*
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    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd