WMBBA - West Midlands Brass Bands Association

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WMBBA - West Midlands Brass Bands Association

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The association provides support for all member bands within the West Midlands and surrounding area.

We host a number of events including an annual contest, and a massed Band. The association is funded by subscription member bands and run by volunteers.

19/09/2026

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 - 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

📣Kapitol Promotions is excited to announce the following set works for the 2027 Regional Championship📣

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Ben-Hur 1925 (Peter Graham)
Published by Gramercy Music

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭
Rhapsody on a Theme by Purcell (Kevin Norbury)
Published by SP&S

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮
Helvetia (Gareth Wood)
Published by Prima Vista Musikk

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟯
Iceni Autumn (Darrol Barry)
Published by Kirklees Music

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟰
Light Adventures (Frederick Schjelderup)
Published by Komponistforlaget (digital only)
Link to webshop:
https://komponistforlaget.no/produkt/light-adventures/
(Discount code will be emailed to all Regionals competing bands via your Regional Secretaries. Please do not order the work until you receive the the coupon code).

Speaking on behalf of the Panel, Dr. Robert Childs (Panel Chair, and Director of Kapitol Promotions) commented: “The chosen five works are from a strong and varied list of submissions, and have been carefully considered and selected to provide exciting musical challenges across every section.

We can’t wait to hear these fantastic works brought to life across the regions. Good luck to every band taking part – and enjoy the music!

13/09/2026

🎺 Thinking about entering but wondering what the adjudicator will be looking for?

Our 2026 adjudicator Mark Glover has written a brilliant article especially for prospective competitors.

And there’s some reassuring news…

A great performance isn’t simply about picking the most difficult piece you can find or achieving clinical perfection.

Mark talks about:

🎵 choosing appropriate repertoire
🎺 producing a beautiful sound
🎶 using dynamics effectively
❤️ communicating something through the music
👏 and, ultimately, enjoying performing

So if you’ve been sitting on the fence because you’re worried you’re “not good enough”…

This might be exactly what you need to read.

👉 Read Mark’s article:
Beyond the Notes: https://www.markglovermusic.co.uk/post/beyond-the-notes-what-i-ll-be-listening-for-at-the-wmbba-solo-quartet-contest

Then come back and get that entry submitted. 😉

👉 Enter the contest: ⁠ wmbba.org/wmbba-solo-duet-and-quartet-contest/

10/09/2026

🎺 Supported by Sterling Musical Instruments

We’re delighted that Sterling Musical Instruments are supporting this year’s WMBBA Solo, Duet & Quartet Contest through their sponsorship of our adjudicator, Mark Glover.

Mark performs exclusively on a Sterling Virtuoso Euphonium, and Sterling’s support is helping us bring his wealth of performing, teaching and international experience to this year’s event.

We’re incredibly grateful to Sterling Musical Instruments for supporting the contest and helping make Mark’s involvement possible.

🎺 WMBBA Solo, Duet & Quartet Contest 2026
📅 Sunday 18 October 2026
📍 Orchard Primary School, Pershore
📝 Entries close Friday 9 October

👉 Enter here: https://wmbba.org/contest-2026/

Thank you, Sterling Musical Instruments. ❤️

08/09/2026

🎺 Meet our 2026 adjudicator: Mark Glover

We’re delighted to welcome Mark Glover to adjudicate this year’s WMBBA Solo, Duet & Quartet Contest.

Mark studied at the Welsh College of Music and Drama before beginning a performing and teaching career that has taken him around the world.

He has lived and worked in Singapore and Dubai, performed internationally across Europe, Asia, Australia, Brazil and the USA, appeared at International Tuba Euphonium Conferences, performed concertos around the world and worked extensively as a music educator.

Since returning to the UK, Mark has performed with the WFEL Fairey Band and is now Solo Euphonium of the world-famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

And on 18 October, he’ll be joining us in Pershore to listen to our 2026 competitors.

There’s still time to be one of them. 👀

📅 Sunday 18 October
📍 Orchard Primary School, Pershore
📝 Entries close Friday 9 October

👉 wmbba.org/wmbba-solo-duet-and-qartet-contest/

06/09/2026

🎺 Black Country Brass in action!

Great to see Black Country Brass performing at Droitwich Spa Lido Park today, bringing the bandstand to life with an afternoon of brass music. 🎶☀️

Always good to see brass bands out and about, sharing live music with their local communities.

📸 A few moments from today’s performance…

03/09/2026

🎺 ENTRIES ARE OPEN!

The WMBBA Solo, Duet & Quartet Contest 2026 is coming to Pershore this October, and we’d love to see players from across the West Midlands and beyond taking part!

📅 Sunday 18 October 2026
📍 Orchard Primary School, Pershore

There’s something for almost everyone, whether you’re entering your very first solo contest or you’re an experienced player looking for your next challenge.

🎵 Slow Melody
🎺 Air Varie / Technical
👥 Duets
🎼 Quartets
🥁 Percussion
🎶 Ensembles of 5–12 players

With 11 & Under, 16 & Under and Open sections, there are opportunities for younger players and adults alike.

Entries start from just £5, and members of WMBBA bands receive 10% off entry fees.

📝 Entries close Friday 9 October 2026.

👉 Enter online:
wmbba.org/wmbba-solo-duet-and-qartet-contest/

Who should be entering this year? Tag them below! 👇

13/08/2026

*** Sorted now ***

We are looking for a kit player to help us out at CleeFest this coming Saturday (15 August 2026).

It’s a music festival and fete at Clee St Margaret, SY7 9DU.

Playing times: 2pm–3.30pm, with a break.

Modest travel expenses are available.

Please message on FB or to 07813 070715 if you can help, or know someone who may be able to. Many thanks.

Photo credit: Colin Hill Photography

Address

Great Barr

Website

http://www.wmbba.org/

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