*
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    


Spring Festival

Spring Festival feedback welcomed by Mortimers

May 5 • If you have constructive feedback to offer on the recent Spring Festival weekend, then the organisers welcome your responses.


podcast

4BR Review podcast — European and Spring Festival focus

May 5 • Plenty of issues to discuss on the live podcast this Wednesday at 7.00pm — and you can have your say.


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Glossop Old Band

May 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


East London Brass

May 5 • Solo Cornet: fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Chinnor Silver

May 5 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (11th) at 11am and welcome players of all abilities.. Come and enjoy a relaxed rehearsal mixed genres of music with some very friendly folks with tea and cake. It does not impact your own band and its free


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd