*
banner

Youthful Countdown to Christmas

Young players from the Accent Music Education Hub have worked with composers Paul McGhee and Lucy Pankhurst to provide a musical countdown to Chrsitmas.

McGhee
  Countdown to Christmas has been a great success

Composers Paul McGhee and Lucy Pankhurst have played a central part in working with young musicians in their local education hub to create an online advent calendar made up of socially distanced videos made over the last term

The duo work with youngsters in ensembles as part of the Accent Music Education Hub, the smallest peripatetic hub in England and helped to produce 'Countdown to Christmas' — an advent calendar of musical treats that started on December 1st and finished on the 18th — their last day of term.

Thrilled

Speaking about their involvement Paul told 4BR that he was thrilled that the youngsters could put something together in this way. "We are a very small service in the Hatton and Warrington area but it is also a really vibrant one with the teaching of brass and woodwind to wonderful young players.

We were delighted to be involved in the initiative, which the youngsters filmed themselves playing the parts and we managed to put together. There were over 50 players involved and everyone was brilliant."

Enjoy:

The videos can now all be enjoyed on a special website that has been created by fellow composer Andrew Baker at: www.accentensembles.co.uk

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd