*
banner

Church convert adds to Friary attractions

Friary Brass has been packing the pews with new brass band converts.

Frairy
  The sold out signs were in display for the band's recent concert.

Friary Brass has kept itself busy winning over new concert fans as they start to look forward to the Autumn series of major contest appearances at the National Final and Brass in Concert.

In fact there was a sold-out sign plastered across the billboarding for their recent appearance at St Nicolas Church in Great Bookham — with even the most sceptical listener won over.

New audiences

Band spokesperson Richard Straker told 4BR: "We've been working hard to attract new audiences and we perhaps got the best endorsement yet when one person came up to me and said that he had initially been "dragged along"by his wife, but by the close he was "on the edge of my seat and delighted by her decision"!

The concert saw the band provide a wide variety of genres — from 'Indiana Jones' to Rimsky Korsakov, Duke Ellington to Bach with the band's soloists all showcasing their talents.

St Nicolas was a new venue for us, so we were delighted that we filled the church to its absolute capacity and thrilled by the reception we received. The new convert fan was a great added bonus too!Friary Brass

Variety

"Our MD Nigel Taken wants us to really show audiences what a top brass band is capable of playing, so a classic overture such as 'Mill on the Cliff' is balanced against 'Manhattan Skyline', John Rutter with rousing favourites from 'Last Night of the Proms'."

He added: "St Nicolas was a new venue for us", percussionist Chris Atwood added, "so we were delighted that we filled the church to its absolute capacity and thrilled by the reception we received. The new convert fan was a great added bonus too!"

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    


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Ashley DIXON

Ashley's life affirming donation

September 2 • The Foden's baritone player Ashley Dixon has donated her life giving stem cells to help a father of two children.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd