Prof Trevor Herbert will be a guest on 'In Tune' on BBC Radio 3 this evening (Wednesday 15th July) to discuss his new book, 'The Brass Band Story', which is now on sale.

He will speak to presenter Petroc Trelawny on the programme which is being broadcast from the BBC Studios in Cardiff from around 6.00pm. Also on the show is the cello quartet Cellophonics and trumpeter Guy Barker.

The presenter recently highlighted Black Dyke Band's Proms appearances on Sunday 19th July as one of his 'Picks' from the festival.

To enjoy:

The programme starts at 5.00pm.

To enjoy: https:/­/­www.bbc.co.uk/­programmes/­m002yn6h

Easington Colliery Band member Peter Lawson has been featured as the narrative focus of an episode of the long running BBC documentary programme 'Our Lives', which celebrates community life throughout the UK.

Lifelong commitment

'The Last Miner in the Band' spotlights his commitment and dedication to the North of England Band that has a proud mining heritage — although Peter is now the only remaining member with a direct colliery connection having worked at Easington before it closed in 1993.

"His life is that band", says principal cornet Daniel Robson in the programme as he described a man "who does six people's jobs".

However, with Peter suffering from ill health, Daniel and his partner Georgia are taking up any remaining slack as an important mining remembrance concert at Durham Cathedral and the British Open Spring Festival looms whilst expecting their first child.

Bright future

However, with recent contest success, high profile concert appearances with the pop star Sam Fender, and that new baby, the future is bright — if incredibly busy and challenging in its different ways...

To enjoy:

The ongoing battle to protect free peripatetic music service provision in Scotland has once again been brought into focus after 'The Scotsman' newspaper recently dedicated a leader opinion piece and article to the subject.

Headed 'Blame SNP for music lessons cash switch', it highlighted why in its opinion they felt councils "are being forced to rob Peter to pay Paul, to make heartbreaking decisions over children's education — because the alternatives are even worse."

Not ring fenced

It stated that although the SNP gave local authorities extra money to fund the services five years ago, as it was wasn't specifically 'ring fenced'. This has subsequently led to the almost impossible dilemma of councils who did not have enough money to fund vital services such as social care and other education needs to use the budget for those purposes.

It was highlighted that as little as between 11 to 15 percent was used for its intended purposes in some areas, leading to many local authorities imposing tuition costs on families whose children wished to learn to play.

Pressure groups

This has been successfully challenged by pressure groups, although in areas such as Dumfries & Galloway there is now a still a waiting list of more than 700 learners, whilst other areas suffer from a lack of instructors and school time tabling and accommodation constraints.

Funding answer

A recent MEPG Report suggested that music tuition should be embedded in schools as a core part of the curriculum.

However, 'The Scotsman' suggested a more simple answer: Instead of ring fencing specific funds, the SNP, "should solve the problem by giving councils enough money to do all their jobs properly".

Next Step Films will be presenting a free live-stream broadcast from the popular Bandamomium event in Devon on Saturday 25th July.

You can enjoy all 28 entertainment programme performances along with a Massed Band Concert with over 800 Players on the NXTOD broadcast platform.

Don't miss a note

NXTOD will capture the action from two locations, Hatherleigh Market & Hatherleigh Square, both live and on demand so that you won't miss a single note — and it's add free thanks to generous funding from the Arts Council England.

The fun begins at 11.00am, with each band presenting its programme, with the Massed Band Concert, with over 800 players, scheduled for around 8.00pm.

Taking part are: Brass Aid, Barbarians, London City, Hampshire Harlequins, Thurlstone, Torrington Silver, Gosport Solent Brass, St Swithuns, Wadhurst, Basingstoke Silver, London Metropolitan, Okehampton, Liss Band, Lympstone Band, Hatherleigh Band, St Austell, Rayleigh Brass, Stoke Sub Hamdon, Brass Toffs, Exeter Railway, Cathays, Bristol East, Watford Band, Holsworthy Band, Newquay Band, City of Bath, Weston Brass & St Brewards Silver

Sign up and enjoy

https:/­/­nxtod.com/­bandamonium-2026/

Composer Thierry Deleruyelle has spoken of his pride after further gaining worldwide recognition with his music.

On the weekend it saw the Frenchman presented with the prestigious 2026 BUMA Award at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, where his composition 'Black Gold' was the Second Division set-work.

More than words

The presentation was made by fellow composer Jan de Haan, who spoke of his joy at being able to witness his development as a leading writer for the brass band medium from his breakthrough work, 'Fraternity'.

To make the moment special, the World Youth Brass Band performed one of his works, 'Supernova' as he stood on stage after accepting the award (above).

He later thanked people who had supported him on his musical journey, saying that it meant, "more than words can express".

Bastille Day

A few days later on Bastille Day (14th July) several of his works were performed during the military parade on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, by the Musique de la Garde Republicaine, Musique de l'Air et de l'Espace and Musique des Troupes de Marine.

This included 'Atlantic Overture', 'Meteore', which was written specially for the occasion, 'Heros de la Liberte', and 'Azimut' which recently gained the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 French Army composition competition.

Speaking about the event Thierry said that it was "a true honour" as he thanked the musicians, "for bringing these works to life on such a prestigious national occasion".