An Evening with Cory Legends and Wigan’s Regional Qualifiers Well, as a proud ‘Wiganer’ I’ve had a lovely weekend witnessing the talents of my hometown. Having watched the mighty Wigan Warriors rugby league team thrash their opponents on Friday night, on Saturday I was treated to an evening of fantastic music from the fantastic Pemberton A Band and their guest soloists from the Cory Band, Glyn and Helen Williams. Directed by their charismatic and endlessly energetic guest conductor, John Doyle (who set the band an incredibly challenging, yet well-executed programme) the Pemberton Band put o ..read more

AMP and BBE to Host Conducting Masterclass with Katrina Marzella Brass Bands England and Youth music development Charity, AMP, have announced the details for a conducting masterclass for young aspring conductors with world-renowned musician and conductor, Katrina Marzella. The masterclass will be held in May and participants will have the opportunity to learn from Katrina and work with the Femmes Fortissimo Brass Band. Encouraging Diversity and Fostering Ambition This masterclass has been designed to empower young conductors to develop their skills in an encouraging and inspiring environm ..read more

A Chance for Young Musicians to Learn from the Cory Band's Musicians After a successful inaugural year, the Cory Band have announced the details of their 2024 Cory Academy/RWMCD Side-by-Side scheme. This unique program provides a valuable chance for young, talented brass and percussion musicians to gain firsthand experience by participating in rehearsals with the Cory Band. What is the Side-by-Side Scheme? The Side-by-Side Scheme is specifically designed for students in the UK who are in year 11, 12, or 13 and have achieved Grade 8 or playing at equivalent standard. Those selected will jo ..read more

From Dragons to Heroes: Exploring the Music of Philip Sparke I'm willing to bet that there isn't a brass band musician out there who hasn't played or at least heard of Philip Sparke's music. From the illustrious major works that have graced many a contest stage to his concert repertoire that is capable of entertaining the masses, his brass writing talents are widely respected and his works are frequently performed by brass bands around the world. Like many of us, I'm a huge admirer of Sparke's music and I would like to take you through some of my favourites. So, whether this post offers t ..read more

Bathgate Band Announces Partnership with Clarus Networks Group In a dedicated effort to foster community engagement and cultural enrichment, the Clarus Networks Group announced its sponsorship of the Bathgate Band's involvement in the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) programme. This partnership underscores Clarus Networks Group's commitment to educational and cultural development while emphasizing the transformative power of music in nurturing young talent. NYBBS Programme: Fostering Youth Brass Musicianship The NYBBS programme, renowned for its dedication to advancing youth br ..read more

Your Chance to See a Trio of Britain's Finest Brass Bands Details for the inaugural Elgar International Festival of Brass has been announced with the event scheduled to take place on Sunday 16th June 2024 at Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School, Bromsgrove School at 12 noon. The festival provides the opportunity for audiences to watch three of the UK's best brass bands - Foden's, Brighouse and Rastrick and Cory with a range of programmes that feature some of our community's finest composers. Here's everything you need to know. What is the Elgar International Festival of Brass? Date: Sunday 16th J ..read more

Unibrass Band Camp: A Brass Band Experience with a Twist! Unibrass have announced the details of their annual band camp and it's set to be a fantastic experience. Including many opportunities for brass players to develop their playing, as well as make new friends, this musical residential has proven popular over the years and I'm sure this year will be no different. This year's event will take place from Wednesday 21st to Monday 26th August and will take place at Hesley Wood Scout Camp near Sheffield. What is Unibrass Band Camp? Unibrass Band Camp is a five-night residential summer school ..read more

Written By a Brass Bander Who's Marrying a Brass Bander We joke that playing in a brass band can take over your life; that it is so much more than a hobby. It's true. Not only does it require a lot of time and commitment, banding is an entire community with our own quirks, politics and colloquialisms that may seem odd to the outside world. Like many of us brass banders, I met my fiancé in banding, so there shouldn't be any shocks for me. But what if you're not a bander and your other half is? Well, here is a quick guide that should outline everything to expect when marrying a bander. 1) Y ..read more

Explore the 2024 National Finals Test Pieces Kaptiol Promotions have announced the test pieces for the 2024 national finals. The panel responsible for choosing this year's pieces was chaired by Philip Morris and included: Dr Robert Childs Sandy Smith Duncan Beckley John Maines C. Brian Buckley 2024 National Finals Test Pieces This year's choices include works from Peter Graham, Daniel Hall, Etienne Crausaz, Peter Yorke and Jan Van Der Roost. Championship Section: 'Harrison's Dream' by Peter Graham First Section: 'Excalibur' by Jan Van Der Roost Second Section: 'Albinus Variations' by Etienn ..read more

Brass Band Concert Themes to Entice Your Audience Listen, I love ‘Stage and Screen’ or ‘A Night at the Movies’ themes as much as the next bander (I’m working on a similar programme with my band at the moment!), but if you’re looking for a theme for your next brass band concert that is a little bit different, then this is the post for you! I’ve put together 5 concert themes with suggested programmes and links to where you can buy the scores and parts!  Each programme will include a mix of recognisable arrangements and original pieces written for brass bands to help showcase everything our ..read more