*
banner

Wishes from Waitakere

The Trusts Waitakere Brass entertained a delighted audience on Saturday the 22nd of December at their annual ‘Christmas Wishes’ concert, held at the Glen Eden Playhouse.

The Trusts Waitakere
 

Musical Director Steven Booth put together an entertaining programme of traditional and contemporary Christmas music, with the audience also being treated to several soloist items.

Soloists feature

Principal Cornet player Leon Renilson gave a rendition of ‘Away in a Manger’; Eb Bass player Jamie Mackay then showed his flexibility, swapping bass for voice, performing an unusual carol, ‘Three Kings’, accompanied by a sextet from the band.

The second half of the concert began with Principal Eb Bass player Stu Bennion amusing the audience with an unconventional presentation of ‘Frosty the Snowman’.

Eupho + Harp

A special feature was Euphonium player Sean Whyte’s performance of John Gollard’s ‘Peace’, accompanied by guest Harpist, 17-year-old Alex Kingaby. Alex then had the audience captivated with his harp playing in the solo ‘Watching the Wheat’.

Child Prodigy

The audience also enjoyed a performance from another guest soloist, Ten-year-old pianist Louise Burling. Louise wowed listeners with Berkovich’s ‘Variations on a theme of Paganini’ and ‘Jackson Street Blues’ by Martha Miers.

The audience joined in to finished the concert with some enthusiastic singing of Christmas carols.

The ‘Christmas Wishes’ concert provided the perfect ending for the year for The Trusts Waitakere Brass.

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd