*
banner

British Open countdown — 7 days to go

Black Dyke’s John Doyle gives his very individual highs and lows at the British Open.

Doyle
 

John Doyle is the repiano cornet with the Balck Dyke Band. He won the Stanley Wainwright Memorial Award at the 2001 British Open on ‘Les Preludes’ with the band on flugel horn.

Highs

"The undoubted highs have been the wins at the contest in 2005 and 2006.

However, one little highlight came in 2001 the day after the contest. We didn’t win, but we had a nice ‘wind down’ so to speak after the results on the Saturday night. The next day we had to play in the concert at the hall and a few of us were still feeling the after effects.

Brett Baker was a star though – more than a little green around the gills, he stood up and performed a brilliant trombone solo, even though his complexion was as green as a Yorkshire Building Society band jacket. I’ve never seen a player so relieved to have got a solo over!"

I’ve never played in such an electrifying performance on the Open stage – it really was something specialJohn Doyle

On the flip side

"Montage in 2004 with Dyke. We came off stage elated; everyone we spoke to had us as winners.

I’ve never played in such an electrifying performance on the Open stage – it really was something special.

In the end we came 6th and we were only judged to be the third best ‘Montage’ on the day. Love it or hate it, that’s contesting for you."

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    


Broders

Annan Town to defend their entertainment borders in Jedburgh

October 27 • 15 bands will compete at the Borders Entertainment Contest in Jedburgh this weekend.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

October 27 • Music linked to Remembrance Day is brought to us by Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge


Wychavon

Final line-up of Wychavon entertainers announced

October 27 • There will be full day of brass band entertainment and plenty of prizes on offer in Evesham this weekend.


Danish Champions

Danish bands ready for National challenges

October 27 • The Danish National Championships take place in Aarhus this weekend with titles up for grabs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


City of Norwich Brass

October 25 • We’re Recruiting!. Do you have the sound, passion, and presence to lead our trombone section?. We’re looking for a Solo Trombone to join our friendly and ambitious brass band.. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Hethersett Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 3JJ


Harlow Brass Band

October 25 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd