*
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    


NYBBNI

4BR Thursday interview with Les Neish

February 19 • We speak to the Besson artist as he prepares to take the baton for the first rehearsal meeting of the National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland.


Linz

Linz European line-ups confirmed

February 18 • 30 bands will take to the stage at the Brucknerhaus in Linz to try and claim the various European titles on offer.


Nationals

New website for National Championships

February 18 • A new website will bring you all you need to know about the National Championships of Great Britain.


John Ward

Ward takes baton for Friary Area challenge

February 18 • John Ward returns to the conducting rostrum in Stevenage to lead former champion Friary Brass in their Area challenge.


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


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd