*
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    


Carousel

New six pack from Presto

June 3 • Six new and old releases with a connection to the brass band world to enjoy through Presto Music.


Tameside

Report & Results: 2026 Tameside Whit Friday

June 2 • Foden's retain their Whit Friday title with a Presidential flourish in Tameside.


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Ascot Brass - Vanguard Quartet from "Royal Harmonics"

Saturday 6 June • St Michael and All Angels Church St Michaels Green, Grenfell Road Beaconsfield HP9 2BP


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 3 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 3 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bedworth Brass

June 3 • Bedworth Brass (1st Section) require a talented and enthusiastic Principal Euphonium Player to join our hard working band. We are a friendly and sociable band and would love to welcome you into our banding family.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd