*
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    


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


BBSS

BBSS delegates prepare for 40th anniversary concert

August 5 • Over 160 musicians from 12 countries will provide the 40th anniversary celebrations on the Brass Band Summer School course in Gloucestershire on Friday.


Fairlop Brass

Busy Fairlop help make brass on the grass pay

August 5 • Fairlop Brass has been busy providing entertainment for good causes and great people.


DOODLES

Don't be late to get prepared

August 5 • Doodles Mouthpiece replating services is reminding players to get that essential summer refurbishment done in time for the start of the second half of the contesting year.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd