*
banner

Bold approach for new podcast

Professional trombonist and brass teacher Melissa Brown has been speaking to fellow musicians to see how they have been overcoming the challenges of COVID-19.

Podcast
  Melissa Brown has been talking to fellow professional musicians for her podcast

During Covid-19 lockdown professional trombonist and brass teacher Melissa Brown found herself at a creative loose end.

Her usual busy schedule had been replaced on-line teaching and practise, but even those activities left plenty of musical time to fill.

Bold as Brass

However, as she told 4BR, Melissa found herself wondering how other brass players were keeping themselves busy and so started going through her contact book and started ringing them up to find out.

The result was her 'Bold as Brass' podcast — an online broadcast where she simply sat down and started chatting to fiends and colleagues.

There are now 16 episodes currently available to listen to with many more on their way with guests including Carol Jarvis, Duncan Wilson, Andy Kershaw and John Wallace.

Overcome challenges

Talking to 4BR Melissa said: "It started off as an idea which has simply grown and grown. It's great to be able to chat to fellow musicians and find out how they have been overcoming the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic and especially the way it has affected their professional musical lives.

It's been hugely enjoyable and I hope informative for listeners — and the feedback I've had has been so uplifting that I'll keep going for some time yet until we all return to musical normality!"

There are now 16 episodes currently available to listen to with many more on their way with guests including Carol Jarvis, Duncan Wilson, Andy Kershaw and John Wallace4BR

Episodes

The episodes of Bold as Brass are released weekly on Sundays and are available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and via our host on LibSyn.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldasbrasspodcast

Instagram: @boldasbrasspodcast
Apple podcasts: apple.co/2Ab9vYR
Google podcasts: bit.ly/3dxquTD
Spotify: spoti.fi/3bhyEOF
boldasbrasspodcast.libsyn.com

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    


iNSTRUMENTS

Trump tariffs set to raise instrument prices in USA

August 13 • A new tariff proposal on imports, parts and accessories on brass and wind musical instruments draws criticism about national security issues.


willebroek

Willebroek's sixth sense pays off with Band Academy

August 13 • Over 60 young players enjoyed six days of Belgian music making on their sixth Academy course.


Harper

Harper enjoys Cory reconnection in Japan

August 13 • Philip Harper has made a Cory link in Japan to help inspire musicians on the Ageo Band Camp in Saitama.


Bruce Broughton

BrookWright Music: 11 March 1917 (Bruce Broughton)

August 13 • A moving euphonium solo from the pen of the critically acclaimed American composer Bruce Broughton.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

August 14 • Waterbeach Brass are a friendly and ambitious 2nd section band just north of Cambridge, looking for Tutti cornet, Eb bass and Tuned percussion to complete their lineup.. . Rehearsals on a Monday night- 7:45-10pm at Waterbeach Barracks.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd