Brass Bands on the Record

Adrian Hirst on Black Dyke, his life-changing accident and fundraising | episode 24

Bass trombonist, Adrian Hirst, who discusses a fundraising project he’s undertaking along with his daughter, Amy. Support the pair at the Prostate Cancer UK website.

Adrian also discusses spending around a quarter of a century underpinning the trombone section of Black Dyke, where he enjoyed a huge amount of success and travelled all over the world.

He discusses the motorcycle accident in 2017 which was to prove life-changing and explains how the trombone and his love of music has helped with his recovery. All that, plus a cracking Piece of the Podcast.

Firstly, Adrian looks back on a year in which banding activity has, sadly, been thin on the ground for everyone.

Mark Wilkinson on Foden's, funding success and almost choosing another path | episode 23

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?

Robbert Vos on tough decisions, Dutch banding and looking to the future | episode 22

Dutch euphonium star and Besson artist, Robbert Vos, discusses his recent decision to step down as musical director of Brass Band Schoonhoven.

Robbert speaks honestly about the health of the Dutch banding scene and dares to look to the future, as bands begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also charts his musical roots, which have seen him grow into the renowned performer he is today.

Philip Harper on the online championship, Iles Medal, life at Cory and the future | episode 21

Cory Band musical director Philip Harper discusses the 2021 Kapitol Cory Online Brass Band Championship, which is welcoming bands from around the world.

He also reflects on news that he’s to receive the prestigious Iles Medal and looks at the star-studded list of recipients of that award.

Philip discusses the effects of the pandemic on the brass band world and speaks honestly about its implications for Cory Band. He reflects on almost nine years with the world’s number one ranked band and dares to look to the future, including contemplating the idea of traveling with the band in a post-pandemic, post-Brexit world.

But first, what has he made of the Cory Online Championship so far?

John Barber on passing 25 years with Foden's, his first rehearsal and Monte Carlo | episode 20

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?

Carrie Boax on her hopes, fears and her banding roots | episode 19

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?!

Martyn Brabbins on drive-in opera, his banding roots and reconnecting | episode 18

Celebrated conductor, Martyn Brabbins, has enjoyed a fast-paced international career, taking to the stage with many of the world’s finest ensembles but throughout his successes, he’s never forgotten his years in the brass band world which included early experiences at the Towcester Studio Band in Northamptonshire. From euphonium lessons with Bert Sullivan to beating Trevor Groom in a solo competition and attending the National Finals, keep listening for Martyn’s reflections on those years.

He discusses rekindling his connections with the brass band world, gives his views on banding standards today and ponders stepping into the adjudicator’s box.

But first, Martyn reflects on conducting life over the past few months.

Nicholas Childs on Black Dyke, contest successes, its virtual brass day and the future | episode 17

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 and Iwan Fox on banding, the pandemic and the future | episode 16

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…

Richard Evans on a life in brass bands, from British Open wins to swagger-filled marches | episode 15

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.