*
banner

Smithills complete marathon prep

The students of Smithills School Senior Band have just completed a marathon of music making to help them prepare for their forthcoming tours.

smithills
 

Smithills School Senior Band under their MD Chris Wormald have completed their latest, annual 10 hour, non-stop sponsored Sunday marathon rehearsal to help raise funds for their forthcoming tours to Ireland and the USA.

Tours

The 9.00am till 7.00pm Sunday rehearsal saw the players rehearse repertoire including 'Knight Templar', 'Mars' from 'The Planets' and 'Bugler's Holiday', plus new arrangements by the MD for their 25th and 26th tours abroad.

The annual, marathon Sunday rehearsals I instigated have been a Smithills highlight for some 25 years now and raise around £4,000 for band fundsMD, Chris Wormald

Highlight

Chris told 4BR: "The annual, marathon Sunday rehearsals I instigated have been a Smithills highlight for some 25 years now and raise around £4,000 for band funds.

More importantly, the players make huge musical, technical and stamina improvement throughout these marathon days and there is fantastic bonding and great humour throughout. The hours genuinely fly by and are hugely rewarding for everyone involved."

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    


Herbert

The Brass Band Story set for publication

February 26 • A new book written by Prof Trevor Herbert and aimed at general readers interested in an overall analysis and insight into the brass band movement in the UK and beyond, is to be published in July.


Desford

Small drop in Midlands Area entrants

February 26 • 69 bands will compete at the Midlands Regional Championships over two weekends in March.


Perth

Positive uptake for Scottish title challenges

February 26 • There will be two full days of competitive and non-competitive music making at the 2026 Scottish Championship in Perth.


Riverside

Line-ups for North of England Area confirmed

February 26 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and Cheltenham later in the year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd