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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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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.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Senior Cup

May 2 • Kirkintilloch claims the Senior Cup honours as Rainford, Tongwynlais Temperance and East London Brass join them in the Grand Shield in 2027.


2026 Spring Festival

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Senior Trophy

May 2 • Sandhurst Silver claims the Senior Trophy honours as Sovereign Brass, Unite Scotland Kinneil and Yorkshire Imperial are also promoted to the Senior Cup.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. . We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher.. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

May 2 • Bb Basses. With Colin Dance now appointed as our MD and our other Bb Bass leaving due to work commitments, we have openings for two Bb basses. We are a friendly community (4th section?) band with a variety of gigs including our own Proms in the Park.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

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