midland Regional Championships preparation.

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    


ISB and Fodens

Friday night Gregson spotlights

October 10 • You will be spoilt for a Gregson choice between the ISB and Ian Bousfield and Foden's and Mike Lovatt if you are in London this evening.


World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Swiss

What's your National knowledge like?

October 10 • The Swiss brass band website 'Brass Band News' is testing your knowledge of the winners of the National Championship title to see how many you can name in the right years since 1900.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

October 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 3 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd