*
banner

Jack the lad?

Is 16 year old Britains youngest brass band conductor?

 

A 16 year old schoolboy from York is believed to be Britain’s youngest official brass band conductor.

Jack Capstaff, who goes to Huntington School, was appointed Musical Director of the York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band, a popular non-contesting band frequently seen playing in and around York in January.

In the blood

There is something in the blood for Jack as his older brother Nicholas Eastwood became the conductor of Honley Band near Huddersfield aged 19.

Adjudicator

This Sunday, Jack will also show off his adjudicating skills too, as he will be part of the 4BR/British Bandsman Youth Adjudication Panel at the Fourth Section Yorkshire Regional Championships in Bradford.

Jack told 4BR: "It’s a great honour – and I get to meet composer Phillip Sparke. He’s my brass band hero."

He is a very competent and committed young musician with lots to offer the brass band world now and in the futureGordon Eddison

Future

Jack was put forward for the panel by Gordon Eddison, MD of the York Railway Institute Band, for which the hard-working youngster also plays cornet.

He told 4BR: "He is a very competent and committed young musician with lots to offer the brass band world now and in the future."

Talented

The talented teen began playing the cornet aged 11 with the Shepherd Group Beginners Band, progressing rapidly into their concert band. By 13 he had been promoted to the Shepherd Group’s senior band in the Championship Section.

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    


Forum

UK Leading Bands Forum discuss issues of concern

June 3 • The UKLBF has looked to work towards answers to rising costs, protective policies, Spring Festival accommodation and British Open judges,


Borders Contest

Open Borders aims to attract bands to Jedburgh

June 3 • Entres are now open for the 2025 Borders Entertainment Contest.


willebroek

Willebroek concert showcase at Dutch Nationals

June 3 • The current European, World and Belgian Champion will cross the border to provide a special concert at the Dutch National Championships later this year.


Fodens

Foden's to provide National preview

June 3 • Foden's will once again head to Regent Hall the night before the National Championship to give a sneak preview of what's to come at the Albert Hall...


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Welwyn Garden City Band

June 3 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Boarshurst Silver Band

June 3 • Boarshurst Silver Band (NW Championship) are inviting applications for the positions of front row cornet and flugel following our success at the NW Area and our 1st place in the Senior Trophy at the British Open Spring Festival under MD Jamie Prophet.


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

June 1 • A highly motivated and talented musician with strong organisational skills is required to lead the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band as the Voluntary Band Instructor. This is a full time paid position (37 hrs pw)


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd