*
banner

Contagious Harper inspires musical Forest dwellers

Cory MD Philip Harper has led a great Brass & Percussion Workshop in the heart of the Forest of Dean.

Philip Harper
  Philip Harper brought along a bit of banding bling to help inspire the players!

Lydney Training Band, based in the Forest of Dean, recently hosted a Brass & Percussion Workshop led by Cory Band MD Philip Harper.

45 players from Gloucestershire bands Lydney, Cinderford, Bream, Lydbrook, Forest of Dean Brass, Cheltenham, Frampton on Severn, Chalford, and Chepstow enjoyed a full day of hard work and plenty of fun with Philip and tutors Chris Howley, Thomas Dunne and Steve Barnett.

Contagious

Philip led the way (bringing along a shiny bit of inspirational contest bling), covering the skill sets that he still employs when working with his all conquering world ranked number 1 band — including the basics of warming-up and how to create a good warm sound by breathing correctly.

His enthusiasm was contagious as he encouraged young and older learners to expand their skills and step into the styles of the challenging music chosen for the day's event.

Getting to grips

Meanwhile, Chris, Thomas and Steve also put the instructions into practice helping the players get to grips with the music, before a final rehearsal was followed by a great end of day concert performed to a full hall of parents and supporters.

Music as diverse as 'Blaze Away', 'Shepherds Song', 'Indian Summer', 'Singing in the Rain', 'Jamie's Patrol' and 'Baggy Trousers' was played with new found confidence and enthusiasm.

This shows that many bands in the area are encouraging both young and older players to take up a brass instrument, so it's a great step towards ensuring the continuation of the brass band movementKerry Ford

Next event

This was the third such event organised by Kerry Ford, Lydney Band Youth Development Officer, and was part funded by the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association.

She told 4BR: "Many attendees have already asked when the next event will be.

This shows that many bands in the area are encouraging both young and older players to take up a brass instrument, so it's a great step towards ensuring the continuation of the brass band movement."

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    


ISB and Fodens

Friday night Gregson spotlights

October 10 • You will be spoilt for a Gregson choice between the ISB and Ian Bousfield and Foden's and Mike Lovatt if you are in London this evening.


World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Swiss

What's your National knowledge like?

October 10 • The Swiss brass band website 'Brass Band News' is testing your knowledge of the winners of the National Championship title to see how many you can name in the right years since 1900.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

October 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 3 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd