*
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    


whit friday

Report & Results: 2025 Christmas Whit Friday

December 13 • Diggle and Dobcross Youth get an early Christmas prezzie contest bonus on a night of festive fun in Delph.


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • 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.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd