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4BR Review podcast: Episode 2

The second episode is now out with at look at what has been, and what is going on in the banding world.

4BR Podcast
  The second episode is now out

Welcome to the second episode of the 4BR Review where joined by my colleague Chris Thomas we will once again be both looking back, as well as forward to, what has and what is, happening in the brass banding world.

To enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsE04xbG96k

What's on...

On this episode we look back at the recent Norwegian Championships in Bergen as well as forward to the series of Regional Championship event across the UK in the next few weeks — giving a few 'kiss of death' nominations on bands to watch out for.

All that and we touch on recent concerts at the Royal College of Music in London and Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, how we've been getting on enjoying the CD of Tim de Maeseneer and our book choices of the biography of Wilfred Heaton and 'Time's Echo' by Jeremy Eichler.

We also give you some new choices to look out for in the coming weeks to with new releases from Hauts de France and Gavin Higgins, concerts from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion, books from Peter Bassano and John McCabe, contests and even two old vinyl LPs to add to your collection.

Featured reviews:


CDs:

Storm
Hauts de France
Conductor: Luc Vertommen
World of Brass: https://www.worldofbrass.com/102201
WobPlay: www.wobplay.com

Rong Brass:
Download only: https://www.worldofbrass.com/DOYCD444-download

Concerts:

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sunday March 2nd
Town Hall
Birmingham
Go to: https://cbso.co.uk/events/cbso-brass-percussion-town-hall

Books:

So Written to After Times
John McCabe — A Life in Letters

Go to: https://www.prestomusic.com/books/products/9731660--so-written-to-after-times-john-mccabe-a-life-in-letters

Before the Music Stopped
The Life of Professional Musician 1965 — 2000
Go to: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-Music-Stopped-Professional-1965-2000/dp/B09NGXZPZB

LPs:

Gothenburg Brass Band
Conductor: Bengt Eklund
Polyphonic Recordings: PRL032D

Grimethorpe Special
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Conductor: Elgar Howarth
Featuring: Besses o' th' Barn Band
Narrator: Valerie Solti
Decca Records: HEAD14

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siddis

Results: 2026 Siddis Championships

November 8 • Manger become Norway's top entertainers for the first time since 2021, with section wins for Gjallarhorn, Bergen Brass, Oster Brass and Randaberg.


Spring Festival

Change in judging teams for 2027 Spring Festival

November 5 • A conflict of interest sees Dr Robert Childs step down from his Grand Shield adjudication appointment, with Col David Barringer now taking Senior Cup roll.


siddis brass

Live Wobplay coverage of Siddis Championships

November 5 • You can sit back and enjoy the Norwegian entertainment on offer from Stavanger on Saturday on the wobplay.com media platform.


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

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