*
banner

Self help boosts finances for leading UK youth band

A joint fund raising initiative by Audley Brass and Lions Youth Brass has boosted both band's finances and strengthened musical links.

Audley
  Audley Brass was one of the bands to benefit from the fund raising initiative.

One of England's leading youth bands recently joined forces for a joint fundraising concert, with the initiative raising over £900 for the coffers of both Audley Brass and Lions Youth Brass.

It meant that Audley received a timely boost following their appearance at the Third Section National Championships, whilst it meant another important step in the efforts of Lions Youth to meet their £25,000 target for their once in a lifetime performance at the 2019 European Championships.

Pride

Tom Hancock, who is the MD of Audley Brass and also conducts the Lions Junior Band, told 4BR: "I'm enormously proud of our growing partnership with Lions Youth Brass, having spent 20 years there as a player, tutor and conductor.

I have a fantastic relationship with their conductor Nigel Birch, who generously purchased our National Finals test-piece 'Episodes' to help with our costs — so we'll be returning the favour by purchasing their European piece!"

Partnership

The links between the bands means that there are a number of past Lions players now enjoying their senior banding at Audley, with six currently playing with both ensembles.

In response Lions MD, Nigel Birch, added: "I'm delighted we have been able to develop a great partnership. I see Audley as an ideal organisation for players to develop their music making and also have the opportunity of enjoying different experiences from those they get at Lions.

Tom is developing his conducting and growing with the success of Audley. He's keen and dedicated, so couple that with his knowledge and experience and I expect his conducting career to continue to thrive."

The links between the bands means that there are a number of past Lions players now enjoying their senior banding at Audley, with six currently playing with both ensembles4BR

Joint ventures

He added: "At Lions we will continue to support players into Audley Brass. I would like to thank them for the generous offer to purchase our European test-piece and look forward to a range of great joint events in the future."

It is now hoped that there will be further joint ventures in the pipeline for 2019, including Audley tutors leading a workshop day with Lions Juniors, a Youth Nationals/Area contest preview evening as well as the joint concert becoming an annual event.

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    


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Lewis Barton

Barton broadcast launches NXTOD series

September 26 • A new series rom NXTOD films will start with a showcase of the recital talents of rising star Lewis Barton.


Oldroyd

Oldroyd EVO continues to make its mark on performers

September 26 • The maker says it is attracting interest and customers for instruments with incredible potential.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd