*
banner

European Memories: Interview with Phillip McCann

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to the legendary Black Dyke Band principal cornet player about his memories of the first European Championships and how the event has developed.

mCcANN
  Phillip was principal cornet of the Black Dyke Band that won the first contest by 10 points.

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

With the European Brass Band Championships due to take place in Birmingham at the end of the month 4BR has begun a new interview series with players, conductors and personalities who have made their mark on the event.

And what better way to start than a player who was part of the band that won the first ever contest at the Royal Albert Hall in 1978 — Philip McCann and Black Dyke Mills Band.

Philip went on to play in the Champion band on no fewer than seven occasions — each under the baton of the legendary Peter Parkes.

2022 European Championships

To find out more about the 2022 European Championships in Birmingham and to book tickets for the events go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/ebbf

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    


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


mINING

Brass band mining heritage celebrated

January 21 • Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum for England can now enjoy finding out more about the long and proud connection between brass bands and the industry.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


West Yorkshire Brass

January 20 • We are a friendly and welcoming non-competing band based in the Bradford area of West Yorkshire. We play at various events in Yorkshire throughout the year. We have vacancies for Eb and BBb basses. Instruments provided if required


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd