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4BR Review podcast: Episode 4

4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas look back at the European Championships as well as chatting about plenty of other things — from the Spring Festival to Maurice Murphy...

4br review
  The latest 4BR review podcast is now out

Welcome to the latest episode of the 4BR Review Podcast — where 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas chat about what is, what has and what will be going on in the brass band world.

We offer our views and opinions on events, topics, new releases and just about anything else that comes to mind.

Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j_yOnrywEo

Europeans

On this episode, we look back at the recent European Championships in Stavanger where Brass Band Willebroek claimed the title for a fourth time to discuss whether or not the event is in need of a musical as well as structural overhaul?

Back in the UK there was also the British Open Spring Festival which took place in Blackpool.

As always, we will discuss latest releases and concerts that took our fancy as well as recommend a couple of books and old LPS to get your hands on.

Review opinions

We look at concerts by David Childs, the forthcoming Elgar Festival and a new release from Onyx Brass and John Wilson.

Then there is the new Radio 3 programme 'Brass Banding with Hannah Peel', the 'Amersham Story' on Wobplay and Mike Lovatt's latest release, books by David Hirst on the Victorian Era at Black Dyke, and Russell and Elliott's 'Brass Band Movement', whilst our LPs choices come from the 1980s with Besses o'th' Barn and Yorkshire Imps.

Watch out for

Please subscribe to enjoy all what we have to offer — with a new major interview coming up in the next week as well as plans for a live hour long podcast too.

Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j_yOnrywEo

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Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

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