*
banner

Let us entertain you...

Bands, ensembles and player groups are keeping everyone entertained during the current Coronavirus lockdown — from Wham and Game of Thrones to coconut dances and even the Life of Brian...

World
  The world is being entertained by brass bands and ensembles...

Brass bands at all levels around the world are continuing to provide their supporters and the general public with some brilliant self-isolated entertainment.

Virtual concert

Grimethorpe Colliery Band showcased their talents not with a single piece but with 18 — in a virtual concert of highlights from many of their memorable performances over the years.

There was something for everyone with their offering — from 'Life Divine' and 'All in the April Evening' conducted by Elgar Howarth to solos by Helen Varley and Michael Dodd, and the blockbuster finisher, 'MacArthur Park' with Kevin Crockford giving it the full beanz in the last bar...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USf1zRaDyH4&list=PLvRha5motnEFp-aRdz-UtRo92W5zb17oI&index=18

Wake me up

The world's number 1 ranked band has continued to lead the way with its latest offering a touch of early Sunday morning 'Wham!' with their take on George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's 1984 hit, 'Wake me up before you Go-Go'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb3h6HxML5U

German entry

Meanwhile, the German entry into what is fast becoming a new version of the European Brass Band Championships is a great version of 'The Floral Dance' by Brass Band BlechKLANG as part of their fundraising efforts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvzXMxL7IjA

Bands have also been paying tribute the legion of incredible front line NHS, care sector and essential service workers who have been keeping the nation safe and well.

Coconuts

It's also been done with the aim of putting a smile on the face too — with the Milnrow Band coming up with a super rendition of 'The Rochdale Coconut Dance'

They told 4BR that the roots of the music go way back to the 1800's when town's such as Rochdale had its own 'Coconut Folk Dance' troupe. The piece was arranged by Andi Cook for the band's 150th anniversary celebrations this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX-RUopGS28&feature=youtu.be

Bright side of life

There has also been something a little different from Elland Silver — with a very appropriate 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'

https://www.facebook.com/ellandsilverband/videos/603604120558477/?eid=ARDjwESEkLod2QFVxT4b6t_20bvVDd1BQV2vy9n6lt1ZqgsH4216OC_yQpypCqoU3ES4ePoD9L0IM0Lr

you can get a great fix on the famous theme tune courtesy of banding's version very own version of the Dothraki hordes — otherwise known as Andy Austin, John Barber, Steve Sykes, Rob Wilshaw and friends...

Something different

For something different there has been the Boys of Brass presenting their version of the ever popular National Anthem of Puerto Rico... (possibly)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GutzTFJarD0&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2jlmmOLuFmaYZ2jCVlBz9YOSxsO61Ezu82lCQLEm66AGy7EFqE_nymJYo

...and just for you Game of Throne fans out there (and by all accounts there are plenty...) you can get a great fix on the famous theme tune courtesy of banding version's very own version of the Dothraki hordes — otherwise known as Andy Austin, John Barber, Steve Sykes, Rob Wilshaw and friends...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFpSgrSS3BA

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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd