*
banner

Sonic launch for new Paul Richards mouthpiece

Mercer & Barker will give soprano players at Cheltenham the chance to try out the brand new MB1-PR 'Sonic' mouthpiece designed in collaboration with Paul Richards.

Paul Richards
  Paul Richards has developed two mouthpieces with Mercer & Barker

Leading mouthpiece makers Mercer & Barker will be in Cheltenham this weekend giving soprano players the opportunity to check out their latest additions to their range.

It will include the new MB1-PR 'Sonic' mouthpiece inspired by Flowers Band star Paul Richards, who last weekend claimed the Brian Evans Memorial Trophy as 'Best Soprano' at the British Open Championship.

Finest performers

Regarded as one of the finest performers in world banding, Paul has worked with Mercer & Barker to first launch the MB-PR1 has been incredibly popular.

It's combination of a sizeable cup with the comfortable signature M&B rim helps the player deliver a true shimmering soprano sound without losing range or stamina.

The partnership has now created the new MB1-PR 'Sonic' designed to be used in partnership with the MB PR1. It has been designed to provide the performer with the option to enhance the extreme range whilst not compromising sound.

Sonic option

Talking about the mouthpiece Paul said: "This is such an exciting option for a soprano player to have in their armoury. It certainly enables me to seamlessly swap in a mouthpiece which feels the same to play, is bang in tune, but provides more support to play at the highest register in comfort."

More information:


For more info on the new Sonic mouthpiece, go to: www.mercerandbarker.com

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    


British Open

Spring Festival hotel deals available direct

May 16 • The British Open organisers are working with leading hotels in Birmingham to see them offer 2026 Spring Festival competitors exclusive deals.


bRITISH oPEN

British Open tickets on sale

May 16 • The box office will open at 10.00am on Friday 16th May for tickets for the 171st British Open Championship.


Open test

Study scores now available for Open test-piece

May 16 • If you want to make sure you have a better idea about what will be heard at Symphony Hall you can get your hands on a study score now.


Linz

Linz to welcome Euros in 2026

May 16 • The European Championships will return to Linz in 2026 — with tickets going on sale in October.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player, maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd