Podcasts about british bandsman

Chief executive officer of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, Mark Bromley, chats to British Bandsman editor, Mark Good. The Youth Band is in the midst of its Easter course at Harrogate Ladies' College and is busy preparing for a concert on Saturday, April 16, in Huddersfield Town, where it will perform under the baton of guest conductor, Irene Anda, along with the wonderful trombone soloist, Grethe Tonheim. The concert is one of several engagements for the NYBB in 2022, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. Mark discusses how the year is shaping up for the band and the organisation's attempts to strike a balance between preserving proud brass band traditions while bringing the genre, and music education, to a more diverse audience. He also chats about forging strong links between the NYBB and its band of alumni. Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Chief executive officer of Brass Bands England, Kenny Crookston, looks ahead to the 2022 European Brass Band Festival, as the prestigious event rapidly approaches. He discusses planning for the festival while facing the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, and explains how this year's festival, in Birmingham, is taking shape. Kenny also looks back on his own banding career, from following in the footsteps of his brothers by joining Broxburn Band in West Lothian, to enjoying celebrated times with Whitburn Band under the direction of the likes of Phillip McCann and Major Peter Parkes. Never stuck for something to say, Kenny chats about how his big mouth (those are his words) led to him becoming involved in banding administration and management, a lengthy tenure as editor of British Bandsman magazine and ultimately, on the path to where he is today at Brass Bands England. (Note: this interview was recorded before the withdrawal from the European Championships of Concord Brass Band). Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Composer, conductor, orchestral arranger and session musician, Simon Dobson discusses hearing his trombone concerto Shift performed by the London Symphony Orchestra's principal trombonist, Peter Moore, and Tredegar Band at the 2022 RNCM Brass Band Festival in Manchester. He also reflects on his musical roots, from growing up in banding to his early thoughts about how music was constructed and how it made him feel. Twenty years on from winning the European Brass Band Composers' Competition, Simon, who's now 40, discusses the relationships he's enjoyed with bands all over Europe. He also lifts the lid on his diverse, multi-faceted musical career – and admits he wouldn't have it any other way. Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Freelance performer, conductor, educator and adjudicator, Bryan Allen has enjoyed a long and distinguished musical career, from travelling the world with celebrated chamber group Fine Arts Brass to staging the Brass Explosion festivals in Birmingham and guiding the next generation during his tenure as head of brass at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The 63-year-old was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease – but he isn't letting it get him down, and is in the midst of a fundraising drive to help support young people buy brass instruments. It's seeing him aim to walk 500 kilometres and run 500 more. Bryan reflects on his career and returning to his banding roots – but begins by discussing how his crowdfunding project came about. Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Having been raised in a Scottish mining town with a rich banding tradition, it might be fair to assume that composer, arranger, conductor and educator, Alan Fernie, fell in love with brass from the beginning – but that isn't strictly the case, as he explains. Eventually, though, Alan did catch the bug and has gone on to enjoy a diverse and fascinating career in the world of music, from nurturing the next generation to adding to his seemingly endless catalogue of compositions and arrangements. Alan reflects on his musical journey so far, some of his major influences and his treasured experiences, including his involvement in the charity Brass for Africa. But first, how is Alan faring in what continue to be some challenging times? Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Tuba star and general and artistic director of River City Brass Band, James Gourlay discusses River City Brass Band's upcoming composer competition, and has all the details on how to get involved. Speaking from his office in the band's bustling headquarters, he also looks at how the connection to the American organisation came about and its transformation over the past few years. James reflects on growing up as a young boy in Fife and his journey from Buckhaven and Tullis Russell Mills bands to sitting in some of the finest symphony orchestras in the world - though it wasn't always plain sailing! But first, how is life in the world of James Gourlay? Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Director of music at Amersham Band, Paul Fisher, discusses the Buckinghamshire organisation's transformation of recent years. From raising £500,000 to build its impressive new bandhall to expanding into a multi-level, musical powerhouse, Paul lifts the lid on the band's journey of recent years. He also discusses some of the things Amersham does slightly differently in an effort to recruit and retain players when they walk through the door (spoiler alert, it seems to be working very well). Paul speaks frankly about the balance of concerts and contesting, and the way in which he believes current rules are in danger of driving some people away from banding. But first, time to set the scene and find out more about this remarkable organisation. Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Conductor Russell Gray and cornet player extraordinaire, Mark Wilkinson, look back on an impressive performance and victory for Foden's Band at the 2021 National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain in London's Royal Albert Hall. The pair reflect on the band's performance of Bruce Broughton's Heroes and the preparation of the piece, including the successful working relationship between the band, Russell and Mike Fowles, who undertook much of the band's work on the piece. Mark, who's occupied the principal cornet chair at Foden's for around 29 years, lifts the lid on his secret to flourishing in tricky exposed passages in a high-pressure environment and discusses Foden's plans for the coming weeks and months. Russell reflects on a very special weekend in the Gray household after wife Mareika guided Ratby Co-operative to fifth place in its debut at the event, and began by confirming whether or not the sore heads had calmed down after celebrating a double success! Subscribe to British Bandsman today!

Multi-Emmy winning composer, Bruce Broughton, composer of Heroes, the set test-piece for the 2021 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, chats to British Bandsman editor, Mark Good. Bruce, who's 76, is a renowned composer in the world of film and television; you might have heard his work featuring in everything from Silverado to Tombstone, The Rescuers Down Under and Miracle on 34th Street, as well as episodes of Dallas, Quincy, Hawaii Five-O and How the West Was Won. Bruce discusses Heroes and how the piece came into being. He also charts his musical roots and early experiences playing in Salvation Army bands. Bruce ponders how he might find the experience of listening to not one, not two, but 19 performances of his piece in one day, such is the way of brass band contesting, and discusses his admiration for some legendary brass players with which he crossed paths. But first, Bruce reflects on the past eighteen months, from the perspective of a composer.

British Bandsman editor Mark Good chats to Jim Hayes, a Geneva artist and the principal cornet player with the cooperation band. Jim recently released his latest solo album, Jonny Midnight – The Edge of Forever so chats about the release and the creative process involved in bringing the project together. He also reflects on his musical career to date, from being left a battered old instrument as a youngster to enjoying a lengthy tenure in the top chair at one of Scotland's finest bands. Jim discusses his musical influences and describes just what it felt like to be getting back to banding action. But first, he reflects on life during the COVID pandemic.

Elland Silver Youth Band's inspirational musical director, Samantha Harrison, joins British Bandsman editor, Mark Good. From its formation, the band has grown into a hugely successful multi-level setup, enjoying a host of competition wins including national and European titles. Sam reflects on some of the highlights so far and discusses how the organisation is planning for a brighter banding future. Sam, who was born into a banding family, also charts her own musical path, from being invited to play a violin to having a tenor horn shoved in her hands before taking flight with the cornet. But first, she discusses some of the ways the organisation has kept engaging with its members during 14 months like no other.  

British Bandsman editor Mark Good hears from band manager and long-serving principal cornet player of Foden's Band, Mark Wilkinson, following the news that the Sandbach organisation is to receive another financial boost, this time from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Cornetist Mark discusses how the band plans to make use of the funding and looks ahead to the Whit Friday Online Brass Band Championship, which Foden's is busy organising. He also reflects on his own musical career, which saw him start playing cornet in a tin hut and rise to enjoy nearly three decades - and counting - in the top chair at Foden's. Mark also discusses how he nearly ended up joining one of Foden's close rivals! But first, what does he make of the past 14 months?

John Barber joins British Bandsman editor Mark Good to reflect on 25 years as the principal trombonist of Foden's Band. John takes us back in time to his first rehearsal with the Sandbach organisation and looks back on his favourite moments with the band, from contest successes to unforgettable performances at the Royal Northern College of Music Brass Band Festival – and even a rather sticky situation for a member of his trombone section. He also discusses his wider musical life, from reluctant trombonist to the ten quid gig which led to him spending a year in Monte Carlo, performing with the stars. All that, and he picks his Piece of the Podcast. But first, how has he been faring during a year like no other?

President of the Scottish Brass Band Association, Carrie Boax, joins British Bandsman editor, Mark Good. Carrie discusses the challenges facing bands in Scotland and explains why she remains bullish about the future. She also reflects on her own banding roots and her surprise at her journey to the upper echelons of a brass band association with a very proud history indeed. But first: how does Carrie describe life during a pandemic?!

Black Dyke Band's director of music, Professor Nicholas Childs, chats to British Bandsman editor Mark Good about Black Dyke's first virtual brass day, with lots of fun in store and a chance to hear from some banding legends. He also looks back, reflecting on some of his favourite contest victories – and a couple that got away. Nick lifts the lid on some fascinating rules and traditions that come with being part of Black Dyke and compares his approach to music making on the concert and contest stages. All that, plus he picks a mouth-watering Piece of the Podcast. Firstly, how does he reflect on the past few months?

Mark Good, editor of British Bandsman, and Iwan Fox, editor of 4barsrest, reflect on the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world of brass bands and consider how the future might look in the medium term and beyond. From online banding to new music and the composers writing it, from contests big and small to seeking out audiences, the pair discuss the current climate and the need for a shift in perspective. But first, Iwan looks back on the past few months and the time he would usually spend tucked away in the corner of concert halls large and small listening to bands in action…

British Bandsman editor Mark Good hears from one of the iconic figures in the brass band world, Dick the Stick, Richard Evans as he continues to promote his book, Richard Evans: still beating. The celebrated conductor reflects on a life in brass bands, from contest successes like his first British Open win 45 years ago, to his love of Brass in Concert – and those swagger-filled marches. Richard also looks back on his long association with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and discusses how banding opened his eyes to travelling the world. But first, he reflects on a year like no other.

Look around the international banding community and you'll see huge variations in what bands are and aren'tallowed to do as they follow guidance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic from their respective governments. Even across the UK, the picture is pretty mixed. There's a feeling among some bands in England of taking one step forward and two steps back. Some had started to rehearse in bigger numbers again, only for the ‘rule of six' to plunge this activity into doubt. Brass Bands England has been offering support and guidance to member bands throughout the pandemic so who better to speak to than the organisation's partnership and development manager, Alex Parker, who's been right across the issue, and someone who is no stranger to the pages of British Bandsman, these days for being in them and once upon a time, for writing them, BBE CEO, Kenny Crookston. Later, they'll look ahead to BBE's upcoming Brass Band Conference, which this year takes place online. But first a question to Alex Parker: just what are bands in England allowed to do?

Tuba virtuoso Ross Knight chats to British Bandsman editor Mark Good about life with the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande and how the orchestra is adapting to life in lockdown. Ross, a former winner of the former BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award, now run by BrassPass, reflects on how his grounding in brass bands has helped shape the musician he has become. He discusses life with the Carnoustie and District Youth Brass Band and fond memories at the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, learning under the likes of Richard Evans, Craig Anderson and Les Neish. Ross, who retains real affection for the brass band world, also discusses ways banding might be able to change for the better.

British Bandsman editor Mark Good hears from renowned conductor Russell Gray. From growing up in the once-famous Clydebank Burgh Band to performing with Black Dyke and conducting bands to victory all over the world, Russell enjoys a glowing reputation as a performer and conductor. Russell discusses his new conducting manual, The Messanoic Method, and the need to drive up standards in brass band conducting. He also reflects on his conducting highlights to date and reveals the real reason he first picked up the baton as a youngster.

British Bandsman editor Mark Good hears from Sandy Smith following Sandy's appointment to the panel which selects music for the Regionals and National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Sandy speaks candidly about 'lost' test-pieces, works which have fallen off the radar of contest organisers - and the need for them to return. With the dust having settled on the 2020 Regionals, Sandy reflects on what he heard, offers his views on the gap between the Championship and First Section and says the time has come for change. 

The start of Area qualifying contest series comes from the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. We start with predictions from Ryan Watkins and Martin Gernon. Also discussed is gender balance in banding and the recent Unibrass contest from York and Kenny asks Trimdon Concert Brass' chairman Wayne Huntington what on earth he was thinking of in appointing his latest conductor. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production.

Dave and Kenny return to bring you a new look Podcast. Discussed in this epsiode is the month of November from five different countries, bad walking-out uniforms and the new contenders to be the world's best band There's also talk of public toilet disturbances and Non-Brexit. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.

Dave and Kenny review the British Open Championships from Symphony Hall, Birmingham that threw up a Swiss winner for the first time in the form of Valasia Brass Band.   The Brass Band Podcast is a KGC Media Production for the British Bandsman.

Dave and Kenny are joined by Paul Holland who reveals the background to his highly suucessful conducting career. In addition, points discussed are adjudicating methods and rates of pay along with the process he and his colleagues go through to pick test pieces for the National Championships. Also on the agenda is Theresa May's stormy times and Phillip McCann's departure from Grimethorpe. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.

Dave and Kenny are joined by Tenor Horn virtuoso and composer Jonny Bates. The topics up for discussion are Tenor Horn repertoire, striving for excellence in the UK and one bar encores. Also on the agenda is a heated debate on the diversity of preparation and performance at Whit Friday. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.

Dave and Kenny look back on the Spring Festival that saw wins for Whitburn, Filton Concert Brass and Dalmellington. They reflect on whether this is one contest that could grow to support it's popularity. Also discussed is the move by Brass Band's England to appoint David Thornton as their EBBA representative. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media

Dave and Kenny preview the forthcoming Spring Festival from the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Both pick out their bands to watch for and duly deliver the kiss of death in each section. Also discussed is the fall-out from the European Championship and the talk on social media of the demise of the top British bands as a competitive force in Europe. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman producion.

Dave and Kenny review the 40th European Brass Band Championships from Ostend won by Eikanger from Norway. Other points for discussion; the relevance of the conductor competition and the question of whether a gulf is forming between the best on the continent and the UK. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production.

Dave and Kenny speak with Jayne Murrill, the inspiration behind the Acrobat Challenge, the viral sensation supporting Stephen's Journey. Jayne reveals the background for the idea and discusses her rising career as a conductor. We look at the success of female conductor's versus their male counterparts and look at the factors behind why there aren't more ladies taking up the baton. Also in this episode we ask why banding isn't more multi-cultured and hear from Brass for Africa's Kaleema Frank and Alex Parker on the impact brass playing is making in Uganda to the lives of so many. Credit: The Acrobat - Dan Thomas via Facebook The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media

Dave and Kenny discuss the ongoing section debate, the validity of the lower section Nationals and the role of EBBA in driving the agenda in Brass Bands. Also on the agenda are cornet player appointments and the announcement of a strong Brass in Concert lineup. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman prodction by KGC Media  

Dave and Kenny look at the final weekend of the Area contest series where the action took place in Swansea and Stevenage. They also reflect on the difficulties posed by the older pieces in the top three sections across the country and ask whether it's time for a sixth section to be added. Among all this, they offend the good people of Wales with some terrible pronunciations. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.

Dave and Kenny preview the last of the Area's and recap on the weekend gone by. What are the consequeces of pre draws and should we still have points. The Glenlivet Challenge nears its rather one-sided conclusion. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.  

Dave and Kenny look at the year that was - 2016. Our inaugural awards celebrate the best player, organisation and contribution to banding along with the best performance not to win and our less formal "You're having a laugh" category. We pay our respects to the famous names is the movement who've left us this year and we describe our hopes for brass bands in 2017. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.

Dave, Kenny and Gerry review the weekend's contest in Switzerland, Belgium and Scotland. One of the talking points raised is the choice of test pieces bands make at contests. We also look forward to Brass Bands England's conference in Manchester.   The Brass Band podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.

Dave and Kenny take a look at the 40th Brass in Concert Championship from the Sage Gateshead. Some serious program's were the order of the day but presentation and good execution ensured it was another great day's contesting, led of course by the inimitable Frank Renton. The Brass Band Podcst is brought to you by the British Bandsman

Dave and Kenny this week look back at the Swedish Nationals and preview the forthcoming Brass in Concert Championship in Gateshead. Also on the agenda is the second of the pillars in our Campaign for Better Banding and the shock result from Washington DC.   The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media.

Dave and Kenny this week are joined by Paul Hindmarsh. As a journalist, publisher, former commissioner of music for BBC Radio 3 and now Chair of the European Brass Band Associations music panel Paul offers his unique insight into his thinking behind commissioning pieces such as Pagannini Variations, Songs for BL and Judith Bingham's Prague. We review the SIDDIS contest in Stavanger, offer our views on politics in the UK and US and launch the Brass Band Podcast's Campaign for Better Banding. The Brass Band Podcast is brought to you by the British Bandsman.

Dave and Kenny travel to the new Head Office of Band Supples, the leading retailer of all things brass bands. Ronnie Tennant the Managing Director tells the Podcast of his support for contests and workshops along with sharing his views on the pressures on instrument sales post-Brexit and the importance of banding to extend their search for financial support. We also discuss the Great British Bake Off and the work of a band manager in the wake of The Cory Band advertising the post. The Brass Band Podcast is a British Bandsman production by KGC Media

Sunday Bandstand is a weekly brass band music show on www.phoenixfm.co.uk between 1400hrs x 1500hrs UK time and is based in Calderdale Halifax West Yorkshire in the North of England. The show is produced and presented by Chris Helme who has been involved with brass bands for 50 years. He also writes brass band nostalgia for the British Bandsman, and his 128 page new brass band nostalgia book 'What Brass Bands Did For Me' is now available. For further enquiries about the book please e-mail Chris direct at enquiries@chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk or check out his website www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk Thank you