*
banner

Lancaster University celebrates their starter for 10

The first decade of inventive brass banding has been celebrated by the ground breaking members of Lancaster University Brass Band.

Lancaster
  The university alumni joined together to celebrate 10 years of achievement

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lancaster University Brass Band, players past and present recently joined together for a special concert.

The band was formed as a 10 piece group by Mike Golding and Bek Chrimes, and in 2007 the University of Lancaster Music Society (ULMS) official recognised it as a major ensemble.

Since then, they have performed many concerts on campus and in the local area, as well as competing at the Whit Friday contests every year since 2009.

UniBrass founders

In 2011, the band founded the UniBrass contest and has taken an active role as organisers and competitors.

25 alumni returned to join the current members to create an ensemble of over fifty players, with former conductors Mike Golding, Michael Turner, Max Stannard, Chris Childs, Christopher Wadeson and Chris Osborn all taking turns to lead the band in a range of pieces which had been voted for by the players — from 'Hymn of the Highlands' and 'Jurassic Park' to 'Fire in the Blood'.

The concert was organised by the ULMS committee, led by Julian Shield and current conductor Georgia Williams.

In 2011, the band founded the UniBrass contest and has taken an active role as organisers and competitors4BR

Confident and ambitious

Chris Osborn, who conducted the band for three years told 4BR: "It was great to see so many people again, including the first conductor and all the UniBrass founders. The band has developed so much over the last ten years, becoming ever more confident and ambitious.

It's now an established part of the university and local community and has changed the face of university banding nationally by founding UniBrass. It was a pleasure to play with both the alumni and current members and I really look forwards to the next reunion."

Following the concert, a social evening was held where many stories were recalled, as well as the hope to be able to replicate the event in another 10 years.

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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd