*
banner

Champions of Brass

Conductors: Dr Robert Childs & Prof Garry Cutt
Compere: David Hoyle
Uppermill Civic Hall
Saturday 14th May


Champions of Brass is confidently filling a musical concert niche. A well filled Civic Hall at Uppermill was testament to that. 

Even on a glorious Saturday evening with attractions aplenty there was an eager sense of expectation as the ensemble took to the stage for only their second official concert outing.

However, an informed audience knew they were in safe hands with Dr Robert Childs and Prof Garry Cutt at the helm (plus David Hoyle as compere) and players sporting more titles to their names than could be found in the House of Lords.

Polished authority

Even if the repertoire was familiar, it was still delivered with polished authority, the occasional ensemble meanderings quickly brought back under control.   The soloists in Kevin Crockford (‘Emanuel’); Chris Bradley (‘Rusalka’s Song to the Moon’); Lucy Cutt (‘Concerto d’Aranjuez’) and Shaun Crowther (‘Bass in the Ballroom’) were as classy as one has come to expect and be delighted by over the years.

However, an informed audience knew they were in safe hands with Dr Robert Childs and Prof Garry Cutt at the helm (plus David Hoyle as compere) and players sporting more titles to their names than could be found in the House of Lords.

'Strike up the Band'  and the overture 'Le Corsaire'  were displays of flair and character, as were the three rather less well known musical moggies from Chris Hazell’s ‘Cats’  suite.

Edvard Järnefelt's engaging 'Praeludium'  and the bombastic brilliance of 'MacArthur Park'  brought a tasty first half to a close.

The quality was maintained after the break: 'Czardas'  fairly flew out of the blocks, whilst the trombone trio of Nick Hudson, Andy Hirst and Geraint Griffiths certainly enjoyed their ‘Frolic’. 

Tribute

The tribute to Richard Evans in 'Bonnie Briar Bush' was heartfelt, but even he couldn’t have upstaged the euphonium trio of Morgan Griffiths, Michael Dodd and Robert Childs in ‘Grandfather’s Clock’  – which sprung back into life as if powered by Red Bull chasers and an overdose of Sanatogen.

The rousing finale from Dvorak's 'New World Symphony'  led to the encore of the appropriate march, 'The Champions', complete with more than a touch of Tricky Dicky swagger.

It ended a fine night of nostalgia, memories, fun and plenty of top class ‘traditional’ brass band playing.

Neil Harvey

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd