*
banner

Digital upgrade enhances Jena reach

A generous sponsorship link with the State Ministry for Culture & Media has enabled the Jena Competence Centre for Brass Band to significantly upgrade its musical outreach work.

Alex
  Creative Director, Alexander Richter tries out the new technology

Thanks to a successful sponsorship partnership, the Jena Competence Centre for Brass Band (Kompetenz-Zentrum für Brass Band) in Germany, has undergone an extensive technology upgrade.

Multi-media equipment, including hi-tech cameras, screens, speakers and microphones have been installed in the rehearsal rooms, with Creative Director, Alexander Richter telling 4BR that it offers the potential to make connections throughout the brass banding world.

Goal

"It is our goal to make two-way digital connections across the globe to so much more to players — from individual lessons and masterclasses to lectures and performance opportunities."

The purchase of the equipment as well as the training of the association's members was made possible through sponsorship from the State Ministry for Culture & Media's Neustart Kulture and Kulture.Gemeinschaften programmes.
Alexander revealed that Brass Band BlechKLANG, which is associated with the competence centre, will also benefit from the digitalisation measures.

The technology is portable and robust so we can also use it for concert performances and streaming opportunities to further expand audiencesCreative Director, Alexander Richter

Streaming opportunities

He added: "The technology is portable and robust so we can also use it for concert performances and streaming opportunities to further expand audiences."

4BR was informed that plans are also in place to work digitally with world class tutors and performers at the Jena Brass Band Seminar (Jenaer Blechbläser Seminar) as well as the popular International Summer Brass Band Camp.

Alexander added: "There are so many exciting possibilities we can now explore as an extension of our current work. We want music making to be live and in person, but this will enhance our overall offer."

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    


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Lewis Barton

Barton broadcast launches NXTOD series

September 26 • A new series rom NXTOD films will start with a showcase of the recital talents of rising star Lewis Barton.


Oldroyd

Oldroyd EVO continues to make its mark on performers

September 26 • The maker says it is attracting interest and customers for instruments with incredible potential.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd