*
banner

'Ear, 'Ear with David Thornton...

Brass Band England's latest online development programme sees David Thornton explore how we can learn from listening and how it can make a positive impact on our performances...

Thornton
  Find out what to listen out for with David Thornton this evening...

In the latest Brass Bands England's (BBE) Development Programme Online, David Thornton presents the topic of 'Critical Listening', exploring how we can learn the most from what we hear, and use this to impact our own performances.

As he says, rightly or wrongly, it's in our banding DNA to listen with a critical ear, judging one performance against another. But what are we listening for?

Sign up

To sign up to the zoom webinar please go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9215882779877/WN_tXnAPxioQfmKmKPxNO_YSg to register.

There are only 100 spaces available.

This is one of a popular series of BBE webinars held during the Covid-19 crisis, which seeks to delve into elements of the BBE Development programmes. The webinars have so far had over 45,000 viewers.

Join in

David's session will take place on a Zoom webinar for those who want to get involved and ask questions directly, as well as being available as a Facebook live video on the BBE Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/brassbandsengland.

The webinar will take place on Thursday 4th June, starting at 7.00pm (BST).

All the workshops are free, but BBE is asking participants to consider supporting the Brass Bands Emergency Fund with what they think sessions are worth.

The fund will use 100% of donated funds to support bands struggling during the crisis with ongoing freelance costs and other financial commitments.

To support the emergency fund, go to https://www.chuffed.org/project/brassbandemergencyfund

Down the pub

During the session, attendees will be able to ask questions sent in via the registration form. The workshop will begin with a short presentation on how to use the Zoom platform effectively to get the most out of the workshop while participants get used to the set up before starting at about 7.10pm.

After the presentation you can also join plenty of others down at the 'BBE Pub' to discuss the session and other things happening in the banding world. It's proved to be a great way to make links, socialise and chat!

The BBE Development Programme Online has lined up experts from across the brass band world every Thursday for at least the next few months to lead webinars straight to your living rooms on subjects covering almost every conceivable element of banding.

As he says, rightly or wrongly, it's in our banding DNA to listen with a critical ear, judging one performance against another. But what are we listening for?

Sign up

The session will also be available on Facebook live on the BBE facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/brassbandsengland

BBE facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrassBandsEngland/ for which users can sign up to for free.

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    


Willebroek

World Rankings: September 2026

October 1 • Brass Band Willebroek makes history, claiming top spot in 4barsrest World Rankings after double runner-up finishes at World Championships and British Open.


wOBPLAY

Albert Hall performances to be recorded by World of Brass

September 30 • All the performances from the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall will be audio recorded by World of Brass and made available on wobplay after the results.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert announces adjudication panels

September 30 • The judges that will make the decisions at the 49th Brass in Concert Championships have been announced.


4BR podcast

4BR Podcast: Live National Championship Preview

September 30 • Join us on Thursday night for the the 4BR preview of the event and the issues that surround it.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd