*
banner

New addition to Wantage musical family

A seventh new musical ensemble has been added to the Wantage organisation with the creation of a brand new youth band.

Wantage Youth
  The band has already attracted a great line-up of playing talent

The Wantage Band has launched its latest addition to its growing list of community based initiatives.

Wantage Youth Brass will be led by Sara-Jane Wallbridge, and is aimed at young players aged between 11 and 18. It becomes the seventh musical element of the organisation with the long term aim to enter local and national contests, put on concerts and go on tour.

Welcome

At its inaugural rehearsal the band attracted 16 budding players, but it is hoped that the number will grow with youngsters welcome from anywhere within travel distance in the region.

There are no auditions, but players will need to have reached at least Grade 3.

The inspirational Musical Director is a graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire and has been a member of the top section Wantage Band since 2012.

It's so exciting to create a brand-new band and to work with such enthusiastic youngsters. We want to give lots of positive and rewarding experiencesSara-Jane Wallbridge

Looking forward

Sara-Jane Wallbridge is a popular brass teacher in Oxfordshire and tutors many of the young players in the other Wantage ensembles.

She told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to this new challenge. It's so exciting to create a brand-new band and to work with such enthusiastic youngsters. We want to give lots of positive and rewarding experiences.

As well as developing them as musicians we also want to provide social opportunities — starting with our first concert appearance next month."

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    


Desford Colliery

Result: 2025 National Championship of Great Britain

October 12 • Desford surprise the favourites to claim a fifth National title success.


ISB and Fodens

Friday night Gregson spotlights

October 10 • You will be spoilt for a Gregson choice between the ISB and Ian Bousfield and Foden's and Mike Lovatt if you are in London this evening.


World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


Audley Brass

October 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 3 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd