*
banner

JSVB proceeds to go to National Childrens Band of Great Britain.

The proceeds of the last ever concert of the iconic James Shepherd Versatile Brass will be donated to a very special banding cause...

JSVB
 

As previously reported on 4BR, the final concert of James Shepherd Versatile Brass, is to be held on 16th December at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph, Saddleworth.

Proceeds and award

It has now been announced that proceeds from the concert will be donated to the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain, alongside the commissioning of a special annual shield to be presented to talented player on one of the National Children's or Youth Band courses.

The ensemble was formed in 1972 by the legendary cornet soloist James Shepherd who collected together some of the finest brass band players of the time and formed was what became an iconic ensemble within the brass band movement.

Memorable and emotional

Kevin Holdgate, who has played with the JSVB for over 35 years told 4BR: "We are sure that our final concert will be a truly memorable and emotional one.

We are particularly pleased that several former members of JSVB will be attending including Jim himself. This will make the night extra special."

We are particularly pleased that several former members of JSVB will be attending including Jim himself. This will make the night extra specialKevin Holdgate

Decision

He added: "We have made the decision to donate the proceeds from the concert to the National Youth Children's Brass Band of Great Britain in order to facilitate the development of young players within the brass band movement.

We have also commissioned the 'James Shepherd Versatile Brass Award' which we hope will be presented annually to one of the very talented young musicians who attend the courses. Prof. Nicholas Childs has been invited to attend the final concert where we will present him with the shield."

David Morris, the World Champion whistler will be performing on the night with long standing friend of the group Gilbert Symes as compere.

Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased online at:
http://www.kphms.com/Concerts/Events.php

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd