*
banner

Downton celebrate training debut

Downton Band round off the season with a celebration of their long term investment plans...

Downton Band
 

Downton Band enjoyed a sell-out Christmas Concert recently, as the organisation celebrated the debut of its Training Band.

Not a seat was to be had as the newly formed ensemble gave its first performance before being joined by senior band players for the festive music making.

35 people

The Training Band now numbers 35 people of all ages — all of who began learning instruments in September. The band was formed thanks to generous grants from the People's Postcode Trust, Persimmon Homes and Wiltshire Council, which funded the purchase of nearly £10,000 of new instruments.

Fortunate

ME Paul Williams told 4BR: "Downton is now in the fortunate position of running three bands, and we are delighted with the progress of our Training Band.

What's particularly satisfying is to see a diverse mix of people from our community come together and learn together."

Downton is now in the fortunate position of running three bands, and we are delighted with the progress of our Training BandMD, Paul Williams.

Christmas Day

The Downton Band gave its last festive performance on Christmas Day when they started playing at 4.30am before being welcomed into many local homes for breakfast, mince pies, chocolates and mulled wine whilst children excitedly open their presents.

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    


Presto CDs

New partnership link for 4BR and Presto Music

June 2 • If you are looking to add to your classical music collections or those linked to the brass world, then you can do it by a click or two...


Denis Wick

Denis Wick Memorial Concert

June 2 • The life of the iconic musician, teacher, mouthpiece designer and businessman Denis Wick will be celebrated at a special concert this week in London.


Brass Cruise

A Brass Band Cruise with a difference

June 2 • You can enjoy a relaxing trip to three port cities accompanied by the sound of brass next year — or you can join in yourself.


Italian Brass Band

STEAM power boosts Italian outreach

June 2 • The Italian Brass Band continues to strengthen its Roman profile with its latest school link.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

June 1 • A highly motivated and talented musician with strong organisational skills is required to lead the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band as the Voluntary Band Instructor. This is a full time paid position (37 hrs pw)


Croy Silver Band

June 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but we always welcome enquiries for any section of the band. We rehearse in Croy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm.


Epping Forest Band

May 31 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn.. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year.. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd