*
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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


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

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


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


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


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd