*
banner

Sense of optimism in Holmestrand

There is a real sense of musical optimism in parts of Norway as the COVID-19 restrictions start to be eased.

Holmestrand
  The Holmestrand Band made sure social distancing was adhered to...

Holmestrand Brass from Norway has made sure they didn't miss out on the fun of the Eurovision Song Contest this year by making their own self isolation version of the hit 'Optimist' as a tribute to its composer, artist and comedian Jahn Teigen who sadly passed away in February.

Safe rehearsal activity

Holmestrand Brass competed in the Fifth Section of the Norwegian National Championships in 2019, coming seventh and then fourth in 2020 under the baton of MD, Arild Ovrum, and with the recently partial relaxation of self-isolation and social distancing rules in the country were able to undertake some safe rehearsal activity.

The result was their performance of 'Optimism' — an emotion that all the members are now feeling that banding may slowly but surely return back to normality in the country over time.

Wanted to be a part

Spokesperson and EB tuba player, Per Arne Saether told 4BR: "We have noticed the wonderful video contributions given by bands from all over the world that appear on 4BR and we wanted to be a part.

We decided on 'Optimism' as it feels right at this present time and even added some vocals. We were fortunate that the Coronavirus restrictions have been eased a little before our Constitution Day, 17th of May, so that we could have some practice.

And to give our audience some traditional march playing for our National Day we recorded a piece outside also."

We have noticed the wonderful video contributions given by bands from all over the world that appear on 4BR and we wanted to be a partSpokesperson and EB tuba player, Per Arne Saether

To enjoy

To enjoy the 'Optimism' video, go to: https://www.facebook.com/HUK1921/videos/367982984089020/

To enjoy the march performance go to:
https://www.facebook.com/HUK1921/videos/235892991172914/

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    


Civic Hall

Report & Result: 2026 Midlands Regional Championships Second Section

March 15 • Harborough Band claims the last Midlands title on offer for this year as they are joined in York by Leicestershire Co-op.


markham

Results: 2026 Welsh Regional Championships

March 14 • Cory reclaims the Welsh title as Parc & Dare, Markham & District, City of Cardiff (M2) and Gwaun Cae Gurwen claim section honours.


Pendennis

Results: 2026 West of England Regional Championships

March 14 • Flowers reclaim Area title with section wins for Lympstone, Lanner & District, St Pinnock and Pendennis Brass in Torquay


Shine

Ready to shine? NYBBGB offer audition skills workshops

March 14 • There are a trio of FREE audition skills workshops on offer from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain to help young player's skills sets.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester.. . . Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a BBb BASS player.. . . We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Linthwaite Band

March 14 • We are a welcoming 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd