*
banner

Midlands youth meet for new term progress

44 talented young players of the North East Midlands Youth Band recently met to enjoy working with tutors and to showcase their progress.

In action
  The talented young players came under the expert direction of Michael Fowles and fellow tutors.

44 young players from the Midlands area recently met for the first rehearsal day of the North East Midlands Youth Band.

The first course of the new academic year was led by Musical Adviser Michael Fowles and tutors Gary Wyatt, Stan Lippeatt, Michael Dodds, Chris Houlding, Simon Gresswell and Adie Smith. The youngsters also took part in a workshop led by Chris Houlding as well as sectional and full band rehearsals.

Short concert

The day ended with a short concert to an audience of over 100 parents and supporters that featured a programme of 'Prismatic Light', 'I Will Follow Him', 'Little Hymn' and 'Conquest of Paradise'.

With the numbers growing with each course we are all looking forward to meeting again in the new year with a concert planned in JuneYouth Band Director Martin Heartfield

Secure future

Youth Band Director Martin Heartfield told 4BR: "I'm delighted that with the support of the Notts Music Hub, NEMBBA and the Blidworth Welfare Band the future of this young ensemble is now secure.

With the numbers growing with each course we are all looking forward to meeting again in the new year with a concert planned in June."

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    


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


unibrass

UniBrass CompComp26 reveals shortlist

December 30 • Four young composers will look to be crowned 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition winner.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 5 & 6

December 30 • Jo Behan meets up with Idun Carling and the female players of Desford Colliery Band for the final two episodes of her podcast series for 2025.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd