*
banner

VBL appeals for help

The Victorian Bands League (VBL) appeals for help from bands for Victorian bushfire victims. VBL President, Chris Bowman, has issued this statement.

Victorian Bands League
 

The devastating bushfires in Victoria have affected so many people.

The banding community is also part of the tragedy, with many members losing their homes and businesses, and some families losing loved ones.

I personally know six families who have lost their homes.Chris Bowman, VBL President

President of the Victorian Bands League (VBL), Chris Bowman said: "I personally know six families who have lost their homes."

Fund-raising Activity

Whilst it's not always possible to provide financial support directly to bandspeople, the VBL humbly requests that all community bands in Australia consider undertaking a fund-raising activity as soon as possible in recognition of the losses in our banding community.

Suggestions include playing a concert, playing in the shopping centre, having a march down the street — over to you to do something creative.

Let us Know

Please forward the proceeds to the Red Cross Bushfire appeal, and let us know at the VBL how much you raised. Every bit assists the survivors rebuild their lives.

Concert 8 March

The VBL will be having a concert with the State Youth Brass band and others on Sunday 8th March, and at this event all bands who participate in the fund-raising will be acknowledged and thanked.

More details of the State Youth Brass Band concert will follow.

Please support the VBL in supporting our members at this very difficult time.

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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd