*
banner

Market boost for Midlands challenge

A determined and hard working Market Rasen Band has overcome player shortages to head to the Midlands Regional Championships this year.

Market RASEN
  The Market Rasen Band will be competing at the Midlands Regional Championships in Corby

The Market Rasen Band has told 4BR that through a great deal of determination and commitment they will be performing at the First Section Midlands Regional Championship in February.

The band has found it difficult to attract players since their return to regular post-Covid rehearsals and contesting, but has still made encouraging progress — from just 13 regulars in September last year to ensemble that can now take to the stage at Corby.

Empty seats

Commenting on the situation and the band's response, MD, Ian Knapton told 4BR: "We know we are no different to a lot of bands around the country who are struggling to fill empty seats since the end of Covid-19, but this has been a wonderful effort from such a determined group of players.

When I joined in September there were a core of just over a dozen and now we are getting close to full band mark. That means we can go to Corby and compete, and we will try even harder to fill the remaining empty chairs by then."

We know we are no different to a lot of bands around the country who are struggling to fill empty seats since the end of Covid-19, but this has been a wonderful effort from such a determined group of playersMD, Ian Knapton

Massive challenge

He added: "It's a massive challenge, but we have shown such great determination so far so let's see what we can do on the contest stage."

The latest boost came with the arrival of David Redhead on soprano cornet from Ibstock.

Meanwhile, the foundation end of the band has been strengthened by the arrival of the multi-talented Genette Gilbert on Eb bass, who joins an experienced section of dedicated players.

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd