*
banner

Test match success for Test Valley Brass

Test Valley Brass certainly enjoyed their recent competitive visit to the Basingstoke Music & Arts Festival.

Test Valley Brass
 

The Test Valley Brass family of bands is celebrating successes at the recent Basingstoke Music & Arts Festival.

All five bands

The organisation entered all five of its bands into four different classes, with each having to perform a 15 minute programme of music to the packed audience at Queen Mary's College.

First up were the young players of Frosty's and the Youth Band, who both confidently took to the stage performing in the 16 years and under, and 18 years & under, Wind & Brass Bands classes respectively.

First prizes

Both walked away with fine first prizes, with Frosty's proudly claiming the BMF Salver and the Youth Band, the Hannington Silver Cup.

Meanwhile, the Senior Academy, excelled themselves to claim first place, on what was their first ever contest stage performance in the Open Music Group Class to win the Modern Music Cup.

The Basingstoke event also marked their last time the Senior Band performed under the baton of outgoing Musical Director Keith Thomasson4BR

Final appearance

Finally, Test Valley Senior Band and the smaller 10 Piece ensemble 'Hooters & Tooters' were ranged against each other in the Open Brass and Wind Bands Class, with the experienced Seniors triumphing to take the Festival Brass Cup just ahead of ‘Hooters & Tooters’.

The Basingstoke event also marked their last time the Senior Band performed under the baton of outgoing Musical Director Keith Thomasson.

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    


Brabbins

Childs and Brabbins to showcase Mealor Concerto

November 3 • Paul Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' is to be performed this Friday in Swansea by David Childs under the baton of Martyn Brabbins with the National Orchestra of Wales.


Maurice Andre

Saunas and butter — what made Andre the giant so great...

November 3 • If you ever wondered what the secret of Maurice Andre's success was — then an article from 1987 revealed all about his morning practice regime...


Prof Childs

Childs enjoys latest Japanese trip

November 3 • Black Dyke Band's Director of Music has just returned from his latest musical trip to Japan.


AoBBA

Yorkshire offer for aspiring adjudicators

November 3 • The Yorkshire Regional Championships have teamed up with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators for an experience day for aspiring judges.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Chinnor Silver

November 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all standards who enjoy a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. Rehearsals are held in our bandroom at 11am and it is all FREE including the cake and coffee.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires a percussionist. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires an Eb bass player. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd