*
banner

Downton set for next generation

The Downton Band is getting ready to open its doors to a new generation of young players.

Downton Band
 

The Downton Band is set to launch its exciting new training band in September and is still keen to hear from any young players who want to take part and learn a brass or a percussion instrument.

Launch

The launch will take place on Wednesday September 16th with their first rehearsal at 6.00pm in Downton's band room on Gravel Close, Downton.

Cheap

Downton Musical Director Paul Williams told 4BR: "The new band is open to anyone who wishes to come along and learn how to play an instrument.

We have deliberately tried to make it as cheap — just £1 a week to enjoy expert tuition, a weekly rehearsal, plenty of performance opportunities and the loan of an instrument to take home to practice."

We have deliberately tried to make it as cheap — just £1 a week to enjoy expert tuition, a weekly rehearsal, plenty of performance opportunities and the loan of an instrument to take home to practiceMD, Paul Williams

Help

He added: "The band has been very fortunate to be supported by Wiltshire County Council's Community Grant scheme, Persimmon Homes Community Champions and the People's Postcode Lottery Trust.

This funding has allowed Downton to buy lots of new instruments that are now sitting on shelves waiting for new players!"

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


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd