*
banner

Open champions feature on Wizard of Oz playlist

Brighouse & Rastrick make an appearance on James Morrison's 'Top Brass Christmas' programme on Radio 2.

Top Brass
  The programme is hosted by James Morrison (image: BBC/Cameron Bloom Photography)

Brass bands continue to make a musical impression on the BBC with British Open Champion Brighouse & Rastrick being featured on a new Christmas show on Radio 2.

'A Top Brass Christmas' is presented by the great Australian multi-instrumentalist James Morrison — and it is also acting as something of an aperitif for a new series of his 'Top Brass' show in January.

Festive favourites

'The Wizard of Oz' brings together some festive favourites, introducing carols, songs and lots of seasonal brass music.

There's jazz from Chet Baker and Gunhild Carling, big band from Tom Kubis, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington and The Airmen of Note, carols from Brighouse & Rastrick and The New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army, plus brassy pop covers from Oompah Brass, Aubrey Logan, and Back Chat Brass.

James also compiles his own 'Top Brass Nutcracker Suite' and plays original arrangements of festive classics by the likes of Imperial Brass, Riot Jazz, Bone-a-Fide Trombone Quartet, the Red Light Brass Band, German Brass, and the Funky Butt Brass Band!

To enjoy:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001ghk9

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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd