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Latest issue of Brass Band World magazine out now

The latest issue of Brass Band World magazine is out now — and in plenty of time for Christmas...

BBW Magazine
  The December/January issue of Brass Band World magazine is now out...

The brand new December/January edition of Brass Band World magazine is now out, packed with fantastic features, articles, reviews and interviews…the perfect gift for your loved ones and friends this Christmas!

EDITOR'S VIEW

BBW's Editor, David Childs, reveals his Christmas wish list with just a fleeting moment of Ebenezer Scrooge.

BRASS BAND WORLD NEWS

New Year transfer season kicks off
British Composer Wind or Brass Award
2017 Butlins Festival countdown
BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award semi-finalists announced
RAF forms new Royal Auxiliary Air Force Band
Brass in Concert audio downloads first
Brass for Africa to appoint Alison Balsom fellow

LET'S DEBATE — CREATIVE RISK-TAKING!

European Brass Band Association President, Ulf Rosenberg, responds to criticism about test-piece selection by major contest promoters and explains his organisation's strategy of commissioning talent from European host countries to expand the pool of repertoire and compositional talent.

COLLECTIVE VISION

Despite disappointing delegate band support, the first National Conference, hosted by Brass Bands England, provoked lively discussion and a lens on what the future might look like with collective consensus.

HOWARD SNELL — TRUE GIANT

Now in his 80th birthday year, the keynote speaker at Brass Bands England's recent first National Conference, Howard Snell, shares his fascinating views on brass bands with fellow musician — Sandy Smith.

KNOW THE SCORE — LET THE PAGEANTRY BEGIN!

David Read MBE provides an introduction to the 2017 UK top section Regional test-piece, Pageantry by Herbert Howells

2016 — THE HIGHS AND LOWS

Christopher Thomas surveys the highs and lows of the last 12 months, and discovers there were more highs than lows.

THE BLUE SHEEP

NMC Recordings — responsible for the recently released War Memorials disc that has drawn plaudits for brass bands from national press critics — is the 'blue sheep' of the recordings market. BBW investigates.

BRITAIN INSPIRES BALTIC SUCCESS

Find out how the British brass band culture has raised the aspirations of young people in Lithuania — host to the 2019 European Championships.

'EURO' STARS

Which contenders in seven of Europe's national contests, from Sweden to Switzerland, are booking their passages to the 2017 Ostend 'European'?

Which Norwegian and US bands secured their tickets to the UK's 2017 Brass in Concert Championship and which Welsh rivals drew at the end of the season?

BOOK YOUR PLACE

There have never been more platforms for brass bands, soloists and ensembles — BBW offers a snapshot of international festivals, competitions and summer schools in the New Year, from the 2017 European Championships in Ostend to the International Brass Band Summer School in Wales.

BRASS EDUCATION

Find out about the New Year Open days at the Junior RNCM and Birmingham Conservatoire, along with detail about Trinity College London's new aural and improvisation tests.

PRO PRACTICE

Professor Roger Webster delivers the first in his new series of BBW master classes, launching them with advice about developing that all-important ability to concentrate.

PRO PLATFORM

Robert Childs catches up with fellow Welshman and former euphonium player, Kevin Morgan, now Principal Tuba of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

BBW CASTAWAY

Katrina Marzella delves into the desert island listening of top trombonist, Nick Hudson and discovers his ingenious plan for making it back to civilization!

YOUNG VOICES

Mark Good meets cornet player, Dominic Longhurst, who occupies the top chair at one of the most famous bands in the world — Brighouse & Rastrick.

BBW CENTRE BAND

Pioneering Austrian band — Brass Band Oberosterreich, has just secured a hat trick victory of the Austrian National Championships under the baton of Tredegar Town Band's Musical Director, Ian Porthouse.

…AND ANOTHER THING

In festive mood, John Barber and resident cartoonist, Nezzy, sprinkle a little Christmas magic!

RETROSPECTIVES

All the action and photographs from the 40th Brass in Concert. Championships and the Scottish Open.

REVIEWS OF THE LATEST CD RELEASES

Sandy Smith reviews Celebration — An 80th Birthday Tribute to Howard Snell. Michael Fowles reviews Celebrate the Season by The International Staff Band.

Dr. Brett Baker listens to 'Duel' by Betrand and Jocelyne Moren, whilst David Childs enjoys a Q&A with the duo.

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS

Dan Price reviews John Doyle's 'Blue' and 'The Beauty of Blue' from the Marcato Brass Publishing stable.

David Childs reviews 'Carolers' Favorites' from The Salvation Army Eastern Territory USA.

CONCERT REVIEWS

Tubular Brass plays Tubular Bells in Bristol
Owen Farr leads International Flugel and Tenor Horn Day in Fife
Black Dyke and James Morrison wow in the World of Brass in Concert at The Sage Gateshead.

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE…

BBW's Christmas countdown counterspy of some of the best gifts around and David Childs comes up with some bedtime stories for imaginative young minds.

RANKINGS

With Gordon Simpson of BrassStats.com

DIARY DATES

What's on around the World in December 2016 and January 2017?

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gRETHE tONHEIM

2024 4BR Special Award

December 25 • The award this year goes to Grethe W Tonheim, who continues to inspire with her playing, teaching and musicianship


Band of the Year

2024 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • So many great bands on top form during the year, but these were the three that stood out for our panel.


Conductor of the Year

2024 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • These were the top three MDs who created the performances to savour in the past year for our panel.


pLAYER

2024 4BR Player of the Year

December 25 • So many great individual performers on show this year, but this trio were exceptional.


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Croy Silver Band

December 27 • As we build on our 3rd Place at Cheltenham and head into the 2nd Section for 2025, Croy Silver Band has contest vacancies on Cornet, E-flat Bass and Percussion, but also welcomes enquiries for any section of the band.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

December 24 • Solo Baritone Eb Bass and Percussion required to complete the line up building towards the NEMBBA and area contests. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill the few remaining seats.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

December 19 • Current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists. We have recently appointed a new MD and are now looking to fill a few empty seats! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

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