*
banner

Last call for Alan

Alan Rowe has blown his last notes for Cowes Concert Band.

Cowes Concert
 

Isle of Wight musician Alan Rowe has blown his last notes with Cowes Concert Band. The euphonium player has retired from the band after 12 years.

Sell out

Alan was presented with a selection of CDs and a framed photo of the band at its recent sell-out concert at St Faith’s Church, Cowes, by musical director Andy Norman.

Loyal

MD Andy Norman told 4BR: "Alan was extremely loyal to the band for many years and was extremely versatile, being able to switch instruments to fill vacancies if needed. We wish him well in his retirement and hope to see him at our concerts across the Island."

Alan was extremely loyal to the band for many years and was extremely versatile, being able to switch instruments to fill vacancies if neededMD, Andy Norman

Charity

The St Faith’s event was organised by Cowes Rotary and raised hundreds of pounds for their chosen charities.

It rounded off a successful series of concerts at Gurnard, Yarmouth and East Cowes which raised hundreds of pounds for good causes and band funds. During a busy few weeks the band also played at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice Lights of Love ceremony in Cowes.

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Barnsley Brass

October 7 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd