First held in 1912, The West of England Bandsman’s Festival celebrates its Centenary Festival on Saturday June 16th 2012. This unique open air contest is the only one in the world to award a Royal Trophy, presented to the Festival in 1913 by the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall. In addition to The Royal Trophy the Contest Schedule lists over forty perpetual Cups and Shields available to be won by both Bands and individual players, as well as over £4300 in prize money.

Popularly known now as the Bugle Contest, one of its special attractions is that the competing Bands march down through the village to the Contest Field at the start the day, prior to the competition sections on the covered Band Stand, and then march back in the evening, the winners proudly bearing their Trophies before them.

This is an Open Contest and entries are invited from brass bands in any area for the seven Sections, including Youth and Training. Other than Youth and Training, the Sections have set Test Pieces, with music this year by Philip Sparke, Goff Richards, Alan Fernie, Leighton Lucas and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The Adjudicator for the Centenary Festival is Cornishman John Berryman, whose association with the Festival goes back to the 1950’s, when as Principal Cornet of The Camborne Town Band he won the Best Player Award in both 1957 and 1958. Since then he has conducted and previously adjudicated at the Festival, a very special record.

Detailed Schedules and Entry Forms are now available from the Festival Promoter, Andrew Teague, 01726 815662, E Mail: .

With many special features this year to mark this very special anniversary demand for places will be high, so bands are advised to make early application.

Brass The Baton is the exciting new 2012 Cultural Olympiad project being produced by the British Federation of Brass Bands. It provides a unique opportunity for brass band musicians, and conductors, of all ages and abilities, to link up and participate in a huge relay race involving 5 conductor’s batons and a unique new music commission entitled “Going The Distance”.

Brass The Baton is basically a relay race involving 5 conductor’s batons, each representing one of the 5 Olympic rings and coloured accordingly. The project was awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark last year and is set to match the ambition of the London 2012 Inspire programme by delivering “an excellent, like-never-before project that inspires everyone to go that extra bit further”.

The GBBA are aiming to host a performance of one of the Relay pieces at our 75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday 7th July. To find out more about this groundbreaking event and follow its progress, vist the Brass the Baton webpages.

Posted: 12 February 2012

Posted on behalf of Julie Barnes, GL1...

We at GL1 are organizing a BIG event on Saturday 31st March. It will involve sports clubs from the local area who will be coming in to showcase and offer Free taster sessions on the day. We have partners eg. Asda, NGB’s, British Heart foundation, Gloucester University , Hartpury College, dance groups, swimming events and a lot more.

The idea is to kick start the Olympic year by giving the local community the opportunity to come along and access activities, either as individuals or families.

Our key aim is to work with the community on “Healthy lifestyles”. Asda works well in the community and help by working on healthy eating. The local clubs, community groups and NGB’ s are also profiling keeping active so this is a good opportunity to bring all together.

Passports will be issued on the day to all who attend. These can be registered so that we have data to keep everyone informed what is happening in our Facilities during the year. The passport can also be used during term and holiday times to gain points working towards FREE activities.

As the year progresses. We see this as a way to engage the community and increase participation not only for one day but the rest of the year and beyond.

The one thing that we are missing is a Brass Band to add music and excitement to the Event. The road in front of GL1 will be closed and we would LOVE to have a brass band out side encouraging all to come along and have FUN.

We have had events in the centre over the years (Birthday Celebrations) and over 1000 people have come through our doors. This year it is not only Olympic year but our 10th Anniversary so something to special to Celebrate.

I hope that you will be able to join in and would be grateful if you could let me know if you are available on this date. More than willing to come and meet you all.

Look forward to your reply.

Julie Barnes
Swimming Development Officer - GL1

If you would like to contact Julie Barnes regarding this event, please phone 01452 396658 or email her at .

Posted: 06 February 2012

The A. W. Parker (Drybrook) Band will be running the Bailey Lane End Music Festival again this year. The event will take place on the 23rd June 2012 in the Drybrook Band Room.

The band look forward to a strong entry again this year and are hopeful of increased numbers as the competition grows. Again the emphasis will be on encouraging young players to take part, often playing their first public solo, rather than winning, although prizes are awarded. Solo, duet and quartet sections for varying ages are open for entries.

To find out more, download the syllabus from the Youth section of the website or visit the band's website for more details.

Posted: 06 February 2012

Thornbury Town Band is looking to complete its line up to attend the Regional Finals in Torquay and beyond. The band needs a Bb Bass player, drummer/percussionist and possibly others.

If you are interested then please contact the band chairman Stephen Hall on 01454617441 or by .

Posted: 26 January 2012

PolySteel Youth Band are delighted to announce Chris Howley as their new resident Musical Director.

Chris has played at the top level of banding for many years as principal cornet for the Sun Life Band, The PolySteel Band, The Grimethorpe Colliery Band, BTM Band and Tongwynlais. Chris has also played with Fairey Aviation Band, Leyland Band to name but a few. This is fantastic news for PYB as Chris brings with him vast experience and enthusiasm; along with the band's tutors, this is an exciting next chapter in the band's development.

The band are really happy that Tom Davoren has also agreed to remain closely linked with the band to provide workshop opportunities to help further develop the band and its players. We are very thankful to Tom for all his help and commitment over the past years and are excited about all the new opportunities he has in further developing his professional career.

PYB is delighted with their new venue at The Pavillions, Cheltenham (just off J11 of the M5) as this offers the band a variety of excellent rehearsal rooms as well as the closeness to the M5 and Gloucester area. The band have coincided the move to rehearse on a weekly rehearsal basis, each Tuesday evening from 6:15pm – 8:00pm.

For more information on PolySteel Youth Band, please look at our website polysteel-youth-band.webs.com.

Posted: 25 January 2012

Wotton Band is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Dickinson as their new Musical Director.

Ian studied music at the Cambridge College of Arts & Technology in the 1970’s. He moved to Bristol in 1974 to join the Stanshawe Band, which later became the Sun Life Band. (SLB)

Ian spent 20 very successful years with SLB, initially as Assistant Principal Cornet and then on Flugel Horn. Apart from traveling much of Europe and performing regularly for the BBC and recording many records and CD’s, the band had many competition successes, including the runners up awards at both National & British Open Championships, culminating in gaining the Open Champions title in 1990, followed by The World Music Festival title in Kerkrade in 1992.

Ian has been conducting bands for many years and until recently had a very successful spell with Portishead Town Band, whose rapid progress saw them rise from the Second Section up to the Championship section under his direction.

Ian brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and a conductor. The band is excited by his appointment and looks forward to working with him in the next chapter of our long history.

The band is now looking ahead to a very busy 2012 which will include its first ever oversees trip. The tour takes place in June and will see the band playing concerts in Wotton’s twin town, Beaumont le Roger, and in Paris at Jardin du Luxembourg and Disneyland.

There is also an opportunity to win a concert by the band for just £10. The band is offering a prize of a free concert (this could be at an event you run annually, a special celebration (wedding, birthday party), or a fund raising event of your own). Please visit us at wottonsilverband.co.uk for more details about the band and the prize draw, or contact Jo on 01453 887774 or .

Posted: 24 January 2012

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has released the latest listing of its members and associate members. To find out more about the Association, view the list and read about adjudicating, please visit www.abbadjudicators.org.uk.

Posted: 06 January 2012

The Gloucester Youth Brass Band has once again been mentioned in the national banding press. A two page spread appeared in the recent issue of the British Bandsman (Issue 26, Nov 11), with information on the three bands that went to the MFY at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Gloucestershire Youth Brass Band appeared on the 7th November, with Greater Gwent Youth band performing on thr 8th and Wardle High School Brass Band in 9th. Well done once again to the GYBB.

Posted: 01 December 2011

Thanks to all of you who voted for young star trombonist Rhiannon Symonds, from Yorkley, she has made it through to the final in the Ambition AXA Awards in The Arts category along with film maker Alfie Barker, 15, and violinist Clare Rees-Zimmermann, also 15.

Last week Rhiannon, 14, was down to the last five in her group and a national vote over 5 days shot her into the finals to be held at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 30th November hosted by Carol Vordermann. A judging panel consisting of celebrity judge Alex James (bassist for Britpop group Blur and contestant on BBC series Maestro in 2008), Chair Sir Alan Steer, a senior AXA executive and a member of the Arts Council England are now considering the three finalists applications and will announce their winner at the special awards dinner. The Ambition Award for The Arts is awarded to a young person aged 11 -18 who dreams of reaching the top in their field and in order to help them do this the winner will receive a bespoke personalised development package worth £40,000.

Rhiannon says "Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. It’s been staggering the amount of support I received – from the readers of the local press and websites such as 4barsrest, established professional trombonists like Dennis Rollins, Roger Argente, Chris Thomas (Cory Band) and Carol Jarvis to my instrument manufacturer Michael Rath, school friends, band members/directors and my family. I can’t thank you all enough! Fingers crossed now that the judging panel like what they see but all the finalists are incredible so I’m just delighted to be in with a chance of the award.”

Posted: 12 November 2011

Our neighbouring association will be holding their Youth/Training Band Contest on Saturday 28th January 2012. It will be held at The Trafalgar School at Downton, Breamore Road, Downton, Salisbury, Wilts, SP5 3HN.

The contest will be an Own choice programme to include two versus of a hymn tune with a maximum of 20 minutes and not less than 15 minutes programme time (to include setting up time and introductions).

If an organisation enters a Youth and a Training Band each must play a different programme.

Please note that entry forms must be received by 5th December 2011.

Contest Entry Form
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WBBA General Rules
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Contest Rules
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Posted: 18 October 2011

The next Blast Off events for the Gloucestershire Youth Junior Brass Band and Gloucestershire Youth Training Brass Band will take place on Sunday November 6th, from 12:00 to 16:00. The events will again be held at St. Peter's RC High School in Gloucestershire.

For more information about the sessions, please view the flyers below...

Blast Off - Training Band Info
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Blast Off - Junior Band Info
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Posted: 15 October 2011

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED !!!!!

You may have read about the proposed BBC cuts. These affect all the BBC Services, but particularly BBC Local Radio Stations. None are being closed but budgets are being slashed and among the detailed proposals specialist music is under threat. To quote from the Official Proposals, " We will also reduce the number of specialist music programmes, but retain the most distinctive ".

There are only 2 Brass Band programmes on the entire BBC Local Radio Network and these are not only distinctive, but essential. It would be a blow to thousands of listeners, not just the brass band enthusiasts but also the general listeners who enjoy our particular brand of music. These brass band programmes are broadcast not only in their own locality, but also around the whole country and world via the BBC iPlayer.

In the case of my own programme, Sounds of Brass, this is already broadcast on 9 different BBC Local Radio Stations, thereby helping our case, as another of the Proposals is that Stations should share Specialist Music programmes more widely. After 26 years presenting Sounds of Brass virtually every week I would be very sorry to see the programme disappear, but more important, is that Brass Band music must survive in some form on the BBC and specifically on Local Radio Stations.

You can help by contacting the BBC Trust with your comments and I hope support, as at the moment these are only Proposals and you the listeners, have the chance to make your feelings known before the end of the year.

Following this the BBC Trust will decide which Proposals are accepted and which not. For details of how to contact the BBC Trust and of the detailed Proposals check the BBC Web Site at http://consultations.external.bbc.co.uk/bbc/dqf/consultation/subpage.2011-09-18.8948401403.

If you would like to show your support for Sounds of Brass in particular please E Mail the Managing Editor at BBC Radio Devon where my programme comes from. The address is, .

Posted: 15 October 2011

In 2012 Wotton Silver Band will be going on a five day tour to France to visit Paris and our twinned town in Normandy, Beaumont-le-Roger. We are, however, short of three players and I wondered if anyone would wish to fill the following gaps?

We are short of:

kit player
2nd trombone
Eb bass

The tour will be from 2-6 June 2012 (over the long jubilee bank holiday weekend) and will cost £310 per person. Anyone who is interested can get in touch with me by email: .

Many thanks, Bruce Davies, Wotton Silver Band

Posted: 10 October 2011

Please find below an invite for you and your students/band members to attend the forthcoming Forest of Dean Area Wind Band Open Morning. Teachers and Band Directors - we would be most grateful if you could print the attached flyer and pass on to your students/band members (or you may email it to them if that would be easier).

The Forest of Dean Area Wind Band are a vibrant young band aged 8 - 19 who meet once a week on a Saturday morning during term time to enjoy making music from the expansive and diverse modern Wind Band repertoire. The band was formed in September 2003 by Kristyann Symonds for Gloucestershire Music to cater for young brass, woodwind and percussion players from the Forest of Dean and surrounding rural areas. It is the only wind band in the Forest of Dean (a predominantly brass band area) and attracts players of all standards, from absolute beginners right through to players who have achieved Grade 8 and beyond, from as far afield as the Welsh border in Chepstow, Walford near Ross-on-Wye, Newent and Longhope as well as the Forest villages and schools.

If you are interested in joining in with the band on the Open Morning (teachers/band directors are most welcome to join in the session too!) simply drop me an email () with your name, address, phone number, age, instrument and approximate playing standard or if you'd like further information you are welcome to give me a call on 01594 562778.

We hope to see you on Saturday 15th October.

Happy blowing!

Kristyann Symonds - Director - Forest of Dean Area Wind Band

Open Morning Invitation
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Posted: 10 October 2011

Gloucester Excelsior’s brand new training band has been accepted by Nat West as a candidate for funding with the possibility of up to £6,000 being available for the successful cause. However, we now need your help to vote for our cause. We are competing against all the other good causes in the Cheltenham and Gloucester area and there are only 3 winners in each area. You will appreciate how expensive it is to start up and run a training band and also how important it is to the brass band world that training bands continue to make music accessible to all families and therefore we hope you will help us by voting for us now.

To vote for us you need to use the following link: http://communityforce.natwest.com/

This will take you to the Nat West website and you need to click on ‘register’ at the top right hand side of the screen. You will then need to put in your email address and a password. Once you have received an automated email confirming your registration you will be able to go back into the website. To do this it is best to use the following link as this will take you directly to our cause: http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/4371

You are allowed 3 votes but can only vote once for each cause. As we are competing against other causes in this area we would obviously prefer you not to use your other 2 votes for anything within Cheltenham and Gloucester. The website is rather difficult to use but please persevere.

PLEASE VOTE FOR US AND WHEN YOU HAVE DONE SO EMAIL AS MANY RELATIVES/FRIENDS/WORK COLLEAGUES ETC AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN. We have until 23 October when voting will close. The amount of money available from Nat West would give a terrific boost to the Training Band and allow us to purchase a variety of good quality instruments.

Posted: 05 October 2011

As you may be aware, the Gloucestershire Youth Brass Band will be performing at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday November 7th as part of the 2011 Schools Prom. This is a great achievement for the band who will be representing the county and the Gloucestershire Brass Band ssociation.

We have had a great response from supporters and parents wishing to attend the concert. As a result we have had to book 3 coaches to accommodate everyone. We do have a few final places (on a first come first served basis) for representatives from the various bands and who are members of the GBBA.

It is likely (but not confirmed) that we will be leaving early on Monday 7th (around 8 or 9 am) and returning in the early hours of Tuesday 8th.

Coach – The cost for this will be £5 per seat (payable on the day).

Tickets – These may be booked directly from the Royal Albert Hall on 0845 4015045. Tickets range from £6 - £22. The £22 stall tickets have the best view of the stage. If parents and supporters wish to sit close together then aim for Block G & H stalls which is currently available and closest to the stage. These tickets however do go fast.

If you would like to join us then please email me directly on and I will confirm your place via email.

Best wishes.

Steven Legge - Head of Instrumental and Vocal Studies – Gloucestershire Music

Posted: 27 September 2011