*
banner

Telford return once more!

Abraham Darby Specialist Schol will return to the National Festival of Music for Youth — again!

 

Band members from the Abraham Darby Specialist School for the Performing Arts in Telford, are celebrating as they have received the news that it has yet again received an invitation to participate at the National Festival of Music for Youth which will be held in Birmingham this coming July.

Eleventh time

It will be the eleventh consecutive year that there has been representation from the school, and this year the Senior Brass Band will be attending The invitation follows the Regional Qualifying Heat that was recently held this March at the Madeley School.

I am delighted and honoured that the school has received an invitation yet again. It continues the sustained success that has been enjoyed by the school bands over many yearsRachel Morton, Head of Music.

Busy

The band under the musical direction of David Maplestone will be looking forward to taking part in the Festival, and will now approach a busy rehearsal period.

In previous years at this festival the Brass Band has received the Highly Commended Award on three occasions. In November last year the Brass Band received an invitation to perform at the Schools Prom Concert in the Royal Albert Hall.

Delight and honour

Rachel Morton, the School’s Head of Music told 4BR: "I am delighted and honoured that the school has received an invitation yet again. It continues the sustained success that has been enjoyed by the school bands over many years. I was also highly delighted at the success at Warwick, which was the first national award given to the School’s Showband this academic year."

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    


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


mINING

Brass band mining heritage celebrated

January 21 • Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum for England can now enjoy finding out more about the long and proud connection between brass bands and the industry.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd