*
banner

Wessex delight at packed out sections

Plenty of delegates and audience members enjoyed the music making on this year's Wessex Band Summer School.

Wessex Course
  The course attracted packed sections of delegate players

Delegates of all ages delighted a sold-out audience during a day of concerts to conclude the 54th Wessex Band Summer School.

The concert at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton ended a fine week of music making led by Musical Director Michael Fowles, with the packed audience enjoying a wide variety of music, that culminated in a massed band performance of Peter Graham's 'Call of the Cossacks'.

Phenomenal week

Reflecting on the course, Mike told 4BR: "Wessex 2025 was a phenomenal week full of good music, good fun and good friends.

With numbers increasing for a fourth consecutive year, we're seeing an incredibly positive response to our ethos of progress through enjoyment and encouragement."

With numbers increasing for a fourth consecutive year, we're seeing an incredibly positive response to our ethos of progress through enjoyment and encouragementMichael Fowles

Three bands

The Wessex Band Summer School is made up of three bands: a training band for players up to approximately Grade 4 standard, a wind band, and a brass band, both for players of Grade 4 upwards.

WBSS Chairperson, Matt Stimpson, added: "The course is so special to so many, and the work of our delegates this week has been breath-taking.

The final concert is a by-product of a week of hard work, wonderfully supportive tutors and truly inspirational delegates who make progress every single day. Don't miss out next year, get those entries in to be part of something truly special."

2026

The 55th course will return to Sturminster Newton on 27th July to 1st August 2026.

To find out more go to: www.wessexband.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    


Alison Balsom OBE

Mail headline highlights depressing attitudes towards female performers

August 30 • The decision of multiple award winning trumpet player Alison Balsom to retire from the concert stage has been met with an awful objectifying Daily Mail headline.


mORTIMER tROPHY

Mortimer Maestro Trophy ready for a new home

August 30 • For the 35th time this year a Mortimer Maestro Trophy will be presented to the conductor of the British Open Champion.


Mental Health

Crofton to continue support for mental health awareness with new project

August 30 • Yorkshire band takes a proactive approach to mental health wellbeing series of initiatives around their music making.


Brett Baker

Final touches in place for Baker heroics

August 30 • Brett Baker's latest solo CD release will be available at the Royal Albert Hall.


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Petworth Town Band

August 30 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We would welcome new players to join our band


Enderby Band

August 30 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire, Championship section) seek: . 2nd EUPHONIUM, Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). . We are an ambitious, friendly band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


Stretford Band

August 30 • Our community based Stretford Band (Manchester) needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic bass, trombone and percussion players or any player who fancies a relaxed blow without the pressure of competition. No auditions. Good fun guaranteed. . .


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd