*
banner

Long day in the tent

YBS tuba star Dave Long is to have a day in the box at the Houghton Area Youth Band Solo Contest.

YBS
 

YBS Eb Bass player Dave Long will be swapping his tuba for a pen this weekend as he judges the Houghton Area Youth Band Annual Solos contest on Saturday 17th May.

Several categories

The competition is being held at Hetton Lyons Primary School in Sunderland. Players from the Houghton Area Youth Band will be competing in several different categories including solos and quartets.

Tom Gibson and the Houghton Area Youth Band have a great reputation for developing young players in the North East and I’m very much looking forward to what promises to be a difficult task!Dave Long

Looking forward

Dave Long, who will be joined by fellow adjudicator Tony Thompson from Tavistock Chester-Le-Riverside Band, told 4BR: "It’s a great honour to be asked to adjudicate at this competition especially with it being based in my native Sunderland. Tom Gibson and the Houghton Area Youth Band have a great reputation for developing young players in the North East and I’m very much looking forward to what promises to be a difficult task!"

Details

The competition starts at 10am on Saturday and all listeners are welcome to come along.

Any young players or parents interested in getting involved with the Houghton Area Youth Band are also encouraged to attend.

For further details about the competition or about the Houghton Area Youth Band you can contact Tom Gibson on 0191 5265689.

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    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd