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4BR Round Table Talk: Part 1

First part of a new round table discussion feature about the major topics of the moment — starting with contesting based on quality and not quantity...

Discussion
  4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Sandy Smith, Simon Gresswell and Paul Fisher

4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Sandy Smith, Simon Gresswell and Paul Fisher to discuss why they think contesting should be restructured in the UK based on quality and not quantity.

All three have plenty of experience as players, conductors and judges, as well as being able to look at the banding movement from the outside.

In this first part they look at why they think there is a problem with the current structure and in part 2 to follow they come up with some possible solutions...

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ebba

Future Europeans to head to Belgium and Denmark

November 9 • Antwerp and Copenhagen have been confirmed as the hosts cities for the 2029 and 2030 European Championships.


Greighallen

World of Brass to live-broadcast Norwegian National Championships

November 8 • The action from the 2027 Norwegian National Championships will be live-streamed by World of Brass on their wobplay.com media platform.


swbba

Results: 2026 SWBBA Contest

November 8 • Tongwynlais Temperance claims the cross border honours in Torquay with section wins for Weston Brass, St. Pinnock, Pendennis Brass, St. Austell Youth and Hatherleigh Training.


SBBBa

Result: 2026 SBBBA Borders Entertainment Contest

November 8 • Jedforest Instrumental claim the honours in Galashiels.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

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