On 28 September 2025, we had the privilege of performing alongside one of the top brass bands in the country, and current Midlands Champions, The GUS Band. This exciting collaboration, held at St Peter’s Church, was a celebration of music and talent with both bands representing the Midlands in the Finals of the National Brass Band Championships this year.
The concert began with Brackley and District Band, conducted by Mark Probert, who delighted the audience with a selection of music including the march Star Lake, Evermore from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, featuring our solo euphonium player Sara Douglas, Jurassic Park, Canterbury Chorale and the test-piece that we played at the regional contest earlier in the year resulting in our qualification to compete at the Finals. From the lively rhythms of the march to the emotional depth of their slower pieces, the band showed just how well they are currently playing.
The GUS Band then took to the stage, under the baton of Christopher Bond, delivering a programme that included the test-piece Symphony in Two Movements by Edward Gregson, which they were due to perform at the Finals of the Championship section of the National Brass Band Championships just two weeks later at the Royal Albert Hall. This piece is a phenomenal example of technical brilliance, slow lyrical playing and excitement, all within the 19-minute ride the audience is taken on. The rest of the set also kept the audience entertained and demonstrated the band’s renowned technical skill and musicality of the highest level.
The concert culminated in a massed band performance. Both bands came together to perform the march Slaidburn, a firm favourite in the banding community, Amazing Grace and We Are The Champions, a nod to the recent success both bands have enjoyed. With over 50 brass musicians performing, the sound was nothing short of exhilarating. The synergy between the two bands was apparent, with each player contributing to a dynamic and uplifting performance that left the audience cheering for more.
This concert wasn’t just about showcasing musical talent; it was also a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration within the brass band community. The evening reinforced the idea that music, when shared, brings people closer together. It was an evening filled with camaraderie, mutual respect, and the joy of creating music with others.
For Brackley and District Band, this event was an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business while also contributing their own unique sound to the event’s success. The experience will undoubtedly inspire further growth and hopefully further collaboration in the future.
We would like to extend our thanks to The GUS Band for joining us for this unforgettable concert, as well as to everyone who attended and made the event such a success. A big thank you as well to St Peter’s Church for their continued support and delicious refreshments!