*
banner

Divertimento for Dereham

Leigh Baker comes up with a little musical diversion for the Dereham Band as a wonderful musical tribute.

Baker
 

The small market town of Dereham, in Norfolk will experience a musical 'world premier' next month as a newly commissioned piece written especially for Dereham Band by Leigh Baker, gets it first airing.

Tribute

Entitled 'Dereham Divertimento' the piece was commissioned as a lasting tribute to band member and former chairman Dawn Rollins and her husband Colin Smith, who were tragically killed in a light aircraft accident whilst on holiday in Malawi in 2007.

The band wanted to do something special with the money kindly donated by people to the band after their funeral, and they felt that this new work was a fitting tribute to their friends.

The Dereham Band has been very impressed by Leigh’s thoughtful and kind approach, which has resulted in a uniquely individual piece. His professionalism was very much appreciatedDereham Band

Information

The band gave Leigh as much information about Dawn and Colin as they could and he has used this information to produce a suite of three movements, which reflect very personally on two special lives.

Impressed

A spokesperson for the band told 4BR: "The Dereham Band has been very impressed by Leigh’s thoughtful and kind approach, which has resulted in a uniquely individual piece. His professionalism was very much appreciated."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd