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Entertainment and thanks from the banding world

Players, bands and ensembles have been keeping themselves entertained and giving their thanks to those helping everyone else during the lockdown...from Rainbows and funk, happiness and chicken runs..

Rainbows
  Lots of the help goes to supporting NHS, Care and Key workers

More bands, ensembles and soloists have been using the Coronavirus lockdown to provide their own form of musical entertainment.

Over the Rainbow

Well known conductor and trombone soloist Kevin Holdgate has already been doing his bit to show support NHS, Care and Key workers with his impromptu performances of 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' from the confines of home.

His arrangement of the hit is now available for all brass instruments through publishers Sheet Music Plus with versions for all brass band instrumentation plus French horn and trumpet.

Kevin has also prepared an MP3 file of the piano accompaniment which is available directly for free from him through his Facebook page.

Kevin will be donating the commission rate for 'copyrighted' songs paid by SMP of 10% to the NHS Combined Charities, although people who wish to make their own donation can also do so.

He told 4BR: "I don't anticipate raising anywhere near the fantastic efforts of Captain Tom, but every little bit helps. "

https://www.facebook.com/kevin.holdgate.7

Funky Perth

Bands are also carrying on their fantastic efforts with the players of Perthshire Brass in Scotland keeping funky whilst #stayingathome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3SfbEXH-5U&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0a5HQb2FWfTcujD5cUVmf-V2d5SBv2rOJNuxoiPq9u6salUuUzPBTdoGk

Chicken run

Meanwhile, Southampton University Brass Band have gone on a Chicken Run

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldO6xa8fdYk

Happy

The National Youth Concert Band of Great Britain has made sure it hasn't been left out either after they had to cancel their 2020 Easter Course.

They've been keeping 'Happy' courtesy of Pharell Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEmiW3TGSSw

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Mike Kilroy

Kilroy steps back from BBE role to follow health treatment

September 7 • Mike Kilroy will take a temporary step down as Chairperson of Brass Bands England to undergo treatment for prostate cancer.


Music of the Spheres

Check out the Spheres before Symphony Hall

September 7 • The countdown to the British Open sees the competing bands previewing their final preparations on 'Music of the Spheres' — so why not pop along and see how they are getting on.


Money

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September 7 • Glory and cash. One is priceless, the other pays the bills... but how much are they worth?


Murray Greig

Greig's to deliver in Leicester for free

September 7 • There is a free day of brass for young players to enjoy under the expert tuition of Murray Grieg this weekend — so make sure you sign up to enjoy.


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.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

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