*
banner

Johnstone Band to switch on the sound of Christmas

The Johnstone Band will be bringing plenty of festive music cheer with an online concert.

Johnstone
  The band will be performing online on Tuesday 8th December

This year's holiday season might understandably look and sound very different, but that hasn't stopped members of Johnstone Band bringing festive cheer to audiences far and wide.

The Renfrewshire organisation would usually face a busy few weeks of concerts and carol playing in and around the local area, but restrictions mean that isn't possible this year.

Online music making

Not to be deterred they have taken the music making online instead, preparing a mini festive concert which goes live at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 8th.

Using Zoom recordings the players recorded carols and other festive favourites individually from the safety of home before each contribution was brought together by freelance musician, Aaron McGregor.

Maintain momentum

Reflecting on the process, MD Mark Good told 4BR: "The past few months have been very strange as we would usually see each other several times a week, rehearsing and performing together.

Meeting online has helped us keep up momentum, encouraging players to keep their lips in shape. It's been important to have goals to aim for — as we would normally — and this mini festive concert has been a great way of doing that.

For many people, they don't feel Christmassy until they've heard the sound of a brass band. We hope this performance helps spread some much-needed festive cheer."

It's been important to have goals to aim for — as we would normally — and this mini festive concert has been a great way of doing thatMD, Mark Good

Challenges

The concert is the latest in a series of online projects and challenges since lockdown began in March, as Chairperson June Deans added: "This year has been different and we've been disappointed that we couldn't perform to audiences across Renfrewshire. Although we can't wait to get together again we've enjoyed working on our virtual performances."

Johnstone Band's mini festive concert is set to be broadcast on its Facebook page, Twitter profile and new YouTube channel on Tuesday, December 8th at 7.30pm.

The concert has been made with assistance from Renfrewshire Council Johnstone & Linwood Local Partnership.

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd