*
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    


Close Shave

KNDS Fairey look forward to A Close Shave with Wallace & Gromit

August 22 • A special double bill of Wallace & Gromit films plus extras will be heard in a very special concert in London in November.


Touch of Brass

Radio: Touch of Brass

August 22 • More brass bands music to enjoy from presenters Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


New South Wales

Live stream coverage of 130th New South Wales State Championships

August 22 • Tim Kelly is bringing all the action from Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.


Foden's Youth Band

Foden's Youth Band set to carry on 15th season of player development

August 22 • Registration is now open to be part of the 2026/27 Foden's Youth Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

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


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd