*
banner

Brabbins to lead free masterclass

Martyn Brabbins will lead a free masterclass seminar at the University of the West of England — and you can grab your place as a conductor or performer.

Brabbins
  Martyn Brabbins will lead the free event

The University of the West of England (UWE) is to host a free Masterclass seminar with renowned conductor Martyn Brabbins.

The Music Director of English National Opera will lead the evening event on Tuesday 18th October alongside the UWE Bristol Orchestra (6.00pm — 9.00pm)

Exciting opportunity

Steven G Legge, Senior Lecturer in Classical & Jazz Music Enrichment told 4BR: "We are opening our doors to players and conductors of all musical genres to attend this exciting opportunity to learn from one of the UK's leading conductors.

Conductors are encouraged to attend from 6.00pm for the opportunity to work with Martyn on rehearsal techniques. Orchestral musicians can join the UWE Orchestra from 7.00pm to work on John Rutter's 'Gloria'."

Free

The masterclass is open to participants aged 16+ (if you are aged 16 — 17, to accompanied by an adult). Orchestral players should be a minimum Grade 7 standard.

The event is free to attend and will be held at the UWE Frenchay Campus.

Book a place:

Please email steven.legge@uwe.ac.uk with your name, age (if 16-17) and instrument / conductor.

You will be contacted via email closer to the event with final details. This event is supported by The Centre for Music

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    


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


Welcome

Warm welcome for Lawson at Welsh champion

March 28 • It's a been a long journey to get to his first rehearsal for Kyle Lawson at Cory — and its straight into concert action too.


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 5 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd