*
banner

Pannell beaters...

Archie and Ivy Pannell perform on their brand new Geneva Mentor cornets after the duo impressed the legendary Phillip McCann with their wonderful lyrical playing in his Geneva Slow Melody competition.

Gebea
  Archie and Ivy enjoy a little outdoor practice together...

At a time when brass bands are in greater need than ever to be able to attract youngsters to start enjoying playing a musical instrument, then this picture of talented youngsters Archie and Ivy Pannell should put a smile on the face of everyone trying to do just that.

The duo have just received their brand-new Geneva Mentor cornets after they came in for special praise from cornet legend Phillip McCann after they entered his recent Geneva Instruments International Slow Melody Competition.

Chips off the block

Ivy aged 6, and Archie aged 8, play for Haverhill Youth and Community Band in Suffolk, and have already made a name for themselves with their wonderful online performances — showing that they are musical chips of the block of dad, Tim, who is also a multi-talented musician.

The youngsters have been recorded playing music from James Bond and Haydn to George Gershwin and John Williams — all delivered with great smiles.

No wonder then Phillip was extremely impressed with both of them as he told 4BR: "For two so young, their playing simply showed the joy of making music. Ivy is an amazing talent and with a personality that just invites to listen to her play. It's like a musical hug."

Pleasure

Both Ivy and Archie will now continue to enjoy their music making on their new Geneva instruments, with Geneva Group Director Vincent Eckerman adding: "Having also having thoroughly enjoyed viewing all the entries in the recent Phillip McCann 'International Slow Melody Competition' it was a pleasure to reward Ivy and Archie.

The joy was there for everyone to both see and hear and summed up the principal reason why the Geneva Foundation is so keen to support such initiatives."

For two so young, their playing simply showed the joy of making music. Ivy is an amazing talent and with a personality that just invites to listen to her play. It's like a musical hugPhillip McCann

Enjoy

You can enjoy performances form Ivy, Archie and Tim at their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/297930707852474/user/504884078

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    


NYBBGB

Free Open Day for next generation of National Youth players

March 13 • If you are aged 12 to 18 and want to find out more about what being on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is all about — then get along to their special Open Day this April.


Moore

RPS Awards to Moore, Wilson and Lloyd

March 13 • Trombone virtuoso Peter Moore, conductor John Wilson and trumpeter Matilda Lloyd are amongst the prize winners at the annual Royal Philharmonic Society Awards in London.


Brass bands

BBE to spearhead campaign for brass band UNESCO recognition

March 12 • Brass Bands England is hoping that people will help support the campaign to to get brass banding added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory.


ConsTest

ConsTest line-up confirmed as tickets go on sale

March 12 • 18 bands will showcase their own-choice selections at the ConsTest Contest at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire this year.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


North Somerset Community Brass

March 13 • We are looking to appoint an MD/Conductor for our keen and enthusiastic non contesting band.. .


Oxted Band

March 13 • CORNET & TROMBONE - Our friendly, ambitious band is looking for a Cornet player (position negotiable) and Trombonists (1st and Bass) to complete our line up for 2026. Led by MD Darrell Scholes, we have a wide range of engagements and events planned.


North Somerset Community Brass

March 13 • Cornet and bass players required. We are a fun and relaxed non contesting band and are looking to swell our numbers. Players of any instrument will be very warmly welcomed, but we would really love some more cornets and basses (instruments available).


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd