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4BR — new features and articles

Plenty more to enjoy on 4BR at the moment — from new articles and reviews to lots more stuff to buy...

4BR
 

4BR has been busy once again bringing you features, articles and reviews to enjoy on the site.

Articles

25 years ago tragedy struck the young players of the Gwent Youth Band on a trip they were undertaking to play in Germany. The horrific bus crash left many seriously injured.

Iwan Fox looks back to the fateful day two and half decades ago:

http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art877.asp


4BR Editor Iwan Fox listens to the new PolySteel CD to see if it measures up to its ambitious title, whilst Chris Thomas delves into the deep musical waters with the latest offering from euphonium virtuosi Tormod Flaten4BR

Band Spotlight

This month the 4BR ‘Band in the Spotlight’ is the BTM Band from South Wales. Formed in 1972, in September they will make their first ever appearance at the British Open Championships. 4BR looks at the band in detail.

http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art876.asp


Gizmos and Gadgets

Meanwhile, five of the latest gizmos and gadgets from the brass band suppliers are given the once over. Strange and wonderful things they are to, so check out if there is anything there that takes your fancy.

http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2008/art873.asp


Concert Reviews

As always the 4BR reviewers have been busy, with Peter Bale taking the opportunity to listen to a very impressive Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Malcolm Wood enjoying the delights of the James Shepherd Versatile Brass Reunion Concert.

See what the lads thought at:

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con512.asp

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con511.asp


CD Reviews

There are also a couple of new reviews to keep you up to date with the latest releases from bands and soloists.

4BR Editor Iwan Fox listens to the new PolySteel CD to see if it measures up to its ambitious title, whilst Chris Thomas delves into the deep musical waters with the latest offering from euphonium virtuosi Tormod Flaten.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/cds/cd370.asp

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/cds/cd369.asp


Go shopping

Finally, something to tempt you to add to your CD collections, with new releases from PolySteel, Grimethorpe and Steven Mead. Check them out at:

http://www.4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=757

http://www.4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=756

http://www.4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=753

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Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


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


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

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