*
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    


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • There are victories for and Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk on the first day of competition in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We currently have vacancies for 2 tenor trombones. As a 4th section contesting Band, we have a diary filling up with various engagements to keep us busy, and therefore keen to fill the positions.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable. Our diary is filling up with various engagements, so we are keen to fill the position.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd