*
banner

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

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Yorkshire Youth Band

Yorkshire Youth set for RNCM showcase

January 22 • The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band are ready to make a memorable mark at this weekend's RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

January 23 • Cleethorpes Band are recruiting a Musical Director. . We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd