*
banner

4BR Interview — Episode 5

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to conductor David Bremner to find out more about the the vibrant brass band landscape in the southern hemisphere.

David Bremner
  4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to David Bremner

Welcome to the latest edition of the 4BR Podcast Interview where 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to leading musicians and personalities within and outside of the brass band world.

We catch up with David Bremner, Principal Trombone of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, a renowned soloist, educator and teacher, as well as the conductor driving the success of Wellington Brass Band, who recently claimed the New Zealand National Championship title for the 11th time in the last 12 contesting years.

Recently though he has been in Tonga leading their first National Youth Brass Band Course — a joyful musical experience in more ways than one.

David reflects on that experience and how brass band music making is becoming an important part of musical culture in the country. He also talks about how investment in youth has become the driving force behind the revitalisation of the New Zealand banding community.

To enjoy:


https://youtu.be/_AvmNElKDo4

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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Fulham Brass Band

January 20 • Sadly due to relocation, we’re on the lookout for a euphonium player to join the band and compete with us in the first section areas at the end of March.


Flookburgh band

January 20 • Flookburgh band are a friendly motivated band in the south lakes, Cumbria . We have a vacancy for trombone/ bass trombone. We are newly promoted to the 2nd section and have a busy season of engagements ahead.


Crewe Brass

January 20 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) 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.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd