*
banner

4BR Friday Interview with Phillip Monk

4BR talks to Phillip Monk the founder of the Mbale Schools Brass Band in Uganda who will be making their Whit Friday debut as part of the Foden's on-line competition this weekend.

MbALE
  The band will be making its Whit Friday debut thanks to the power of the world wide internet...

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR talks to Phillip Monk who founded the Mbale Schools Brass Band in Uganda in 2008 and has inspired hundreds of youngsters to learn brass music.

The band which comes from the Mbale in the eastern region of Uganda, draws its players from local schools in the region with an average age of around 15.

Over half the band are female and the experience range covers primary school children to a principal cornet who is training to become a doctor.

They have been drawn number 45 in the Foden's Whit Friday contest — so make sure you don't miss out on their performance of 'The Contestor'.

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd