*
banner

Fancy joining Philip Harper's band?

You can in Thornbury near Bristol today as the Cory MD leads Brass Band England's first Artistic Development workshop day — so get along and benefit from the best.

Harper
  Philip Harper will be in action today

If you want to have the chance to day to do something that will surely have long term benefits for you band, then get along to Brass Bands England (BBE) first 'Artistic Development' day which will be led by Cory MD, Philip Harper in Thornbury near Bristol.

It is aimed at encouraging conductors and band leaders to explore ways they can be more innovative and creative in their approach, and more dynamic in their engagement with audiences both on and off stage, and will see Philip leading an exploration into demystify the subject of Artistic Direction, particularly the role of the audience in artistic thinking.

Wild imagination

He will discuss the importance to artistic leaders of self-learning, curious listening and wild imagination, as well as covering the nuts and bolts of on-the-ground artistic direction, working with bands in rehearsals.

It all starts at 9.30am on Saturday 29th September at Turnberries Centre in Thornbury (BS35 2BB) — starting with a tea and coffee welcome at 9.30am before the sessions start at 10.00am.

Lunch will be provided at 1.00pm before it will all be wrapped up around 4.00pm.

He will discuss the importance to artistic leaders of self-learning, curious listening and wild imagination, as well as covering the nuts and bolts of on-the-ground artistic direction, working with bands in rehearsals4BR

Wide spectrum

Philip told 4BR: "When BBE asked me to take a national lead on the topic I was very excited to have the chance to share my experience in a way which could potentially benefit all levels of banding.

Get along

Tickets are priced at £5.00 for BBE members and £15.00 for non-members and include the price of a buffet lunch.

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    


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Brass at Beamish March & Hymn Tune contest

June 23 • All beaming smiles for Bathgate as they retain their grip on the popular march and hymn tune title.


Milnrow

Report & Result: 2026 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune

June 23 • Milnrow adds to British Open contesting funds with double top victory in Darwen.


Flowers band celebrating their historic European triumph

World Rankings: June 2026

June 22 • Flowers bloom as Gloucester band reach No. 1 in the world after historic European triumph.


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd