During the first week of June, the Nidaros Brass Band, from Trondheim in Norway, is visiting England on its first ever overseas tour, and will be giving four performances. The tour includes evening concerts in Kettering, in Guildford (with the Friary Guildford Brass Band), and in West Byfleet (with The Cobham Band), as well as a free lunchtime concert on the picturesque Village Green in Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire. More details of the concerts, and how to obtain tickets, can be found at www.nidarosbrass.com or by calling 01895-420007.

The Nidaros Brass Band was formed in 2003 by brass band enthusiasts from Trondheim, who were keen to play in a brass band whose activity level was compatible with a busy lifestyle. The band rehearses every other Sunday and does not take part in competitions, although most of the band’s players have previously competed at championship section level with other bands. Instead the band focuses on giving entertaining and challenging concerts, featuring its own soloists, and is committed to performing music from a variety of musical genres to a high standard. The band is conducted by Geir Ulseth, who is in charge of music for the Norwegian Band Federation (NMF).

On tour, the band’s programmes will feature a mixture of traditional brass band music, including items that showcase the band’s soloists, Norwegian music, and more upbeat and swing numbers. The band will also be performing its signature march, “Nidaros”, commissioned by the band from Paul Sharman. We hope that British brass band enthusiasts will take this unique opportunity to come and hear the Nidaros Brass Band, for the first time outside Norway. We look forward to meeting you!

Request for contributi​ons regarding the history of Besses o'th Barn Band

Hi,
 
I am researching the history of Besses Band with respect to:
1.       Their contribution to the Brass Band Movement
2.       Their contribution to the local Whitefield (Manchester-Bury) community
I am conducting the research with the view to produce a publication of some sort to follow on from the Hampson Book that covers Besses history 1815-1892.
I hope to complete this to coincide with Besses Bi-Centennial year in 2015
 
I am inviting responses from any ex players/members and their families/relatives:
1.       Players names and years of tenure with Besses
2.       Memorabilia/Photographs which we can create digital images of
3.       Memories/anecdotes etc
 
Steve Hughes
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.besses.co.uk

At the European Brass Band Championships 2011 in Montreux the European Brass Band Association delegates re-elected the following persons:

• Ulf Rosenberg, Norway, president
• Kurt W. Bohlhalter, Switzerland, vice-president
• Berit Handegard, Norway, general secretary
• Raf Anseeuw, Belgium, treasurer
• Nigel Morgan, England, auditor

As new member of the EBBA Music Commission the general meeting elected Maurice Hamers, Netherlands.

You can read the European Brass Band Association Annual Report and Accounts here.

Eikanger Bjørsvik Musikklag proved once again that they are currently Norway's best Brass Band. They won all 3 parts of the competition with a big margin down to Stavanger Brass Band in second place.

It will be interesting to see who grabs the title as Norwegian champion in 2012 now Manger Musikklag is in great form and definitely have the confidence after their victory for the European Championships 2011 in Montreux.

Elitedivisjon

Full result from Grenland International Brass festival 2011