*
banner

International line-up enjoys Swansea sunshine

The delegates on the International Brass Band Summer School have been enjoying themselves in Swansea — with a free showcase concert on Friday to round things off.

ibbss
  Over 150 delegates are enjoying the music making in Swansea

Over 150 delegates from 10 different countries from the world have made their way to Swansea to enjoy being part of the annual International Brass Band Summer School led by Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs.

Free concert

It's the 29th time that the course has been held and will culminate in a free concert to be held at Swansea University, Singleton Campus on Friday evening at 7.00pm.

The players have already been working hard on the repertoire to be showcased — with works from Gilbert Vinter to Paul Lovatt-Cooper being featured by the Boosey & Hawkes and Cardinal Bands.

A world class team of tutors has already ensured that the players gain extra musical attention, with the concert featuring solo spots from Richard Marshall and Owen Farr.

As has become a tradition the massed bands items are sure to raise the roof with the march 'Blaze Away', Alan Fernie's arrangement of 'Sosban Fach' and the brilliant 'Toccata' from 'Suite Gothique'.

Welcome

Speaking to 4BR, Prof Childs said: "It's already been a memorable few days here in Swansea — and it's wonderful to welcome back so many regulars as well as new faces.

The course has gained a worldwide profile, but it is always the warm welcome and the combination of fun and hard work that appeals to everyone.

That's down to the support we get from the likes of principal partner Geneva Group as well as World of Brass, Rath Trombones, Band Supplies, Sterling, Kapitol Promotions, Brass Band World, SHB Hire, Prima Vista and GK Design."

I hope to welcome as many people as possible to the concert — and I can promise they will be in for a treat, whilst the players will also be looking forward to the end of course party afterwards!Prof Nicholas Childs

Treat

He added: "The standard of playing grows each year as well, so we are testing the players this year more than ever before.

I hope to welcome as many people as possible to the concert — and I can promise they will be in for a treat, whilst the players will also be looking forward to the end of course party afterwards!"

Free Concert:

Friday 2nd August (7.00pm)
Swansea University
Singleton Campus
Fulton House 1st Floor,
SA2 8PP

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    


bic

Make sure you book your best BIC seat in the house

November 11 • Your really don't want to miss out on the entertainment at Brass in Concert this year — even if you can't make it to Gateshead.


Peter Moore

Moore on Radio 3

November 11 • The acclaimed soloist can be heard performing Dani Howard's 'Trombone Concerto' on Radio 3 next week.


Youth Championships

Limited places remain for Youth Champs 2026

November 11 • There are not many places left to be filled for the 2026 National Youth Championships — so you had better be quick if you want to be a part of a great day of music making.


Perth Concert Hall

Big turn out for Scottish battles in Perth

November 11 • There will be domestic as well as cross border rivalry on show in Perth later this month for the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge, Besson Scottish Open and Creative Scotland Scottish Youth Championships.


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Delph Band - Delph Youth Band

Sunday 16 November • Denshaw Village Hall, . Ripponden Rd, . Denshaw, . Oldham OL3 5SY


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 11 • Urgent:- Confident Solo Horn required to lead our horn section for our Christmas Concert and beyond. In the new year will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, and other concerts throughout the year.


Audley Brass

November 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking an Eb BASS PLAYER as we work towards our Dickens A Christmas Carol theme concert, the Beartown Brewery Christmas party and the 2026 Area contest.


Tintwistle Band

November 9 • Attention soprano cornet players!. Tintwistle band (famed for the number 1 hit single Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs!) are looking for a soprano cornet player!. We are 2nd section, enjoy all year round concerts/contests, and band social events.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd