*
banner

Brighouse announce new signings

Brighouse announce a batch of new signings and a few returnees too.

Brighouse
 

Following the retirement of Leigh Baker, Ciaran Young joined the Brighouse & Rastrick on solo baritone.

Ciaran formally spent around 5 years on solo euphonium with Carlton Main Frickley before joining B&R for the British Open contest in September.

Lead

Following his lead, the experienced percussionist Iain Wilson and young tenor horn star Jonathan Bates also confirmed their move from the South Elsmall band, in time for Brass in Concert.

Jonathan joined on 1st horn and, at the tender age of 14, is the third youngest player ever to have signed with Brighouse.

All new signings were on display at last weekend's concert in Kettering with the girls of 'Boobs & Brass'. Tickets for this event had sold out with all the funds raised going to Breast Cancer Research4BR

Congratulations

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Brighouse would like to congratulate Jonathan after finishing runner up at the recent British Open Intermediate Solo Championship."

Jonathan's father Graham's watchful eye will not be too far away as he also joins Brighouse on percussion.

The trombone section has also been strengthened with the signings of former YBS bass trombone, Tony Robertson and Steve March on 2nd trombone from Grimethorpe.

Returns

Meanwhile, sop star Martin Irwin, returns after a break due to work commitments in London, whilst, Matthew Gledhill returns as Assistant Principal Cornet after a successful stint with Hepworth.

All new signings were on display at last weekend's concert in Kettering with the girls of 'Boobs & Brass'. Tickets for this event had sold out with all the funds raised going to Breast Cancer Research.

CD release

This event saw the release of 'Whatever It Takes', a solo album from B&R's flugal player John Lee.

John's self-funded album was recorded with 'Boobs & Brass' last month and is now available through 4BR.

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    


Banding podcast

Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 15

February 4 • More musings and entertainment from the Brighouse pairing of Chris and Tom — from contest nerves to Norwegian contesting...


Cory

New tuba lead at Cory

February 4 • Cory confirm the permanent signing of Will Marston as their new principal Eb tuba.


City of Coventry

Shanks to lead masterclass in Coventry

February 4 • Chris Shanks will lead a great open day of masterclass playing and performing at Coventry City Salvation Army Band in April — so sign up.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 4 • More great brass band and military band music to enjoy from Martin and Julie.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd