*
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    


4BR

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd