*
banner

Baggy trousered Madness at City of Chester

A great City of Chester training workshop day took place with a touch of Madness about proceedings recently...

Chester training day
 

Last weekend saw members of the senior City of Chester Band working with the youngsters of their Training Band at a workshop held at St Luke’s Church in Huntington.

Organised by conductors Ian Clowes and Tony Blain, it included a review of the basics of playing followed by sectional groups working through pieces from their current repertoire. Each group was led by a member of the main band who passed on their knowledge and expertise.

Madness

As a great musical addition, Chris Hardy had made a great new arrangement of the famous Madness pop chart hit ‘Baggy Trousers’, whilst the day concluded with a short concert performed to an audience of Training Band supporters — all of who loved the return to a bit of ska ‘Madness!

Great success

A spokesperson told 4BR: “The day was a great success, and it’s hoped to hold further events. The Training Band was formed in 2000 and over the years a number of players have progressed to the main band, some now occupying principal positions — so it shows that these days work and work well!”

The Training Band was formed in 2000 and over the years a number of players have progressed to the main band, some now occupying principal positions — so it shows that these days work and work well!Spokesperson

Crossroads return

This week the Training Band has been invited to return to perform for members of ‘Crossroads’, an evening social group for people with learning disabilities.

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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Results: 2025 North West Regional Championshipships

February 23 • It's 9 Caret golden wins on the trot from Foden's whilst victories go to Tyldesley, Middleton, Doncross and Darwen Brass at the Winter Gardens.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd