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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

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The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

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