*
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    


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


mINING

Brass band mining heritage celebrated

January 21 • Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum for England can now enjoy finding out more about the long and proud connection between brass bands and the industry.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd