*
banner

Friary's big response from Reading

London National finalists gained a big response from a smaller than usual audience at their recent Reading concert appearance.

Friary
  It wasn't a big audience at Reading but the response to their performance certainly was

Although there wasn't the biggest audience that they have played too of late at their recent British Bandsman Series concert in Reading, the response and feedback from the event has proven to be beneficial for Friary Brass Band.

Their spokesperson told 4BR: "Despite the numbers the enthusiasm for the entertainment we provided gave us a great boost. It was good to see people appreciate such a diverse programme from George Gershwin to Lionel Ritchie, Nicholas Brodsky to Danny Elfman.

Audience response

They added: "We also took the opportunity to speak to people at half time and after the concert and it was great to hear that they enjoyed what we played and especially our solo features such as Philip Sparke's 'Fantasy for Euphonium', played by Chris Straker, and Howard Snell's quirky 'Tea for Two' played by percussionists Martin Davies and Will Rowling.

One concert goer told us that this was the first time they had heard the band in concert and now they were definitely coming again."

Next up

They won't have to wait long as the band will be in action at Woking Salvation Army on next Saturday, 26th October at 7.30pm. Details can be found at: www.friarybrassband.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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd