*
banner

Mum's the musical word in North Shore

A great concert idea in New Zealand ensures that mums are still the most important people in the world...

Alice Jones
 

The stars of today and tomorrow were recently on show in New Zealand at a special 'To Mum with Love' concert by North Shore Brass and singer Rebecca Nelson at the Birkenhead College Theatre.

The A Grade band certainly kept toes young and old tapping with a diverse programme, including 'Diggers Rest', a long lost march by renowned New Zealand composer Alex Lithgow, and a cheeky jazz solo 'Ain't She Sweet' — much to the delight of all the mums in the audience!

Highlight

One of the highlights was Rebecca's choice of 'Into the West', from the movie 'Lord of the Rings', which cleverly backed by solo piano and solo euphonium was worthy of the silver screen.

Musical Director Colin Clark also got in on the act on trumpet as he effortlessly climbed the heights in the crowd pleaser 'Jubilo Jubilo', although the show stealing act was undoubtedly 12 year old singer Alice Jones.

In her debut performance, her duet with Rebecca in Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' had the audience spellbound.

the show stealing act was undoubtedly 12 year old singer Alice Jones. In her debut performance, her duet with Rebecca in Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' had the audience spellbound4BR

Youngsters shine

North Shore Brass Understudies also showed that the band is building impressively for the future, with youngsters ranged from 5 to 11 years of age wowing everyone with a lively programme based on fun numbers.

The concert finale 'We'll Meet Again' was also a sincere invitation from Colin and Rebecca to the audience to keep their seats reserved for the next concert, whilst with a line-up featuring a number of members of the National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand allied to the band's own youth commitment, they hope there will be many more successful concert ventures such as this in the years to come.

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    


lbrrt

Report & Result: 2026 National Championship of Great Britain

October 3 • Cory returns on the road to victory as Philip Harper's band reclaims National title honours at the Royal Albert Hall.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Thundersley Brass Band

Tuesday 6 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Kibworth Band

October 3 • Kibworth Band seeks a Musical Director to lead our rebuilding and drive musical progress. Based in South Leicestershire, we rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm. We compete in the Championship Section, moving to First Section from January 2027.


Epping Forest Band

October 2 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd