*
banner

Waitakere Sells Out

The Trusts Waitakere Brass do it for the kids.

Children and toys
 

Last Sunday afternoon saw a sell-out performance by The Trusts Waitakere Brass at their fourth annual Toys For Kids charity event, held at the Glen Eden Playhouse.

Toys

The child-themed concert encourages donations of toys, which are then donated to the Waitakere Hospital children’s ward.

Children were invited to come to the concert in fancy dress, with a prize for the best dressed boy and girl. A kids tea party was also held during the interval, featuring an incredible story-book cake.

Fairies and more!

The second half of the concert saw over fifty fairies, pirates, princesses, superheros and a dinosaur take to the stage to play along to kid’s songs with the band, with some lucky youngsters even getting a chance to conduct.

Amongst the organized chaos of children, Waitakere Brass performed a varied program, including music from children’s films such as The Lion King, E.T., Shrek, Aladdin and The Jungle Book.

Featured Players

Other highlights of the concert included solos from Bb Bass player Jamie Mackay, Solo Horn Claire Whyte, Principal Cornet Carolyn Ramsbottom and Eb Bass player Andy Mitchell, a duet from Trombonist Stu Ritchie and Flugel Courtney Hildreth, and quartets featuring the trombone section and lower end of the band.

Youth Band

The concert finished with an opportunity for children to try a brass instrument to promote Waitakere Brass’ new Youth Band.

Thanks go to the band’s compere extraordinaire Mark Haines, all the band’s supporters and helpers, and all the children who’s enthusiasm made the concert a great success.

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


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


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.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd