Archive by Author

Senior House Staff Lead – National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

An exciting opportunity is currently available for  someone who is enthusiastic, caring and has good leadership skills to apply to be the new Senior House Staff Lead for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. This position is key in supporting the Administrator in ensuring that the pastoral care of the National Youth Brass […]

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NYBBGB and NCBBGB Auditions

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be staging regional auditions for membership of both the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain at the Royal Academy of Music, London on Sunday 16th June and the University of Huddersfield on Saturday 22nd June. To […]

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Yamaha Learn to Play Day!

Learn to Play Trumpet or Trombone Saturday 23rd March 2019 From Classical to Big Band, from Jazz to Funk and everything in between, the trumpet and trombone are hugely versatile – and the instruments of choice for some of music’s most influential musicians and writers such as Miles Davies and Louis Armstrong. How to take […]

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The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain to perform with the LSO at the Barbican

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is ready and very much looking forward to one of the most significant and high profile events in its 66 year history. This coming Sunday (4th November) the NYBBGB will perform at The Barbican, London with the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Chorus in the […]

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2018 Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival

Regent Hall, The Salvation Army, 275 Oxford Street, London W1   All roads lead to Oxford Circus and Regent Hall Salvation Army this coming Thursday and Friday for 2018 Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival. Here is the programme of events. Thursday 4th October 7.45pm Regent Hall Band and Regent Hall Songsters. Guest Soloist: Thomas Nielsen […]

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2018 Brass Band Summer School – Culford Scchool

Brass and Percussion places still available at the 2018 Brass Band Summer School Plans are well advanced for the 2018 Brass Band Summer School, which this year takes place in the beautiful Suffolk location of Culford School close to the beautiful town of Bury St. Edmunds. The Summer School commences on Sunday 5th August and […]

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Performance Questionnaire

Kate Gee is looking for 300 participants to complete this questionnaire looking at performance anxiety and coping mechanisms. You just need to have performed within the last ten years to take part in this project. The survey will take 15-20 minutes. https://cccusocialsciences.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Ykulud8lbk9QB7

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Waterbeach Brass – A Sterling Classical Spectacular!

aterbeach Brass are extremely excited to announce that on the 23rd of June at 7:30pm they will be joining forces with soloists from some of the UK’s top Brass Bands, for what is going to be a stunning evening at West Road Concert Hall to help celebrate their 40th Anniversary. The Sterling Classical Spectacular will […]

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Brooke’s Barmy Army

This weekend 70 brass banders will be marching with 16 year-old Brooke Taylor through the streets of Manchester as ‘Brooke’s Barmy Army’, hoping to raise £22,000 for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH). Brooke has been a patient at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital since the day she was born. Not only is she a patient […]

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2018 Brass Band Summer School – Culford School, Suffolk

Brass and Percussion places still up for Grabs at the 2018 Brass Band Summer School Plans are well advanced for the 2018 Brass Band Summer School, which this year takes place in the beautiful Suffolk location of Culford School close to the beautiful town of Bury St. Edmunds. The Summer School commences on Sunday 5th […]

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Salvation Army invites musical Stopfordians to sign up for brass workshop

The Stockport Salvation Army Citadel is throwing open its doors on Saturday, 12 May to allow amateur musicians of all ages to take part in a day-long brass workshop that ends with a live performance in the early evening. Led by The Salvation Army’s Director of Music and Creative Arts, Paul Sharman, the fun and […]

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Hammonds Horn star has the Wright stuff!

Hammonds band Solo Horn Zoe Wright is making a name for herself having been awarded the Solo Horn seat for the European Youth Brass Band at their current course in Utrecht, Holland. Zoe was previously also selected to be Solo Horn for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain earlier this year. Hammonds Musical […]

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Entire Directory of Contents of The Brass Herald Published (Issues 1 to 72)

We are delighted to publish the entire directory of Contents of all 72 back editions of The Brass Herald. You will find the title of the article, the author, the issue number and even the page number. We are equally delighted to announce that we have all back issues in stock. They can be ordered […]

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Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition

Ursula Jones will be hosting an inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK on 15-20 July, 2019. The aim of this competition is to bring together young brass quintets and to showcase excellence and enterprise in brass chamber music performance, building on the legacy of Philip Jones CBE […]

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Ben Gernon announced as BBC Philharmonic Principal Guest Conductor

Ben Gernon will be announced as Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic, during a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 from MediaCity UK on 31 January. He will formally take up the position in Autumn 2017. The announcement is no surprise to those who have witnessed the rapport that the young British conductor, aged […]

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WMC Kerkrade commissions Oliver Waespi for the 2017 World Brass Band Championships

On Sunday 22 November the well known Swiss composer, Oliver Waespi, received the prestigious BUMA Brass Award in the Dutch university town of Wageningen for his many exciting contributions to the music repertoire in general and the brass repertoire in particular. The sculpture representing this award was handed to him by Harrie Reumkens, artistic manager […]

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Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland

A Life on the Ocean Wave

A Life on the Ocean Wave The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland Birmingham Conservatoire Wind Orchestra Tickets: £6.50 (£4 concessions) available on the door Former Conservatoire graduate, now Captain Daryl Powell RM, makes a welcome return to Birmingham as Director of Music of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland to lead […]

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Foden’s 5th annual Solo, Duet & Ensemble

There was a fantastic international flavour to the 5th annual Foden’s Band Solo, Duet & Ensemble contest held on the 31st October at Sandbach School with over 150 entrants performing in various categories in what is now the largest event of its kind in the country. Competitors travelled from as far as Norway, France and Belgium to compete for the […]

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NCBB

Change of date for National Youth and National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain Auditions

Auditions for both The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and The National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain will now take place at St. Dennis Bandroom on Sunday 15th November and not Saturday 14th November. There are also auditions taking place for the NYBBGB and NCBBGB at The University of Salford on Saturday 7th November and […]

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Marsden commissions new music from Lauren Kinsella and Ben Crosland for jazz festival

Festival goers will get the chance to hear two new compositions for the first time at Marsden Jazz Festival next month. The festival organisers have commissioned Leeds College of Music lecturer Lauren Kinsella and Huddersfield-based musician and composer Ben Crosland to perform one-off arrangements for this year’s festival. Lauren, who was nominated for Vocalist of […]

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Foden’s Band release Great Northern Brass Arts Festival programme

Plans are well advanced for the Gala Concert of the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 12th September. Foden’s Band and Michael Fowles have now released details of their programme for the Gala Evening Concert.. Black Dyke Band, conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs will be performing the second half […]

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Black Dyke announce Great Northern Brass Arts Festival programme

National, Open and European Champions announce the programme they will present at the forthcoming Great Northern Brass Arts Festival. Dr Nicholas Childs and The Black Dyke Band have announced the programmed that they will perform at the forthcoming Great Northern Brass Arts Festival, sponsored by Yamaha and Besson at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday […]

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Bobby Shew Breakfast Masterclass

Yamaha Music London are excited to announce special guest star Bobby Shew in store on Saturday 3rd October from 10:30am -11:30am Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bobby Shew began playing the guitar at the age of eight and switched to trumpet at ten. By the time he was thirteen, he was playing at local dances […]

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Garry Cutt and The Fairey Band announce programme for Bridgewater Hall

The Fairey Band conducted by Garry Cutt has now annonced its programme for the opening concert at this years Great Northern Brass Arts Festival at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 12th September. The concert commences at 12noon and the full programme of music is as follows:- The Beaufighters. Maurice Johnstone. For the Love of a Princess […]

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Brian Clarke to receive Dedicated Serivice Award at 2015 Masters

Brian Clarke’s playing career began at the age of 9, in 1945, with the village band in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire. In theses early years he gained experience at a variety of local band and solo competitions which, then, were very much order of the day. This was followed with a spell with the Leicester Imperial […]

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Black Dyke Full Band

Black Dyke Band become European Champions for 13th time!

Last weekend in Freiburg, Germany on the 1st and 2nd May, the Queensbury based Black Dyke Band represented England and were victorious in winning the European Brass Band Championships for the thirteenth time. In 2nd place was Willebroek (Belgium), 3rd Lucern (Switzerland), 4th Eikanger (Norway), 5th Cory (Wales). The contest was held over two days […]

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Besses Band appoints new MD

The world’s oldest, continuously playing brass band, Besses o’ th’ Barn Band of Whitefield, North Manchester has appointed Simon Cowen, aged 42, Principal Trombonist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, as its new Musical Director. The appointment takes effect immediately. As a trombonist, Simon has played with all the major UK symphony orchestras including the City of Birmingham Symphony, the […]

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NYBBGB Easter Course Principals

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is currently at Harrogate Ladies College in North Yorkshire for its 2015 Easter Course. The NYBBGB will be conducted by its Artistic Director Mr Bramwell Tovey, Music Director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The Guest Soloist is James Fountain, principal trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The […]

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Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band Spring Course

Hot on the heels of their recent qualification for London, the stars of Grimethorpe Colliery Band are preparing to pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of brass players. The latest Grimethorpe Youth Band course takes place on Saturday 28th March between 10:00am and 4:30pm. Due to the continued generous support of […]

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Young Tuba Star Joins Grimethorpe

Dr Robert Childs is pleased to announce that 18 year old Tommy Tynan has signed for Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Tommy is from Saddleworth and is currently Principal BBb Tuba with the NYBBGB a position he has held for almost two years. He is also a member of Marsden Band and Tommy would like to thank […]

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The London Philharmonic Orchestra goes ‘Live and Local’ with star trumpeter Alison Balsom

The London Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the world’s leading orchestras, is delighted to announce its fourth ‘Live and Local’ tour. This year the Orchestra travels to Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds and Leicester, offering audiences the chance to see the orchestra for just £15. Classical BRIT and Gramophone award-winning trumpeter Alison Balsom, who recently appeared in the […]

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Young Brass Stars lead epic Birmingham Festival

James Fountain, Owen Farr and Matthew White will take the lead in Birmingham Conservatoire’s unique Festival of Wind and Brass on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February. Former GUS cornet ace and newly appointed Principal Trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Fountain will make his debut with London’s all star brass ensemble, Superbrass and […]

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International Creative Chair at Black Dyke

Black Dyke Band is delighted to announce the appointment of legendary composer Bruce Broughton to the new position of International Creative Chair. MD Professor Nicholas Childs commented, “This is a tremendously exciting appointment for the band as we continue to consolidate our creative team and develop new concert repertoire. Bruce Broughton is one of the […]

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KHS America Awards a Future Music Educator with a $1K Scholarship

For the past eight years, KHS America has provided the wind and percussion instruments for the members of the United States Army All American Marching Band under the brands of Jupiter, Mapex, and Majestic.  Made up of 101 high school seniors from around the country, members of the band who wish to pursue a career […]

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A Blast in Birmingham !

The weekend of 21/22 February 2015 sees Birmingham Conservatoire host it’s first Wind & Brass Festival directed by Jenni Phillips (Head of Woodwind) and Chris Houlding (Head of Brass). Aimed at young wind and brass players considering Higher Education the two day Festival features the world renowned brass ensemble Superbrass and wind quintet London Winds. […]

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Presidential roles for brass band stalwarts

Two Spennymoor Town Band stalwarts have been rewarded for their efforts within the organisation by being honoured with Presidential roles. Bass trombonist George Lavery , who will be 90 years old  in late January who becomes President, has been involved in the brass band movement, nearly all with Spennymoor, for 75 years. Vice President Hugh Stephenson, who through his fundraising […]

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Important news about The Brass Herald

With rising production and postage costs, there will be a modest increase to the cover price of The Brass Herald from 1st February 2015. If you wish to subscribe for the first time or extend your subscription and you do this between now and 31st January 2015, you can beat the price increase. You can subscribe or take your […]

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Black Dyke’s 2014 Recipients of the Bandsman of the Year and Pondasher of the Year

Nicholas Childs commented “Bandsman of the Year is voted by the players and many of the great virtuosos of years gone by have held this very prestigious award This year is was awarded to a person who has contributed an amazing amount, not just in concerts but in some stunning contest performances.  Black Dyke’s Bandsman […]

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Yamaha Music announce UK and Ireland Brass and Woodwind Scholarship finalists

Following live auditions at the Birmingham Conservatoire earlier this month (December 8) Yamaha are delighted to announce the names of the thirteen young musicians who will perform at the UK and Irish finals in February. The finalists will be competing for one of the four €2000 awards. The judging panel at the auditions, comprising David […]

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Tom Davoren in East Anglia

On Sunday April 12th 2015 there will be a concert in the Arts Centre, Haverhill, Suffolk featuring conductor and composer Tom Davoren and a band of players most of whom started off in East Anglian bands. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the Polished Brass Trust, which helps young brass and percussion players local […]

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Yamaha open 2015 with ‘All-star’ Neo Brass Ensemble debut at National Brass Band Festival

Yamaha have marked the completion of their contest-winning Neo brass range of instruments by forming the Neo Brass Ensemble. The group, comprising nine top musicians selected from throughout Europe, is led by the acclaimed, long-standing Yamaha cornet artist Russell Gray. The Neo Brass Ensemble will make their debut at the Butlins Mineworkers Open National Brass […]

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Brass Band Festival organisers launch prestigious competition for young composers

Organisers of a major UK brass band festival which has taken place in Shropshire every summer for the last eleven years have launched a competition to find the best young composer of brass band music for 2015. As a result of continued sponsorship support from Shropshire based Estate Agents and Valuers, Nock Deighton, the competition […]

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Great offer from Lance LaDuke

Lance LaDuke, (River City Brass, Boston Brass, USAF Band) the author of the highly popular book, “Music Practice Coach, Five Workouts to Get the Most Out of Your Practice Time,” is giving away free PDF versions of the book to anyone who signs up though the contact page of his site, lanceladuke.com. The book is […]

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NCBB

Auditions for The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and The National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and The National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain are staging auditions over the next few weeks for the 2015 residential courses. The auditions will take place at the following venues:- Ratby Bandroom – Sunday 26th October University of Salford – Saturday 8th November University of Sunderland […]

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Grimethorpe announce Regent Hall programme

Dr Robert Childs and The Grimethorpe Colliery Band have now released their programme for the Gala Concert of the Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival which takes place at Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London on Friday 10th October starting at 7.30pm. The programme includes Wilfred Heaton’s Praise, The Barber of Seville Overture and Leonard Bernstein’s West Side […]

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Regent Hall Brass Festival 2014

The full programme of events for the Regent Hall Brass Festival being held at Regent Hall, The Salvation Army, 275 Oxford Street, London W1 has been announced, Thursday 9th October 7.45pm Regent Hall Band and Regent Hall Songsters and Guests (£8) Friday 10th October 12.30pm The Royal Greenwich Brass Band (Free) 2.30pm David Childs and […]

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Grimethorpe to head Regent Hall Brass Festival

Plans are well advanced for the 2014 Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival. It promises to be one of the finest since it began almost 20 years ago. The full programme of events will be published shortly. In the meantime it has been announced that the Gala Evening Concert this year will be given by the […]

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Christopher Hogwood, conductor and founder of the Academy of Ancient Music has died

The Academy of Ancient Music is deeply saddened to announce the death of Christopher Hogwood CBE, conductor, musicologist, keyboard player and founder of the Academy of Ancient Music. Christopher Hogwood passed away on 24 September 2014. Christopher Hogwood studied keyboard at Cambridge University with Rafael Puyana and Mary Potts and later with Zuzana Růžičková and […]

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The NYBBGB and The NCBBGB auditions in Cornwall rescheduled

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain have re-scheduled the auditions at St. Dennis Bandroom, Cornwall to Saturday 15th November. The remaining auditions to take place in 2014 are as follows: Ratby Bandroom – Sunday, 26th October, University of Salford – Saturday, 8th November University of […]

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Bramwell Tovey announces NYBBGB programme for Great Northern Brass

Bramwell Tovey has announced the programme which The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will perform in their concert at the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 13th September. Bramwell Tovey, who is flying into the UK from Canada especially to conduct the NYBBGB, has […]

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Carlton main announce Great Northern Brass programme

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band have now released their programme for the Opening Concert (12noon) of the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 13th September. Calton Main, who will be conducted by Leigh Baker, will get the festival off to a great start with a seldom […]

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Black Dyke Band Appoints New Creative Chair

Black Dyke Band is delighted to announce that Peter Graham has accepted a new position with the band as Creative Chair. Professor Nicholas Childs said “We are delighted to welcome Peter to a more formal position at Queensbury and we look forward to hearing his ideas on taking Black Dyke forward into new areas of […]

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Great Northern Brass Festival Programmes

Plans are well advanced for the Gala Concert of the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 13th September. Brighouse & Rastrick and Foden’s Band together with their respective conductors David King and Richard Evans have nowannounced their programmes for the first half of the Gala Concert. […]

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Land O’Burns Contest Results

Dalmellington Band hosted the 20th annual ‘Land O’Burns – Brass in Concert’ Event in Troon Concert Hall on Saturday 23rd August. Twelve bands competed for £6,700.00 in prize money and a fantastic array of individual trophies and awards.    The event attracted hundreds of people, including players and supporters, to Troon and South Ayrshire this year! David […]

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Andrew Duncan returns to his musical career

The Scottish Brass Band Association wishes to announce that Andrew Duncan, its Development Manager for the past three years, is leaving to resume his musical career. He will relinquish his full-time post at the end of July. “Andrew has done a great job in further progressing, extending and strengthening our Youth Development Programme, with more […]

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US guests for NYBBGB

  The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is delighted to announce that Bramwell Tovey (NYBBGB Artistic Director) has invited “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band Assistant Director of Music Major Michelle Rakers to be the Guest Conductor for the 2014 NYBBGB Summer Course. The course takes place at Wymondham College, Norfolk from […]

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Versatile Brass launch 1st annual composers competition

James Shepherd Versatile Brass has announced the resurrection of their composers competition as an annual event. This unique group were well known in the past for their innovative and varied programming, and following their highly successful re‐launch in 2013 the group are keen to support new compositional talent once again. The last competition was won […]

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Tuba addition at Black Dyke

Black Dyke is delighted to announce a Bb Tuba new signing. Damian Wileman has accepted the position of Bb Tuba sitting alongside Matthew Routley. Damian, a past member of the acclaimed International Staff Band of the Salvation Army, takes up the position with immediate effect and recently participated with the Queensbury outfit at their successful […]

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Grimethorpe soundtrack to the Grand Depart

Grimethorpe Colliery Band have provided some of the accompaniments for the official song for Yorkshire’s Grand Depart, the start of the Tour De France. The work was commissioned by Welcome to Yorkshire, the song, a typically stirring anthem titled The Road will be an all Yorkshire affair with Alistair Griffin (singer and composer) teaming up with […]

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National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has a vacancy for a Soprano Cornet and a BBb Bass for the forthcoming Summer Course at Wymondham College in Norfolk. The course takes place from Saturday 2nd to Saturday 9th August. Those interested in auditioning for a place with one of the finest youth brass bands […]

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New euphonium at Black Dyke

Following the departure of Ian Yates and Matt Wade on euphonium and Bb Tuba respectively, Black Dyke is delighted to announce a new signing. Joining on euphonium is the young and exceptionally talented Dan Thomas, the recipient of the British Open Solo Award.  Dan, who starts his studies at the RNCM in September, takes up […]

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LSO appoints Peter Moore as Co-Principal Trombone

The London Symphony Orchestra has appointed 18-year-old Peter Moore as Co-Principal Trombone, the Orchestra’s youngest ever member. Peter was a graduate of the 2012 LSO Brass Academy. Each year the LSO Academy provides up to 30 promising young instrumentalists aged 14–24 with a unique opportunity to work with the great orchestral musicians of their time […]

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Robin Norman to step down as Raunds MD

It is with sadness that Raunds Temperance Band announces the resignation of Robin Norman as their full-time Musical Director after a successful 5 years in the role. Robin commented on his decision “After 5 tremendous years with Raunds Temperance Band I have made the decision, with a heavy heart, to step down. With my ‘day […]

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Ian Porthouse to lead Masterclass in memory of Iwan Williams

Following the announcement at the end of 2013, that the first recipients of the Scholarship set up in memory of Iwan Williams, were the Deiniolen Youth Band, it is announced that, as part of the first year of the special Scholarship, that  Ian Porthouse, Musical Director of the Tredegar Band, the current British Open Champions, and […]

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Gordon Campbell to perform at Chichester

Gordon Campbell, one of Britain’s leading trombone players, is to make a special guest appearance at this year’s Chichester Festival. He will be performing with the Southdowns Concert Band , under the musical direction of Royal Marine Bandmaster Mr Tom Hodge MBE , at St Paul’s Church, Chichester on Wednesday 9th July at 7.30pm. Gordon […]

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Young composer to be honoured at major UK Brass Band Festival

A national competition which aims to find talented young composers has been won by a 17-year old schoolboy who took both first and second places and will now have his winning piece played at a major event in the brass band calendar. This year’s Nock Deighton Challenge, an annual competition sponsored by local Shropshire estate agents, Nock Deighton and […]

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National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Principals – 2014 Easter Course

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has announced the Principals for the– 2014 Easter Course with Artistic Director, Bramwell Tovey and Guest Soloist, Dudley Bright. Principal Cornet and Leader – Illiam Quane Soprano Cornet – Jack Wilson Flugel Horn – Jack Jones Tenor Horn – Emily Evans Baritone – Michael Cavanagh Euphonium – Daniel Morgan […]

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English Brass Academy and the Easter Brass Course

Owing to the success of 2013’s Easter Brass Course, South West Music School and English Brass Academy have teamed up once more to offer high quality tuition to young musicians aged 8 – 21. This year as well as brass courses, the residential will also offer a Percussion Academy and a Grade 5 Theory course. […]

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Learn to Play Day

Band Supplies Glasgow will be taking part in Learn to Play Day on Saturday 12th April by having a teacher in the store on Old Dumbarton Road giving mini-lessons on the pBone. There is an opportunity to win a pBone in a prize draw being held on the day. For more information about the Learn […]

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Lucien Rey

Leyland announce new principal

Leyland Band has confirmed the appointment of Lucien Rey as the band’s new principal cornet. Hailing from Switzerland, Lucien lives in Manchester where he studies Finance at the Manchester Business School, and moves to the end chair from his previous position on Repiano. Commenting on his appointment, Lucien spoke of his gratitude of being given […]

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Ray Farr

Ray Farr joins the ‘Music Staff’ at Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Dr Robert Childs and the Grimethorpe Colliery Band are delighted to announce the new appointment of Ray Farr as Associate Conductor. Nigel Dixon Band Manager said, ‘We have been working with Ray over the past few months and he has proved to be a real asset to the Band complimenting the work done by Principal Conductor and Director […]

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Ben Dixon switches to Dyke

Black Dyke has confirmed the anticipated news that Grimethorpe’s young star tuba player Ben Dixon will join on Solo Eb tuba. Ben is the current winner of the Mortimer performance prize from Salford University, and the recipient of a Besson scholarship to study a Masters in Performance at the RNCM. Ben commented “I am really […]

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Royal Conservatoire auditions

On 24th and 25th January 2014 the Royal Conservatoire The Hague will travel to London where it will organise auditions for its Bachelor and Master programmes Classical Music, Early Music, and Vocal. The Royal Conservatoire of The Hague has a highly qualified, international teaching staff. All tuition at the Royal Conservatoire is in English to […]

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Joe Cook to stand down

Tuba soloist Joseph Cook has confirmed he is taking a back seat from his playing commitments at Black Dyke in order to pursue pastures new. Having joined the band in 1999, under the baton of the late James Watson, he has enjoyed success with the band at all the major competitions, TV and radio appearances […]

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NYBBGB National Auditions Programme

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain will be staging an audition day in Cornwall at The St. Dennis Bandroom on the Saturday 9th November 2013. If you or your organisations know of any talented young brass players who you think should be auditioning to be a […]

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The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Appoints a New Principal

The Board of Governors of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has appointed Jeffrey Sharkey as the Royal Conservatoire’s Principal to succeed John Wallace, who will retire in September 2014. Jeffrey Sharkey is currently the Director of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. As well as being one of America’s foremost conservatoires […]

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Grimethorpe announce Regent Hall programme

Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Robert Childs have announced the programme for the Regent Hall Gala Concert which takes place at Regent Hall in Oxford Street, London this coming Friday, starting at 7.30pm The programme will include the National Brass Band Championships test-piece Of Distant Memories and will also include the Finale from the William Tell […]

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Challenge for young brass band composers launched

Organisers of the area’s largest brass band festival have announced the launch of their 2014 competition to find the best young composer of brass band music after securing sponsorship from a county estate agent for the second year running. The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival Committee is now accepting entries for the Nock Deighton Challenge […]

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Meet the composer – Edward Gregson

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce that Edward Gregson has agreed to give a talk at this year’s Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival about the 2013 test-piece, Edward’s composition, Of Distant Memories (Music in an Olden Style). The talk will take place at 5pm on Friday 11th October. The talk will be illustrated with musical […]

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New 1st Horn for Black Dyke

Following the announcement of Jonathan Bates as the new solo horn, Black Dyke now confirm Helen Varley as their new 1st Horn. Helen is from Bradford and was taught by James Shepherd. She is currently Solo Horn for Hammond’s Saltaire Band, and the recently reformed James Shepherd Versatile Brass. Helen said “It was a difficult […]

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Bristol Veteran’s Brass celebrates 20th anniversary

Towards the end of 1993 while visiting his mother in a Nursing Home, Idris Trott had an idea to entertain those Senior Citizens of Bristol that were in Elderly People’s Homes and Retirement Clubs. Idris was a member of the well known Crofts End Mission Band and thought that a brass group comprised of older players would be […]

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Soprano and tuba additions at Black Dyke

After the news of Paul Duffy, Black Dyke is delighted to announce that the popular soprano Benjamin Richeton will be joining the Queensbury team. Benjamin hails from France and graduated from the University of Salford where he obtained the Harry Mortimer Performance Prize. He is a past Finalist of the BBC Young Brass Soloist Award. […]

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Chris Houlding joins Birmingham Conservatoire as Head of Brass

Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University, has welcomed Chris Houlding as the new Head of Brass. While studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Chris toured Japan with the London Symphony Orchestra at the invitation of trombonist Denis Wick and became Principal Trombone of the Orchestra of Opera North at the age […]

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Paul Duffy to Step Down

Paul Duffy is to step down from his position as soprano at Black Dyke, although he will keep his association with the band until the New Year. Paul explained “I’m just completing my Master’s degree in music production at Leeds Metropolitan University and want the space to explore and develop other musical avenues.” Black Dyke’s […]

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Bob Childs calls time on Swansea Summer School

After 10 years of involvement at the Swansea Brass Band Summer School Bob Childs has decided to call it a day. Talking to Brass Herald Bob said, “I ran the course with Phil Morris and Niki Bland from 2002 – 2006 and we had some great times together. From 2007 – 2013 I’ve shared the […]

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Vizzutti to star with Intrada Brass

The Intrada Brass Ensemble, a 10 piece brass ensemble based in Lancashire, are proud to host Allen Vizzutti at his only public concert in the North of England during his upcoming UK visit. Intrada is made up of brass players from all backgrounds, brass bands, jazz and orchestral, and performs regularly throughout the North West. […]

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Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival Programme

The Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival 2013 will take place at Regent Hall, The Salvation Army, 275 Oxford Street, London W1. The programme events for the festival will be;   Thursday 10th October 7.45pm Regent Hall Band and Regent Hall Songsters. Soloists: James Fountain and Anthony Smith £8   Friday 11th October 12.30pm Royal Greenwich Brass […]

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National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain celebrates the first ten years

When The National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain under the baton of Music Director Dr Nicholas Childs perform the 2.15pn concert at Saturday’s 2013 Great Northern Brass Arts Festival at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, it will be celebrating the first ten years since its inauguration. One of the great brass band success stories over […]

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Peter Moore to be soloist with Hepworth Band

Former BBC Young Musician of the Year, trombone virtuoso Peter Moore will be the featured soloist with The Hepworth Band when they perform the opening concert (12noon) at the 2013 Great Northern Brass Arts Festival this coming Saturday at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Peter will perform Gordon Langford’s Rhapsody for Trombone and Bolivar by Eric […]

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Dyke announce Great Northern Brass programme

Black Dyke Band announce programme for the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival – The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester – Saturday 14th September Black Dyke Band, have now released details of their programme for the Gala Concert of the 2013 Great Northern Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 14th September […]

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2013 Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival

Plans are well advanced for the 2013 Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival. It promises to be one of the finest since it began almost 20 years ago. The full programme of events will be published shortly. In the meantime it has been announced that the Gala Evening Concert this year will be given by the […]

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2103 Brass Band Summer School

The 29th Brass Band Summer School took place at Framlingham College from 11th – 17th August. Delegates from USA, Japan, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland as well as from all over the UK descended on the picturesque Suffolk town for a wonderful week of holiday brass banding. The week was led by the BBSS Music Director […]

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Three Peaks, Three Pieces

Brass Bands have done many things for charity, but this has to be one of the biggest physical challenges ever undertaken by a brass band, all in aid of the MS Society. On the 24th August 2013, over 30 players from across the UK will be taking on the National 3 Peaks challenge, climbing Ben […]

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National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain ready to celebrate 10 years

Plans are well advanced for the 2013 Summer Course of The National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain which takes place at Repton School from July 22 to July 27th. The Course Director and Conductor will be Dr Nicholas Childs and the Guest Soloist is Peter Moore who is a past BBC Young Musician of […]

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Places still up for Grabs at the Framlingham Brass Band Summer School

Plans are well advanced for the 2013 Brass Band Summer School, which this year takes place in the beautiful Suffolk town of Framlingham, overlooking Framlingham Castle. The Summer School commences on Sunday 11th August and runs through until Saturday 17th August. There are still places left for this extra special brass band holiday week which […]

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UK Premiere of Bourgeois Concerto for Bass Trombone

Jonathan Warburton will be performing the UK premiere of Derek Bourgeois’ Concerto for Bass Trombone and Band with Trinity Concert Band in Reading on 22nd June.  As one of England’s busiest bass trombonists on the music scene today, Jonathan is actively involved in a wide array of musical performances. After graduating from the Birmingham Conservatoire […]

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Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is to retire in 2014

Professor John Wallace CBE has announced that he will retire as Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in September 2014, after 12 years in post. Lord Vallance of Tummel, Chairman of the Royal Conservatoire’s Board of Governors, said: “The entire Conservatoire community is immensely grateful to John Wallace for his outstanding leadership of the […]

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Chris Jeans to receive Masters Dedicated Service Award

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin have announced that Chris Jeans, Artistic Music Director of the award winning Youth Brass 2000 and principal trombonist of the Virtuosi GUS Band will be the recipient of this year’s Masters Dedicated Service Award. Trombone virtuoso Matthew Gee, principal trombone of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, former student and past member […]

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Arthur Wilson Memorial Concert

The Symphonic Brass of London present a concert of virtuosic brass music in memory of Arthur Wilson at St John Smith’s Square on 15 May at 7:30pm. Tickets are £20, £16 and £12 and available from: The Box Office, St John’s Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA By telephone: 020 7222 1061 online: www.sjss.org.uk The Symphonic Brass […]

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NYBBGB Easter Course

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is currently at Taunton School in Somerset for its 2013 Easter Course. The NYBBGB will be conducted by its Artistic Director Mr Bramwell Tovey, Music Director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The Guest Soloist is Andrew McCandless, principal trumpet of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The music staff […]

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Jupiter Band Instruments Sponsors Student Melody Competition

The Colorado Music Educators Association organized a contest for students to compose a sixteen bar melody to be the inspiration for an original wind ensemble piece. Along with Jupiter, the event was sponsored by BandDirector.com. Grammy Nominated composer, Rick DeJonge, was selected as the composer for the piece which was to include the world renowned […]

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Framlingham Castle

Places still up for grabs at Framlingham

Plans are well advanced for the 2013 Brass Band Summer School, which this year takes place in the beautiful Suffolk town of Framlingham, overlooking Framlingham Castle. The Summer School commences on Sunday 11th August and runs through until Saturday 17th August. There are still places left for this extra special brass band holiday week which […]

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Derek Watkins playing with BBC

Derek Watkins Obituary

Derek Watkins – 2 March 1945 – 22 March 2013 British Big Band Trumpet Player It is with deep regret that I report the passing of Derek Watkins, the great British trumpet player, following a lengthy illness bravely borne. Derek Watkins was widely considered to be the foremost British Big Band trumpet player ever to […]

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RCS Student Becomes First Young Developer for UK Instrument Company

SBBA is delighted to announce a new relationship it has facilitated between XO Instruments (part of Korg UK’s family of brands) and the outstanding young Scottish bass trombonist, Josiah Walters. This exciting step welcomes Josiah as the first young clinician to assist with the development of the new XO range of trombones. To officially mark […]

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Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop Announces 2013 winner

John Palmer from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, won the grand prize of US$2000 for his septet “Three Shades of Blue.”  This is John’s eighth contest prize.  Zachary Smith, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, won the second prize of US$1000 for his “Zombie Apocalypso.”  Zach was last year’s grand prizewinner.  The US$500 third place prize was awarded to Casey […]

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Helen Hoy appointed new Executive Officer for BBANZ

Helen Hoy will be the new Executive Officer for the Brass Band Association, following the retirement of the current General Manager, David Dobson. She will move to Wellington in early April to take up her appointment. Helen is a member of the National Management Committee of BBANZ but will relinquish her role on this committee […]

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BBANZ National Championships

BBANZ is pleased to announce the 2013 National Brass Band Championships will be held in New Plymouth, 17 – 21 July, 2013. The announcement of the test music will take place on Friday 15th March 2013 and closing date for entries to the 2013 contest is Friday 17th May 2013 BBANZ is pleased to announce […]

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Willebroek join Masters line up

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin are delighted to announce that Brass Band Willebroek are the latest band to confirm they will be competing at the 25th All England Masters International Brass Band Championship which will take please at The Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering on Sunday 26th May. The line-up of bands who have entered the Silver […]

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The 2013 Great Northern Brass Arts Festival

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce the programme of concerts which will form this year’s Great Northern Brass Arts Festival.. The festival takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 14th September and is sponsored by Yamaha and Besson. Tickets are now on sale, please call 0844 907 9000 The programme of headline concerts […]

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Dyke open up for the area

Black Dyke Band will once again present an open rehearsal at Morley Town Hall, this time for the Yorkshire Area test piece Harmony Music by Philip Sparke. The rehearsal will start at 8.00pm on Friday 1st March 2013 and, as well as the open rehearsal and a full run through the test piece, Dr Nicholas […]

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Getzen keeps it in the family

In 1939, T.J. Getzen took the bold step of starting the Getzen Company in a converted barn behind the family home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. That year, a rich family tradition in the musical instrument business was born. A tradition that continues on to this day, nearly 75 years later. Following that heritage, Brett and Adam […]

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Raunds announces departure of principal cornet

Raunds Temperance Band have announced the departure of their Principal Cornet, Christian Overhead, after 13 years with the band. The band’s performance at the Midlands Regional Championships in March will be his final appearance. Christian joined the band on 3rd Cornet in 2000 and was a member throughout the band’s meteoric rise to the Championship […]

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The Lord of the Rings 25th anniversary

March 2013 will mark the 25th anniversary of Symphony No. 1, The Lord of the Rings, by Dutch composer Johan de Meij. For this occasion, The Royal Military Band of The Belgian Guides will organize a Gala Concert on March 14th, 2013, in collaboration with the Brussels Conservatory of Music. This same orchestra gave the […]

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Taking brass music to Africa

A consignment of 30 plastic trombones – the groundbreaking musical instrument that was conceived in Warwickshire – has been taken out to Kampala, Uganda by Warwick musician and trombone teacher Simon Hogg as part of a major programme to enable extremely disadvantaged children to participate in music. Coventry-based Warwick Music Ltd – the company behind […]

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European Brass Band Championship 2013 logo

Co-op says No to to Europe

The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has been informed that the 2012 Scottish Champions, Co-operative Funeralcare Band, have decided not to take up the invitation to compete at the European Brass Band Championships in Oslo, Norway this year. The notification followed lengthy discussions between the Co-operative Funeralcare Band’s Executive Committee and its Trustees, drawing them […]

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Five join Co-op

The Co-operative Funeralcare Band is pleased to announce a quintette of new signings to bolster it’s ranks. Firstly, Chris Davies, the highly talented former Solo Horn of Tredegar, has joined the band on the Principal Horn chair. Chris commented “ Co-op has really made a name for itself over the last few years and I’m […]

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KHS drums up support for the community

KHS America is giving back to the community today by donating 24 Mapex drum sets to the Nashville Metro School System, and Music Makes Us, the Nashville Music Education Project. “We are grateful for the gift and very excited. In our new approach to music education that includes both traditional and contemporary music genres, drum […]

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Hathern Band Charity Concert

It had looked as though Hathern Band’s Charity Concert in aid of LOROS on Saturday 19 January would be cancelled when news was received that Charnwood College, Loughborough had been closed due to the adverse weather conditions. However, Hathern Parish Church came to the rescue and offered the use of the church for the concert. […]

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Bannister returns to B&R

Brighouse and Rastrick Band are pleased to announce the return of Andy Bannister to the soprano cornet seat with immediate effect. The seat became vacant when Kevin Crockford decided to return to Grimethorpe Colliery Band 12 months after he left them to join 2010 and 2011 National Champions B&R. The soprano cornet is an incredibly […]

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Ironbridge call for young composers

A competition to encourage young musicians to compose a piece of brass band music has been launched by the organisers of the popular Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival with the support of local estate agent, Nock Deighton. The competition is open to any young person under the age of 18 and the lucky winner will be […]

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BBANZ announces new Musical Director

The Brass Band Association of New Zealand is pleased, and proud, to announce the appointment of Dr Robert Childs as Musical Director of the 2013 National Brass Band of New Zealand. The Band was first formed in 1953 and has been formed periodically ever since under the direction of noted conductors who have conducted New […]

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Brooks and Gledhill strengthen Leyland team

Leyland is pleased to announce that Danny Brooks, former principal trombone has re-joined the band. Danny spent some time at Brighouse and Rastrick band but due to his ever expanding conducting and teaching roles in the North West, he felt it was time to ‘come home’ to Leyland. Danny commented, “I had a fantastic time […]

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Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce an exciting programme of events for this year’s Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival. The festival will include four headline concerts, the 2012 National Finals Test-Piece Masterclass and the Fairey Band as the featured band at this year’s Gala Evening Concert. The Festival schedule is as follows:- Regent Hall Brass Arts Festival 2012 […]

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Black Dyke and Amanda Roocroft

Black Dyke Band conducted by Robert Childs and the famous British Soprano, Amanda Roocroft will perform the second half of this year’s Great Northern Brass Arts Festival Gala Concert at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester this coming Saturday. Amanda will sing such popular classics such as Russalk’s Song to the Moon, Bobby Shaftoe and Soldier Soldier. […]

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Open Champions announce Bridgewater Programme

British Open Champions announce Bridgewater Hall programme The new crowned British Open Champions, the Foden’s Band has now released its programme for the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival Gala Evening Concert on Saturday at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Foden’s will be conducted on Saturday by Richard Evans. The programme of music is as follows:- […]

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Co-operative Funeralcare take honours at Land O’Burns

Dalmellington Band hosted the 18th annual Land O’Burns – Brass in Concert Event in Troon Concert Hall on Saturday 25th August at 9.45am. 16 good brass bands competed for over £6,000.00 in prize money and a fantastic array of individual trophies and awards. This is the best entry of bands we have ever had at […]

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Carlton Main announce Bridgewater programme

The Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band conducted by Phillip McCann has now annonced its programme for the opening concert at this years Great Northern Brass Arts Festival at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 8th September. The concert commences at 12 noon and the full programme of music is as follows:- Let Everything Praise – […]

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Brass in Concert celebrate NYBBGB Diamond Anniversary

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship, which will be held at The Sage Gateshead on Sunday 18 November in association with Yamaha and British Bandsman, have revealed more details of the World of Brass in Concert event, to be held the previous evening. Conducted by its Artistic Director, Bramwell Tovey, the National Youth […]

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Bob Childs becomes Principal Guest Conductor at Black Dyke

Bob Childs has accepted the invitation to become Principal Guest Conductor at Black Dyke Band. He will remain in Wales for the time being but will travel to Yorkshire to rehearse the Band for several concerts and help with imminent contest preparations. Bob said, “I am delighted with the invitation. The prospect of working with […]

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International orchestra school and festival OrkesterkamP 2012

OrkesterkamP 2012 for windband will take place in Portorož, Slovenija between 19th and 25th August 2012. OrkesterkamP Music Festival & School offers an intensive professional performance experience in the marvellous mediterranean environment. OrkesterkamP is open to dedicated musicians of any age. Students perform orchestra repertorie side-by-side with their teacher from professional institutions or orchestras form Italy, Germany, […]

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Durnovaria hunt for new home

After 76 years in Dorchester, the Durnovaria Silver Band looks set to leave the county town in November if a new practise hall cannot be found. The band has practised at the Fordington Methodist Church Hall, but the church is closing its doors, and the premises are due to be sold at auction. According to […]

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Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival

The popular Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival takes place over the weekend of 14th and 15th July. Now in its eighth year, this free family event showcases some of the finest brass bands from Shropshire and the surrounding counties and is the largest, non-competitive brass band festival in the country. This year, a conductor’s baton […]

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German ensemble visit Clive, Iowa

Come hear the world-famous Altenmedingen Posaunenchor brass ensemble perform as part of the worship services at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Avenue, Clive, Iowa, USA, at 5 p.m. central daylight time August 4, and 8:30 and 10 a.m. central daylight time, August 5.   No polka dancing will be allowed, but the ensemble plans to […]

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Black Dyke record breaking Euro win

Black Dyke Band was declared European Champion in Rotterdam on Saturday 5th May 2012 after their performances of Vita Aeterna Variations by Alexander Comitas and their own choice test piece Revelations by Philip Wilby. Despite an early number 2 draw on Saturday, the band managed a four point victory overall. The band last won the […]

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More stars for Bridgewater Hall

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce that yet more stars have agreed to appear at The Bridgewater Hall for The Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival which takes place on Sunday 13th May. The Opening Concert (12noon) which features Marsden Band conducted by Glyn Williams will see Tenor Horn Star Lesley Howie take centre stage as Guest […]

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White takes Cory euphonium hot seat

Cory Band are very pleased to announce that Matthew White is their new Principal Euphonium player. Matthew has an impressive pedigree; he attended the Chetham’s School of Music from the age of 10 and was also a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, serving as Principal Euphonium for three years, winning […]

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Alex Kerwin leaves Dyke

After 4 years, Alex Kerwin has reluctantly resigned from the Black Dyke Band due to family commitments. Alex commented ‘It is with great regret that I have to leave. The band are and always will be my greatest friends and I thank Dr Childs for his guidance, support and friendship. I wish the band all […]

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Timaru 2012

BBANZ is pleased to announce the 2012 National Brass Band Championships will be held in Timaru, 4 – 8 July 2012. The association also recognises the good-will of the host association in taking over from the original appointee, Christchurch, at relatively short notice. The announcement of the test music will be made on 5th March 2012 and the […]

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Purcell School celebrates 50 years

World renowned music school, the Purcell School of Music, is to hold a celebration event- Holst The Planets, Beethoven Triple Concerto a new concertante work by Joseph Phibbs – at the Royal Festival Hall on 19 March 2012 at 7.30pm – to celebrate 50 years of excellence. Directed by internationally acclaimed conductor, Paul Daniel, the […]

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Youth Brass 2000 at Masters

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin are delighted to announce that the highly acclaimed Youth Brass 2000 have agreed to appear at the 2012 All England Masters International Championship which takes place at The Lighthouse Theatre on Sunday 27th May. Youth Brass 2000 are no strangers to the Masters Championship having appeared at Cambridge on a […]

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Dyke announce Great Northern Gala Concert Programme

Black Dyke Band and Dr Nicholas Childs have released their programme for the Gala Evening Concert of the Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Sunday 13 May.  There is bound to be particular interest surrounding the performance of Pure Gold A 4 x 4 Relay by […]

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David Childs

Childs leaves Cory

Following a highly acclaimed performance at this year’s RNCM Festival of Brass it is with regret the Cory Band has accepted the resignation of euphonium virtuoso David Childs. David has been a valued member of Cory for 10 years helping them win major championships and consistently delivering world class solo and concerto performances. However, juggling […]

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Eminent new recruit at Black Dyke Band

Gifted young composer, Dan Price has been invited to join the creative team of Black Dyke Band. Dan’s portfolio includes “American Tale” and “Sunrise over Blue Ridge”, as well as a whole host of major works and upcoming commissions. He will fill the position of Arranger in Association, and has already started work on some […]

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Salford-BASBWE RAF Composers Contest Finalists

The finalists for the Salford-BASBWE Composers Contest have been announced as Franner Otter, Karl Wheelan, and Stephen Richardson The three composers have been invited to a workshop with the Central Band of the RAF and will also have their works premiered at a special concert on the 15th of February hosted at the University of […]

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Caffull returns to ISB

The International Staff Band is delighted to announce that Trevor Caffull has been re-appointed to the band on BBb Bass. Trevor first joined the ISB in October 1989 and gave excellent service to the band for some 15 1/2 years. He has continued to maintain a strong connection with the band through his work as […]

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24th All England Masters

Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin are delighted to announce arrangements for the 24th All England Masters International Brass Band Championship which will bring 20 of the world’s top bands to the The Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering on Sunday 27th May. The test-piece is one of the classic works written for brass band: Comedy Overture by John […]

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Cornwall Youth Brass Band Christmas Course

The sixty seven young musicians of The Cornwall Youth Brass Band left behind their Christmas festivities to spend four days making music on their Residential Course at Truro High School for Girls. Under the direction of Guest Conductor Michael Fowles, the days were spent in intensive rehearsals working on a range of challenging music, including […]

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Awards in the world of brass

The Queen’s New Years Honours list has just been announced and there are two awards for people connected to the world of brass music. Dr Tim Thirst, Director of Music for Stalham Brass Band has been awarded an OBE for services to the Stalham Brass Band, youth music and to the community in Stalham. Dr […]

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Test Valley’s Christmas present from the Co-op

The young players from Test Valley Brass Youth Band and the beginner band Frosty’s are a step closer to achieving their target of £10,000 for the purchase of some much needed new instruments. Last night saw the band put on a wonderful Christmas performance to a sell-out audience at the Lights Theatre in Andover. There […]

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Exciting 2012 for British Trombone Society

The British Trombone Society would like to announce some exciting events taking place featuring some of the world’s finest trombonists. On the 29th January 2012 the BTS event will be hosted by Huddersfield University featuring Davur Juul Magnussen Principal trombone of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Brett Baker, Adrian Hirst and the Black Dyke Trombone […]

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Chris Martin at Brass Herald booth in Chicago

Philip Biggs is delighted to announce that trumpet star, Chris Martin, principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be joining Philip at Booth 308 at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Chris will be at The Brass Herald booth on Thursday 15th December at 1.30pm to personally sign copies of issue 41.

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Marzella moves to Dyke

Following the news of Gareth Brindle’s departure Black Dyke are delighted to welcome Katrina Marzella as their new Solo Baritone. Nicholas Childs said “Katrina is a terrific player with an international reputation and its with real anticipation we look forward to the future.” Katrina commented “I’m delighted to be joining Black Dyke. It’s a real […]

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Brindle Farewell

Gareth Brindle Black Dyke’s Solo Baritone has reluctantly called time with the Band, due to his work commitments expanding in these challenging times. “Gareth is a fantastic bandsman, his lyrical and dynamic qualities were simply outstanding” said Nick Childs. Gareth himself said “Being at Black Dyke has been a great experience and one that I […]

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Lucy Pankhurst wins 2011 British Composer Award

The Music Company (UK) Ltd takes immense pleasure in announcing that one of their key writers, Lucy Pankhurst, has won the 2011 British Composer Award for her evocative composition ‘In Pitch Black’. This prestigious national award, organised by BASCA (The British Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) and supported by PRS for Music and BBC […]

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Stewart takes Cory soprano seat

Cory Band are delighted to announce the signing of Steve Stewart on Soprano Cornet. Steve was a stalwart of the Kirkintilloch Band for many years and has taken the decision to move full time to Wales. Steve has been playing Soprano for Tredegar recently and performed with them at the National Championships at the RAH. […]

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65th Midwest Band and Orchestral Clinic

The Brass Herald will be attending the 65th Midwest Band and Orchestral Clinic which takes place at McCormick Place West in Chicago from December 14 to 17. The Brass Herald will be exhibiting at booth 308 in the Exhibits Hall. The Midwest Band and Orchestral Clinic is one of the largest and most diverse band […]

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Tameside Open to continue in 2012

Lancashire Contests Supported by Tameside MBC. are pleased to announce that the Tameside Open Brass Band Championships will take place on Sunday 25 March 2012 at Dukinfield Town Hall.   The contest will consist of four sections, Championship & First, Second, Third and Fourth ,national gradings to apply. Adjudicators:- Gordon Higginbottom and Andrew Warriner.   […]

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Northern Open Brass Band Championships

The Northern Open Brass Band Championships will take place next Sunday 20th November at St.Helens Theatre Royal Corporation Street, St.Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ. Commencing at 9.00am. Tickets available at the door at £6 and £4 for concessions. Championship & First Section Adjudicator –Ian Brownbill Draw 4.00 Pm. Prompt. Start 5.00 Pm. Approximately.   Drighlington (Jim […]

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2012 Wind Band Composers Competition

A publishing contract and £500 are some of the fantastic prizes on offer in the 2012 Wind Band Composers Competition. The Wind Band Composers Competition is an exciting, new project that sees the University of Salford and the British Association of Symphonic Bands (BASBWE) collaborating with the RAF Music Services Charitable Trust (RAFMSCT). The competition […]

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Spring Festival Challenges announced

The British Open Brass Band Championship presents the 92nd Spring Brass Band Festival at The Winter Gardens Blackpool on Saturday 12th May 2012 from 9.00am The Grand Shield qualifying contest for the 2012 British Open will take place in the Opera House with the test piece “On The Shoulders of Giants” by Peter Graham. In the […]

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NYBB join forces with Confluence

Dazzling percussive beats… Gorgeous new melodies… the return of the incredible National Indian Music Youth Orchestra. Confluence is a coming together of some of the country’s most talented young musicians, in Samyo, with two unique collaborations with the supremely talented National Youth Jazz Collective and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Featuring a wide […]

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Jaguar Name Change

The Jaguar (Coventry) Band would like to announce that with immediate effect the band will now be known as The Jaguar Land Rover Band. The Jaguar Band has now been associated with Jaguar Cars for the last 10 years and during this time built a close working relationship with their sponsor, supporting numerous promotional and […]

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Childs take chair at NYBBGB

The Council of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is delighted to announce that it has appointed Dr Robert Childs as its new Chairman. Robert replaces John Gillam, who had been Chairman of the NYBBGB since 1999 and during his tenure has overseen great change and development within the organisation. The Council wish […]

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PLC hangs up his sticks

After 16 years of playing percussion at the highest level Paul Lovatt-Cooper has decided to retire due to his developing music career as a teacher, composer and conductor. Paul has enjoyed playing at the highest level. He joined Black Dyke in 2003 after playing with the Fairey band for nine years. He has been featured […]

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Whitburn pay tribute to The Major

Everyone at Exchange Communications Whitburn Band is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the band’s Honorary President Major Peter Parkes at the age of 81. ‘The Major’ was the most successful conductor at Whitburn ever, leading the band to a record eight wins at the Scottish Championships in 1980-83, 86, 87, 92 and […]

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NY Staff Band to visit Ireland

The New York Staff Band (Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris), which is regarded as one of the foremost brass bands in The Salvation Army across the world, will be making a six -day visit to Ireland this May and June (2011). Tickets are now on sale for three public concerts as follows: Belfast: Saturday 28th May, Carnmoney […]

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Hathern Band Charity Concert

Hathern Band’s first concert in 2011 was a Charity event in aid of LOROS, the Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice, and the capacity audience at Burleigh Community College, Loughborough thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s entertainment. This is the bands 10th concert in support of LOROS and as in previous years, the concert has also benefited from support […]

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