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4BR Review — Episode 12

Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas discuss if we are starting to see a change in the music being performed at at major contests, concerts and on recordings.

Music
  The latest review episode can now be enjoyed

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

Change?

For this latest episode they explore the intriguing question of whether or not there has been a subtle, yet significant change in outlook in the music being performed at major contests, concerts and on recordings.

It follows the music heard at the Albert Hall, Brass in Concert and at various European National Championships of late, as well as high profile concerts and CD releases, whilst in the last week or so we got to find out what was in store at the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival.

Less sugar more fibre

So, is this the potential start of a new era of less sugar and more musical fibre in our diet or just a temporary hiatus before we head back on the same old habits?

To enjoy:


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

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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.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


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).


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

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