*
banner

Raising the Spinnaker

Spinnaker Brass has made an impression on their contesting debut — and with the local Police too!

 

Spinnaker Brass, based in Fareham, recently played for the very first time at the Regional Championships in Torquay under musical director, Derek Jones.

Achievement

The band was only formed in July last year so it was somewhat of an achievement to be able to contest after such a short period of time.

Even though they came 12th in the Fourth Section it was an immensely encouraging result for a first run out but the band told 4BR that they will be looking to improve on that next year.

The car in question belonged to our conductor and was unfortunately a write-off, but the incident only made them more determined to play well and turn disaster into triumphSpinnaker Brass

Impact

Spinnaker has attracted players from all over the area but is still looking to strengthen a few areas especially the cornet section which it believes will enable it to make more of an impact in the future.

Drama

The weekend was not without drama though as on the Friday evening most of the band were enjoying a quiet drink in a local hostelry before an early night when we heard that a car being pursued by the police had smashed into a car parked opposite the pub.

The car in question belonged to our conductor and was unfortunately a write-off, but the incident only made them more determined to play well and turn disaster into triumph.

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 23 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a BBb BASS player. We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 23 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd