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Radio: Listen to the Band

Plenty of musical highlights to enjoy from Frank Renton on the BBC.

Frank Renton
  Frank Renton has plenty to chat about to go with the music on the BBC.

Listen to the Band:

7th February:


Frank Renton has some recent releases including a 175th anniversary CD from Camborne Town Band plus memorable music by Gustav Holst, George Harrison and Richard Rodgers played by Grimethorpe, Brett Baker with Black Dyke and the GUS Band under conductor Bramwell Tovey

14th February:


Frank Renton talks to UniBrass's Andy Straiton and hears from last year's winners from the University of Manchester Brass Band about plans to keep the crown this weekend.

21st February:


Frank Renton with a celebration of classic small group brass music played by The Locke Brass Consort, Bonesapart, Bay Brass and the band within a band, The London Symphony Orchestra Brass led by conductor Eric Crees.

28th February:


The Radio 2 Young Brass Award Semi Final

The search for the next brass star reaches the semi-final stage as eight talented musicians play for a place in the final alongside Foden's Band under conductor Michael Fowles.

In this special programme Frank Renton presents all the music highlights as Clare Freeman talks to the young performers about their preparation and their dreams and career aspirations as they try and impress judges David Childs and Helen Vollam, Principal Trombone of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The four selected for the live final at the Royal Northern College of Music in April will be revealed at the end of the programme.

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Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Blidworth

Result: 2026 NEMBBA Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Blidworth Welfare takes the entertainment honours in Darley Dale.


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

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


Chinnor Silver

September 28 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join our ambitious friendly 1st section band.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good mix of concerts and contests and an overseas trip planned.. .


Chinnor Silver

September 28 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join our ambitious friendly 1st section band.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good mix of concerts and contests and an overseas trip planned.. .


East London Brass

September 24 • Percussion - East London Brass are seeking an enthusiastic percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious band. Great music, regular rehearsals and a welcoming atmosphere. Interested? Get in touch for more details!


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

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