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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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York Barbican

National Finals to move to York

February 27 • The Section 1-4 National Finals will be held York Barbican this year as the contest heads north from Cheltenham.


Norwegain

11 bands face potential Norwegian national relegation

February 27 • Bands that failed to pay their annual NMF membership fee on time could find themselves relegated to the bottom tier of their National Championship.


French National Championships

French bands prepare for National challenges

February 27 • The 2026 French National Championships take place in Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy this weekend.


ISM

ISM to host Make Music Work conference day

February 27 • If you want to find out how to make a sustainable career in the music industry then get along to the ISM 'Make Music Work' conference day in London in April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

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