*
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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 11

November 23 • Catch up with the latest 4BR Review with 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas


Swiss Nationals

Swiss set to celebrate 50th contest anniversary

November 23 • The Swiss National Championships will reach a significant milestone this year in Lucerne with new works set to test the 60 competing bands.


sewbba

Results: 2025 SEWBBA Tonyrefail Festival

November 23 • There was a welcome return of contesting action in South Wales as bands took to the stage in Tonyrefail.


Perth

Result: 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge

November 22 • Unite Scotland Kinneil claims victory in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Dobcross Silver Band

November 25 • Due to family commitments we have a rare vacancy for an Eb BASS PLAYER. . As current NW Area 3rd Section Champions and 2025 National Champions we start our journey in the 2nd Section in 2026! Are you the missing piece to our otherwise full band?


Fulham Brass Band

November 25 • Fulham Brass Band are seeking an inspirational and talented Musical Director to take the band forward and guide our return to the L&SC Championship Section. . . We rehearse on Monday evenings 7.15-9.45 at St Etheldreda's Church, Fulham Palace Road, London.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd