Shows
Brass Bands on the RecordRussell Gray on a British Open win written in the stars | episode 3The dust is settling on the 2023 British Open Championship, and the cheers and songs from the delighted members of Foden’s Band have just about faded away.
The band, already the reigning National and North West Regional champion, claimed its first British Open title since 2012, on Thierry Deleruyelle’s Sand and Stars.
It was also a first for conductor Russell Gray, as he claimed his first Open win with the baton.
You could say it was written in the stars – and it all made for a fabulous time for the renowned Sandbach band…
2023-09-1118 minBrass Bands on the RecordJohn Boax on the Mortimer Medal and a life in banding | episode 2On the weekend bands and audiences are descending on Birmingham for the 2023 British Open Championship, celebrations are in order for a prominent Scottish figure in the banding scene.
John Boax will be honoured with the Mortimer Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his work in fostering new generations of brass band players. It's alongside Gavin Higgins, who will receive the Iles Medal for his significant contribution to the brass band world.
John’s career in brass music education has taken him far and wide, enjoying contesting success with some of Scotland’s finest band...2023-09-0826 minBrass Bands on the RecordBrett Baker on Black Dyke, running and being a millionaire’s gardener | episode 1Welcome to a new podcast series called Brass Bands: On the Record! It features a familiar voice (Mark Good) and a fresh face, in Lillie McCluskie. The pair begin the new series by chatting to Brett Baker, principal trombone of the Black Dyke Band.
Brett reflects on his lengthy tenure at the band, looks at contesting successes and discusses performing everywhere from Glastonbury to Bermuda with the famous Queensbury band.
He chats about commissioning new music for the trombone, which has been a big priority for him, looks back at his musical roots - and e...2023-07-1759 min
Brass Bands on the RecordMark Bromley on NYBBGB’s Easter course, its 70th anniversary and diversity | episode 41Chief 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 th...2022-04-1435 min
Brass Bands on the RecordKenny Crookston on the European Festival, his banding life and opening his big mouth | episode 40Chief 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...2022-03-2552 min
Brass Bands on the RecordSimon Dobson on the RNCM Festival, his musical roots and variety being the spice of life | episode 39Composer, 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 di...2022-02-1836 min
Brass Bands on the RecordBryan Allen on fundraising, his health and all things brass | episode 38Freelance 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 m...2022-02-1136 min
Brass Bands on the RecordAlan Fernie on his life in music and inspiring the next generation | episode 37Having 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 majo...2022-01-1132 min
Brass Bands on the RecordJames Gourlay on River City Brass, his life in music and following the star | episode 36Tuba 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 i...2021-11-0845 min
Brass Bands on the RecordPaul Fisher on Amersham‘s transformation, contesting and biscuits | episode 35Director 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 curre...2021-10-2125 min
Brass Bands on the RecordRussell Gray and Mark Wilkinson on Foden‘s and its Nationals victory | episode 34Conductor 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 flourishi...2021-10-0618 min
Brass Bands on the RecordBruce Broughton on Heroes, brass band contesting and the arts | episode 33Multi-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 ea...2021-09-3020 min
Brass Bands on the RecordNicóla Shaw on Faireys, Wingates and playing flugel | episode 32Nicóla Shaw, the newly-appointed flugel player with The Fairey Band, discusses settling into her new surroundings and the positivity around the stand as Faireys prepares to hit the ground running.
She also looks back on a lengthy spell with Wingates, charting her progress from back row to her treasured flugel seat. Nicóla chooses her Piece of the Podcast and discusses her banding journey, from being too small to play trombone to performing at Symphony Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and taking centre stage in the BrassPass.tv Best of Brass Festival.
But first, how...2021-09-1024 min
Brass Bands on the RecordJonathan Bates on A4 Brass Quartet‘s new album, his banding journey and the bass drum incident | episode 31Jonathan Bates, principal horn of Foden’s Band and a member of the A4 Brass Quartet, discusses the quartet’s second studio album, Mosaic, which is out now, and looks back on the ensemble’s humble beginnings which came when the players were all first year students at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Jonny also discusses his own musical journey, from growing up in a banding family to hitting the slow melody circuit and catching the banding bug. He reflects on his successes to date and lifts the lid on a busy schedule, crammed with pl...2021-09-0236 min
Brass Bands on the RecordHelen Williams on Marple‘s magic Open victory, her musical roots and a new chapter | episode 30Mark Good chats to Helen Williams, flugelhorn player with the number one ranked band in the world, the Cory Band.
Helen looks back on a historic victory with Marple Band, 25 years ago at the British Open Championship at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. She became the first – and so far, only – female principal cornet player to take the title, as well as the prize for best instrumentalist.
Helen also charts her musical career to date, from the little girl given her dad’s old trumpet to her lengthy spells at Poynton, Marple and Foden’s. Helen di...2021-08-1245 min
Brass Bands on the RecordJim Hayes on his new album, his life with the cornet and being Jonny Midnight | episode 29British 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 g...2021-07-2226 min
Brass Bands on the RecordLive banding returns at Best of Brass | episode 28Mark Good looks back at the 2021 Best of Brass Festival, which took place at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, and was streamed via BrassPass.tv.
The one-day festival showcased high quality brass music making from Black Dyke, cornet soloist Tom Hutchinson, Hammonds and Wingates bands, along with the JSVB Legacy Ensemble. The day featured a range of world premieres and saw everyone involved adhering to COVID guidelines.
2021-07-091h 27
Brass Bands on the RecordAbi Groocock and Voirrey Baker look ahead to UniBrass 2021 | episode 27UniBrass Foundation trustee Abi Groocock and organising committee chair, Voirrey Baker, discuss how plans are taking shape for the 2021 UniBrass Contest, which is taking place in Sheffield on June 26. In a ‘first’ for brass band contesting, the competition will run in a hybrid format, featuring a mixture of in-person and pre-recorded performances.
Abi and Voirrey reflect on the challenges faced by UniBrass over the past year and discuss the organisation’s innovative work to serve the university band community during lockdown. From producing a distance banding album to racking up the miles in a fundraising run and introd...2021-06-1828 minBrass Bands on the RecordMatilda Lloyd on her musical roots, playing with Cory and practising in the fields | episode 26Since trumpet soloist Matilda Lloyd burst on to the scene with successes in the BBC Young Musician of the Year brass final and what was then the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Awards, she has cemented her reputation as one of the outstanding performers of her generation. Now 25, she’s combining her busy solo career with studies in Malmo with trumpet legend, Håkan Hardenberger.
Matilda looks back on her musical career to date, including a performance with Cory Band that she credits among her favourite concert experiences. She discusses her musical roots, from finding an old trumpet in...2021-06-0330 minBrass Bands on the RecordSamantha Harrison on banding in lockdown, getting back to it and inspiring the next generation | episode 25Elland 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 th...2021-05-2729 minBrass Bands on the RecordAdrian Hirst on Black Dyke, his life-changing accident and fundraising | episode 24Bass 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, Ad...2021-05-2027 minBrass Bands on the RecordMark Wilkinson on Foden's, funding success and almost choosing another path | episode 23British 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...2021-05-1332 minBrass Bands on the RecordRobbert Vos on tough decisions, Dutch banding and looking to the future | episode 22Dutch 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.
2021-05-0629 minBrass Bands on the RecordPhilip Harper on the online championship, Iles Medal, life at Cory and the future | episode 21Cory 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...2021-03-191h 00Brass Bands on the RecordJohn Barber on passing 25 years with Foden's, his first rehearsal and Monte Carlo | episode 20John 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 M...2021-03-1154 minBrass Bands on the RecordCarrie Boax on her hopes, fears and her banding roots | episode 19President 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?!
2021-03-0455 minBrass Bands on the RecordMartyn Brabbins on drive-in opera, his banding roots and reconnecting | episode 18Celebrated 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 adj...2021-02-1850 minBrass Bands on the RecordNicholas Childs on Black Dyke, contest successes, its virtual brass day and the future | episode 17Black 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 P...2021-02-1149 minBrass Bands on the RecordMark Good and Iwan Fox on banding, the pandemic and the future | episode 16Mark 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...2021-01-1846 minBrass Bands on the RecordRichard Evans on a life in brass bands, from British Open wins to swagger-filled marches | episode 15British 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 fi...2020-12-0443 minBrass Bands on the RecordChris Bradley on his lockdown album, becoming a Besson artist and his fascinating musical life | episode 14Celebrated cornetist, conductor and educator Chris Bradley joins Mark Good as he prepares to release a new album of music, all recorded at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more than 15 years, the newly-crowned Besson artist has impressed audiences far and wide with his performances as principal cornet player with Whitburn Band, enjoying no shortage of success – but his links with the band go back much further, as he explains.
Chris also reflects on his musical upbringing, from a young lad in Clydebank trying to get to grips with the trumpet, to performing with Scotland’s fi...2020-11-1241 minBrass Bands on the RecordGary Curtin on his debut solo album, his musical journey and getting on his bike | episode 13After a delay brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Foden's Band's principal euphonium player Gary Curtin is finally celebrating the launch of his solo album, Éire Time, which features some stunning playing from soloist and band.
Gary chats about the new release and speaks about what life has been like over the past few months, from embracing technology to welcoming a very special addition to the family. He also reflects on his musical journey to date, from being handed a baritone as a youngster in Cork to performing with the likes of Black Dyke, Fairey, Foden’s and...2020-10-2228 minBrass Bands on the RecordSteven Mead on life during the pandemic, creativity shining through the darkness, his musical life and fishing | episode 12Globetrotting euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead discusses the importance of people continuing to play and maintain hope during the ongoing pandemic. He also reflects on his early musical life, from being handed a cornet in the Salvation Army, telling his careers advisor at school he wanted to play the euphonium and glory years at Desford Colliery Band.
Steven examines the standard of euphonium playing today, discusses his hopes for a more criteria-based adjudication system and chats about reconnecting with his fishing rods.
All that, and a cracking Piece of the Podcast.
2020-10-051h 08Brass Bands on the RecordBrass Bands England's Kenny Crookston and Alex Parker on COVID and the Brass Band Conference | episode 11Look 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 pandem...2020-09-1728 minBrass Bands on the RecordSarah Groarke-Booth on being an actor and musician, conducting standards and ensuring women have opportunities | episode 10From conducting to the cobbles of Coronation Street and appearing in theatre, actor and musician Sarah Groarke-Booth has enjoyed a diverse and fascinating career.
Since taking over at Rainford Band almost a year ago, she has enjoyed a fantastic start, including a podium place at the North West Regionals.
Sarah reflects on her conducting career, discusses treating a score like a script and charts her path from studying music to acting and going full circle. She also discusses the importance of giving more women the opportunities to embrace positions of leadership in the brass band...2020-08-2751 minBrass Bands on the RecordStein Skorpholm on Norway and COVID-19, compering with confidence and the rise and rise of Norwegian banding | episode 9Stein Skorpholm will be a familiar face to many as a host of the European Brass Band Championship. In fact, he also fronts the Norwegian Nationals and a wide range of other musical and cultural events, so he’s someone with his finger on the pulse of all things banding in Norway.
Stein discusses being practically born into banding, his early musical experiences and the transformative effect of hearing Black Dyke for the first time in his youth.
He also reflects on the rise and rise of the Norwegian brass band scene, picks a mouth-watering Pi...2020-08-1349 minBrass Bands on the RecordIan Porthouse on leading Tredegar to new heights, thinking outside the box - and having lunch with Bill Nighy | episode 8Since returning to Tredegar Town Band in 2008, Ian has guided the Welsh band to new heights, enjoying considerable contesting success.
Under Ian, Tredegar hasn’t been afraid to think outside the box, from its involvement in the ballet Dark Arteries to recording for TV and film. From getting the thumbs up on Britain’s Got Talent to having lunch with actor Bill Nighy, Ian shares some of his fond memories with the band down the years.
He also looks back on some major musical influences, discusses conducting appointments in Austria and the National Youth Brass Band...2020-07-1658 minBrass Bands on the RecordLode Violet on his flourishing career, comparing the Belgian and UK band scenes and life in lockdown | episode 7Still in his mid-twenties, Lode Violet has been around for some time; in fact, he’s already held the principal cornet chair in Brass Band Willebroek for around nine years.
From studying with his dad to performing at the British Open, the holiday in France that ignited his desire to compose and his Piece of the Podcast, Lode provides a fascinating glimpse into his musical life.
Lode also lifts the lid on life in lockdown in Belgium.
2020-07-0936 minBrass Bands on the RecordEdward Gregson on bands' obsession with contesting, redressing the balance and the Ivors Awards | episode 6Over the past 50 years, the composer Edward Gregson has made a huge contribution to the brass band repertoire. Although his works for band only account for around 25 per cent of his compositions, it’s a world about which Edward has always been very passionate.
Edward also feels the time has come for brass bands to think seriously about what they want to be. Coming up, he chats about what he calls ‘the obsession with contesting’ and how it’s time to rebalance our thinking in order to ensure that bands can rightly be taken seriously in the wider mu...2020-06-1853 minBrass Bands on the RecordSiobhan Bates on four years at Black Dyke, winning BrassPass Young Brass Award and sticking with the tenor horn | episode 5She might only be in her early 20s but Siobhan Bates has already established herself with one of the most famous names in banding, and is celebrating four years in the principal horn seat at Black Dyke.
From her highlights with Dyke to winning the BrassPass Young Brass Award after nearly missing out and why she stuck with the tenor horn despite pressure to move elsewhere, you’ll hear it all in this podcast.
2020-06-0436 minBrass Bands on the RecordAnne Crookston on adjudicating, 30 years since that Nationals victory and her desire to see more women rising to the top | episode 4Who’d be an adjudicator? It’s a demanding and some might say, thankless task, but it’s a vital role. An adjudicator’s decisions can bring elation or desolation and a judge’s comments can make or break someone’s confidence.
Anne Crookston is relishing her role as an adjudicator, in normal times regularly travelling far and wide to run the rule over some of the best bands around. She has the experience to back it up; a career steeped in education, and a performer who played at the highest level for decades before channelling her energy into...2020-05-2144 minBrass Bands on the RecordTuba virtuoso Ross Knight on life as an orchestral musician in Switzerland - and how brass bands helped him get there | episode 3Tuba 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.
2020-05-0740 minBrass Bands on the RecordRussell Gray on driving up conducting standards, the highs, not-so-highs and how it all began | episode 2British 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.
2020-04-2341 minBrass Bands on the RecordSandy Smith on 'lost' test-pieces and the need to restructure | episode 1British 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.
2020-04-1123 min