*
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    


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd