*
banner

Dobson's 2 grand snip

Composer has had the snip — and rasied over £2,000 for his new found light headedness.

Dobson
 

Composer Simon Dobson had the snip on the weekend — and raised a cool £2,200 for the OCD charity in the process.

Dread

Over 40 people turned out to see him loss his 2 meter long locks and those with shears in their hands got the opportunity to cut off a 'dread' or two.

Simon's pain was eased almost at the exact moment that the last of his dreadlocks hit the floor, as the total raised for the OCD charity ticked over £2,000.

Simon's pain was eased almost at the exact moment that the last of his dreadlocks hit the floor, as the total raised for the OCD charity ticked over £2,0004BR

Strange feeling

Simon told 4BR: "It was a strange old feeling losing my hair — although it was made easy by seeing how much people had pledged to the charity."

The new look Dobson is taking a little time getting used to his new hairstyle though. "I have to admit that I feel pretty odd at the moment — certainly very 'light headed'! The next time I take to the contest stage people aren't going to have a clue who I am!"

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    


John Wallace

Festival tribute to Wallace

August 5 • The musical legacy of John Wallace CBE will be marked by the cooperation band and a host of leading Scottish ensembles as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.


Will Norman

Tredegar welcomes Norman return

August 5 • Will Norman returns to the flugel horn seat at Tredegar Band.


Cerys

New flugel adds to Cory summer signings

August 5 • Cerys Nicholson completes a hat-trick of signings at Welsh champion.


Ellie Watson

Social media boost for York Nationals

August 5 • Ellie Watson will be on hand in York to help boost the social media profile of the competing bands and the event as a whole.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd