*
banner

4BR to tail YBS at BiC

Malcolm Wood has been tailing the YBS Band as part of the 4BR coverage of this year's event at Brass in Concert.

Sage
 

4BR is adding something extra to its retrospective coverage of the Brass in Concert Championships this year.

What it takes

To find out just what it takes to try and make an impression on the music, entertainment and solo judges this year, we have been following one of the competing bands as they put final preparations to their efforts.

The band in question is YBS, and 4BR correspondent Malcolm Wood has been watching and listening to the band as they put together that all important programme for Sunday.

Discreet

Malcolm has been a discreet presence in the YBS bandroom of late and has seen and heard first hand the amount of time and practice the band has already put in as they prepare for their performance on Sunday afternoon.

Without giving the game away to their rivals the band has been working hard to put on the finishing touches.

Eye opener

Malcolm told 4BR: "It’s quite an eye opener seeing just how much hard work goes into the preparation of a programme for Brass in Concert. All 11 competing bands must be going through the same thing this week as they try to add those extra touches of sparkle to programmes – although I’m sure some may still be in the process of being finalised."

It’s quite an eye opener seeing just how much hard work goes into the preparation of a programme for Brass in ConcertMalcolm Wood

High quality music making

Dave Long of YBS told 4BR: "I’m sure all the bands will be trying to do something new and innovative without losing the essential element of high quality brass band music making. We are certainly going to do that, but it takes a great deal of determination, effort, skill and hard work."

4BR Coverage

Malcolm’s retrospective report will be part of 4BRs coverage of both day’s of the weekend’s events, with live coverage of the contest itself, as well as retrospective analysis of the Saturday Brass Day and Gala Concert and the Brass in Concert Championships themselves.

Baby pics

Unfortunately we will not be able to bring you a podcast or video coverage as 4BR Director Anthony Banwell and wife Gen are expecting their first child anytime from Friday night to Monday morning, so the video camera may be used to record another first prize delivery!

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd